2011/12 Volunteer Board Member Profiles
Deborah E. Ritchie, President
Deb started her career as a teacher in BC and AB then as a volunteer with the Caledon Parent-Child Centre in ON and joining their Board. During the next eight years she was on the Board and was the Chair for the last three years. Her family moved to Annapolis, Maryland for the following six years where she volunteered and substitute taught at her children’s school. Upon returning to Kelowna in 2001 Deb volunteered with the Ogopogo Summer Swim Club eventually joining the Board of Directors ending as the President of the club for three years. Deb’s children are now university students. She and her husband Mike are thrilled to be living in their home town, owning a vineyard and enjoying all Kelowna has to offer.
Roy Sinden, Vice-President
Roy has over 25 years experience in business management having owned and operated a business as well as managing a company for a large corporation. He has been actively involved in volunteer work for over 15 years in amateur sport and community service. Roy brings to Hospice a wide ranging experience and a commitment to the values and goals of COHA. Roy was born in Victoria, lived in Vancouver and moved to Kelowna in 1995. He and his wife, Kirsti, have two grown sons and enjoy an active Okanagan lifestyle.
Catherine Salhus, Treasurer
Catherine is a chartered accountant and currently works as a tax specialist at Grant Thornton LLP. Catherine and her partner moved to Kelowna from Vancouver two years ago to find colder winters and hotter summers. They have Maremmas and spend a lot of time hiking or snowshoeing with them depending on the season.
Christopher R. Penty, Director
Christopher was born in Kamloops and moved to Kelowna in 1958. He is married to Tamera and has a teenage daughter. Christopher attended UBC in Vancouver, graduating with an LLB. Following Articles in Vancouver Chris returned to practice in Kelowna in 1983. He has been with the same firm since 1985. He has argued in all court levels including the Supreme Court of Canada. Christopher was a Director and Past President of ARC (now Living Positive Resources), a previous Director of Kelowna Home Support, Past President of the Kelowna Bar Association and Director and Past President of Kelowna Morningside Rotary Club – has been an active member for nine years. He enjoys golfing, skiing, travel, reading and family activities.
Mark Revie, Director
With close to 20 years of caring for families after a loss, Mark understands the importance of the need for Hospice. Mark is currently the General Manager of Valleyview Funeral Home and First Memorial Funeral Services has worked in all areas of funeral and cemetery service and strives to provide the best level of care available. Mark was born in Creston, BC and spent most of his life in the Kootenay’s.
Larry Stranaghan, Director
Born and raised in Rutland, Larry is a local businessman and has been the owner of Okanagan Car Care for almost 30 years. He and his wife Debra have two children...son Brayden and daughter Taylor. Together they enjoy an active lifestyle which includes traveling, skiing, soccer and golf. Larry has been actively involved in volunteer work with youth soccer in Kelowna. He is passionate about his commitment to help others and is dedicated to the goals and values of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association.
Marion Henselwood, Director
Marion, who was born in Edmonton, Alberta, lived in the Vancouver area until 1994 when she and her husband Robert decided Kelowna would be a better community in which to raise their two young young children. Today Marion's children are grown and pursuing their own careers, but she and Robert still live in and love the Okanagan. For 37 years Marion has worked in a number of roles in the financial industry. She is currently the branch manager for a Valley First location in Kelowna. Marion has also been an active Rotarian for 13 years, and is currently membership chair with the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club. Beyond her business- related persuits, Marion enjoys an active Okanagan lifestyle that includes golfing, taking her dog for long walks, reading and spending time with her family.
Dr. Susan Hillock, Director
Susan has been teaching social work students at UBC-Okanagan for the last 12 years. Susan’s teaching and research interests are many and she has more than 8 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples and families in palliative care and over 15 years providing support for people experiencing grief and loss.
Kelly Brennan, Director
Kelly is a registered social worker for Interior Health with experience in acute care, specializing in geriatrics, residential care and hospice. She is currently working on her Master of Social Work degree at UBCO, and is a member of the Okanagan branch Executive Board for the B.C. Association of Social workers as their student representative. Kelly has been working at the Central Okanagan Hospice House as a social worker as well as at KGH and Cottonwoods. Kelly has enjoyed her work experience at Hospice House and feels that joining the Board of COHA would allow her to stay connected to the work she loves while contributing to an organization she believes in.
Shirley Jensen, Honorary Director
Shirley Jensen has been with COHA since its inception in 1981. Today she is the convener of the Vigil program, and has served on the COHA board for the past five years. Shirley is involved with special projects and fundraising for Hospice and helps out wherever needed. Shirley was a Care Aide for many years working at Stillwaters Care Centre before retiring in 2004. She is the recipient of a provincial award “Volunteer of the Year” through the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association. Shirley gives 110% of herself to Vigil services and supports and works diligently to ensure that all 29 Vigil volunteers stay engaged in the program and receive the supports necessary to ensure that they remain healthy as volunteers.