Chilliwack Hospice Society is celebrating a deeply meaningful recognition of its longest-serving staff member, Director of Programs Lucy Fraser, whose 22 years of service to the Society and wider Chilliwack community were honoured through the Chilliwack School District’s Honouring Our Elders Legacy Portrait Project.

Friends encircle Lucy Fraser (seated) at a family tea social in the school library following the Honouring Our Elders ceremony. Photo courtesy of Coletta Holmes.

Fraser was recognized during a Family Tea Social at G.W. Graham Secondary School on Monday, Jun. 15, where a portrait created by student artist Taliyah McLeod was unveiled before family members, friends, students, educators, Indigenous community representatives, and local leaders.

The morning began with drumming and singing by G.W. Graham students, followed by opening remarks from Donna’Lee Irwin, an Indigenous Enhancement teacher with the Chilliwack School District. McLeod then unveiled her portrait of Fraser, with personal remarks shared by Fraser’s close friend and Chilliwack Hospice Society volunteer Elaina Wugalter.

The gathering also honoured Elder Violet George of Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten), whose portrait was created by student artist Lilah Gerrits, followed by remarks from Loren Muth on behalf of George’s family. Muth, a Ch’íyáqtel Band Council member, also addressed those gathered, alongside City of Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove, Assistant Superintendent Dave Manuel, and G.W. Graham principal Chuck Lawson. A lunch reception followed in the school library, continuing the opportunity for conversation and connection across generations and communities.

Throughout more than two decades with the Society, Fraser has helped shape and expand grief and bereavement support in Chilliwack while advocating for people whose experiences are too often overlooked, stigmatized, or excluded from conventional systems of support. Her commitment extends beyond individual service delivery to public education, volunteer development, community outreach, and efforts to reduce barriers for people affected by social and systemic inequities.

Portrait of Lucy Fraser by student artist Taliyah McLeod. Photo courtesy of Sue Knott.

As director of programs, Fraser’s responsibilities span one-to-one support, program development, volunteer training, public education, and group facilitation. Her work includes supporting people grieving deaths that may be sudden, traumatic, complex or stigmatized, including deaths by suicide or homicide, deaths from drug poisoning, and fatal workplace incidents.

She also supports people experiencing grief related to pregnancy and infant loss, including miscarriage, abortion, and stillbirth. Across these areas of practice, Fraser has helped create spaces where people can speak openly about grief experiences that may be misunderstood, minimized, or difficult to discuss elsewhere.

Her approach has also taken grief support beyond traditional office and program settings. Fraser has provided outreach to people in correctional settings, treatment and recovery environments, shelters and other community spaces, recognizing that grief is not experienced separately from poverty, housing insecurity, substance use, incarceration, trauma, or other circumstances that can create barriers to support. That willingness to meet people where they are has been a defining part of Fraser’s work.

The Chilliwack School District developed its local project through collaboration between its Indigenous Education Department and school art teachers, with support and guidance from the original Honouring Our Elders Legacy Project established in northern B.C. at Smithers Secondary School.

The original project was created to build understanding and support reconciliation through art and relationship. It brings students into a process of listening, learning, and portrait-making that connects generations and communities. The coordinating team behind the original project was recognized through the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, a partnership of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the BC Achievement Foundation. Government House describes the initiative as one intended to bridge divides, deepen understanding, and engage reconciliation through art.

Taliyah McLeod (left) and Lucy Fraser stand beside her portrait. Photo courtesy of Sue Knott.

At the heart of the project was also a relationship between a student artist and the person whose story she was entrusted to represent. Through McLeod’s portrait, Fraser’s years of service have been interpreted by a young artist and made part of an enduring public display at G.W. Graham Secondary School. The district has confirmed that the portraits will remain permanently displayed at the participating schools alongside plaques sharing information about those honoured.

Fraser’s portrait will stand as a lasting recognition of a community contribution that continues every day — in quiet conversations, in circles of support, in volunteer learning, in public education, and wherever someone grieving needs to know they do not have to walk alone.

Joan Beldam (left) with Sue Knott, Executive Director, and Phoebe

We were honoured to be the recipient of a $1,000 Lead Well grant from Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, in late 2023. This special donation was awarded through Envision’s Lead Well program in recognition of Joan Beldam’s outstanding volunteer contributions. Joan selected Chilliwack Hospice Society as the benefactor of the award, reflecting her active involvement with our organization and others including Soroptimist International of Chilliwack and Chilliwack & District Seniors Resources Society.

“Donations like this truly make a difference,” says Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “We rely on the generosity of community members and partners like Envision Financial to help fund our free programs and services. This support allows us to continue offering compassionate care to families in Chilliwack as they navigate end-of-life journeys and the grieving process.”

In 2023, First West Credit Union funded 73 Lead Well grants, empowering their employees to support non-profit and charitable organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our communities. The program encourages staff to share their skills and time to help local organizations flourish — something Joan Beldam exemplifies through her many hours of volunteerism.

To Joan and to Envision Financial, thank you. Your support helps us continue to walk alongside people in our community at some of life’s most difficult moments.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Marilyn Vik

Marilyn has been a steadfast volunteer with the Chilliwack Hospice Society, playing a pivotal role in organizing key fundraising events such as the former November Night Gala and the annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice. Her efforts in these events have been instrumental in raising essential funds to support individuals who are dying and their families. Beyond special events, Marilyn dedicates her time to the society’s Thrifty Boutique, where she serves as a cashier and curates appealing displays, enhancing the store’s welcoming atmosphere.

Before retiring from Prospera Credit Union, Marilyn led numerous community involvement initiatives in Chilliwack. Her outstanding volunteer efforts were recognized in 2012 when she became the inaugural recipient of Prospera’s Ron Sweeney Community Champion award. Additionally, Marilyn has been an active member of Soroptimist International of Chilliwack, working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs aimed at social and economic empowerment.

Reflecting on her commitment to the Chilliwack Hospice Society, Marilyn shared, “Chilliwack Hospice Society is my main focus. I have personally experienced a loss through cancer and have seen firsthand how this disease affects so many lives. Being involved with the patients truly is humbling.”

Marilyn’s dedication has garnered accolades, including the Stan Rogers Legacy Award at the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in 2016. Her philosophy that “volunteering is a way of living” has left a lasting impact on the community.

MP Mark Strahl, who had the honour of presenting the medals, remarked, “The King’s Coronation Medal offers a meaningful way to recognize individuals from across Canada who have made a difference. Today, in my capacity as their Member of Parliament, I was proud to present these medals to these outstanding constituents in my riding of Chilliwack-Hope.”

Marilyn’s unwavering commitment and selfless service continue to inspire those around her, making her a deserving recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and a cherished member of the Chilliwack Hospice Society circle.

This award recognizes a charitable or non-profit organization that significantly contributes to the overall health and livability of the community by enhancing well-being, serving underserved populations, and providing meaningful educational opportunities.

Executive Director Sue Knott expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a tremendous honour, and we are deeply grateful to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the importance of grief and palliative care support in our community. Our professional staff provide compassionate, individualized care to those who need it, free of charge. This recognition affirms the impact of our work and the vital role we play in helping people through some of life’s most difficult moments.”

Desmond Devnich (left) and Sue Knott pose for a photo following the awards ceremony where Chilliwack Hospice Society was awarded Non-Profit of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, February 8, 2025.

The Society was selected for its commitment to supporting individuals and families facing dying, death, grief, and loss. Since 1986, Chilliwack Hospice Society has provided a comprehensive range of free programs and services, including:

• One-to-one grief support, offering personalized care to individuals navigating grief and bereavement.
• Grief support groups, including specialized groups for pregnancy and infant loss, anticipatory grief, and traumatic loss such as suicide, homicide, drug poisoning, and workplace accident.
• Palliative care and caregiver support, ensuring dignity and comfort for individuals at end-of-life and providing emotional support for their caregivers.
• Community outreach and education, including Basic Hospice Training, Teen Grief Peer Support Training, Advance Care Planning, and self-care and wellness workshops.

Desmond Devnich, Marketing Manager, emphasized how this recognition brings greater awareness to the Society’s work, saying, “Receiving this award not only validates the work we do but also increases awareness of our programs. More people will learn about the free grief support and palliative care services we offer, leading to greater engagement with our organization. This recognition strengthens our ability to reach those who need support and encourages the community to get involved, whether through referrals, partnerships, or donations.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society extends its sincere appreciation to Elements Casino for sponsoring this award and to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, as well as its supporters, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Vince Merritt (left) speaks to audience while Thrifty Boutique manager Sandy Parker looks on.

Chilliwack Hospice Society volunteer Vince Merritt received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (SMV), awarded by the Governor General of Canada, on Wednesday, April 5 at the Thrifty Boutique. Mayor Ken Popove and Councillor Bud Mercer were present for the ceremony, along with Bob Besner, representing the Board of Directors for Chilliwack Hospice Society, and Sgt. Krista Vrolyk of the Chilliwack RCMP.

For the past 14 years Merritt has been volunteering for the Society at the Thrifty Boutique; helping with electronic repair and testing, repairing mechanical items, and welcoming and sorting items that customers have donated. He volunteered with Victim Services for the Chilliwack RCMP for 13 years prior to his time with the Hospice Society.

Chilliwack Hospice Society board member Bob Besner (right) speaks to audience with award recipient Vince Merritt at his side.

The SMV is the highest honour for volunteerism in Canada. To qualify for this award a person must have made significant, sustained, and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad. Nominees must have approximately ten years of volunteer service over their lifetime with one or more organizations. Significant volunteer work is work which has made a positive, lasting impact to the greater community and which brings honour to Canada.

For a more detailed description of the SMV, click here. The medal is accompanied by a lapel pin for everyday wear and a certificate signed by the governor general.

Chilliwack Hospice Society Executive Director Sue Knott and Thrifty Boutique Manager Sandy Parker presented the SMV to Merritt on April 5 after the store closed to the public in a private gathering for Chilliwack Hospice Society volunteers, staff, and invited guests.

During the award presentation Parker said, “Vince has contributed over 3500 hours in the past 14 years volunteering with the Chilliwack Hospice Society… Vince is one of the 105 volunteers here that inspire me to come to work everyday.”

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