Record Donation

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation has received its largest ever single donation.

Long-time Okanagan resident Frank Yanavicius left his full estate of more than one million dollars to the foundation in recognition of exceptional care he received at VJH in his later years.

“This generous gift from Mr. Yanavicius will ensure improved health care for North Okanagan generations to come,” says Sue Beaudry, Director of Development for VJH Foundation.

Beaudry says they are discussing with Interior Health how best to use the funds.

“In the short term, some of the funds will support the operating room needs. In the longer term, we’re hoping it will kick start a future project,” Beaudry tells Kiss FM.

Mr. Yanivicius, an only child, was born in Lithuania in 1927. At the age of six, he immigrated to Canada with his father and mother, settling in the Lumby area, where Frank grew up.

Photo: Frank Yanivicius

A lifelong bachelor, Yanivicius retired in 1984, after a 33-year career as a metal sheet fabricator in Vancouver and Calgary. He returned to Vernon to pursue the activities that he loved. Frank was a well-recognized and avid fly fisherman. His passion for the sport led him to become a founding member of the Kalamalka Flyfishers Club.

Always careful with his money, a friend remembers asking Yanivicius when he was going to buy a new truck, the response was, “No need, the bucket of bolts is still running.”