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Life in Long Term Care

Leading with heart: One long-term care leader, a lifelong commitment to service

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This spring, OLTCA recognized Archie MacGowan with a Heart Recognition Award, which honours the diverse ways OLTCA members make a difference, create moments of connection across communities and inspire everyday acts of kindness and compassion.

Archie is a second-generation owner of Braemar, a long-term care home in the small town of Wingham, Ont. He also serves as an assistant commander with the Huron and Area Search and Rescue and as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Archie receiving his Heart Recognition Award.

Five years ago, a staff member encouraged Archie to look into search and rescue.

“You love the outdoors, and you care about community service,” she told him. “You should check out search and rescue.”

It turned out to be a natural fit. Archie had some experience with emergency management from his earlier role as a municipal councillor and moved quickly through the training ranks. He is now a search and rescue team commander with multiple certifications, including the International Coast Guard Course.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.
Through this work, Archie has supported wildfire evacuees in Manitoba, a First Nations community whose water treatment facility was being repaired, and residents living through the aftermath of an Ontario ice storm. He has also been part of teams searching for individuals and helping families facing dangerous and uncertain situations.

Search and rescue demands physical and mental stamina, along with strong technical skills. It is not easy work.

For Archie, though, it has opened the door to a meaningful way to serve, while also bringing new skills, new experiences and new friendships.

“I never imagined what this would become,” Archie says. “I’ve met some of the best people in Canada.”

Even while volunteering, Archie says his responsibilities at the long-term care home come first. Before taking on a deployment, he checks in with staff to make sure they can manage without him. He also credits his capable and supportive team for making the volunteer work possible.

Archie’s commitment to others reflects something seen every day in long-term care homes across Ontario. In homes like Braemar and across the province, compassion, service and dedication are part of the fabric of long-term care. We thank Archie for all that he does, both within his home and in communities far beyond it.