The Icelandic Canadian - 01.06.2005, Síða 29

Vol. 59 #4
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
155
decided that the existing building would be
demolished, staff would be laid off and a
new facility housing Independent Living
units, designated as Assisted Living, would
be built. The Administrator’s position
would be replaced by Albert Teng, who
would become the Chief Executive Officer
of the new facility. This new facility would
work in conjunction with the Finnish
Home next door, as stated in
Administrator Marlene Wynes’ remarks,
given at her last meeting as Administrator
of Hofn:
“This past year has been exciting and
sad. We are excited about the prospect of
the Icelandic Assisted Living project. We
are excited about our partnership with the
Finnish Home next door, where we will
work together to form a Campus of Care in
this area. This Campus of Care will mean
sharing of resources and services wherever
we can, benefiting each Society financially.
The tenants of the Finnish Apartments will
have the option to move to the Icelandic
Assisted Living units if their need for sup-
port increases. In Assisted Living there will
be staff to meet the tenants needs twenty
four hours, seven days a week. Conversely,
should the tenants in the Assisted Living
units need more care they will have the
option to move to the Finnish Residential
Care Home where twenty four hour nurs-
ing staff is available. This is the Campus of
Care.”
Albert Teng, the only employee of the
Hofn Society Board during and after clo-
sure of the Hofn Home, has provided the
following detail on the projected new facil-
ity;
“The indestructible foundation on
which we stand is our history, tradition,
pride and commitment. This tradition will
continue in our new Assisted Living
Residence. There will be seventy-seven one
bedroom units under Independent Living
British Columbia without any private units
strictly for Icelanders. Anyone, including
Icelanders , who meet the health require-
ments and have lived in British Columbia
for one year, will be eligible to live in our
Assisted Living Residence. The admission
process is based on a chronological list of
applicants. The projected date of opening is
April 1, 2007. I look forward to the chal-
lenge ahead and I am excited about our new
project because we can continue to
improve the lives of our Seniors. Our tradi-
tion continues.”
Over the years Hofn has been a show-
case of generosity by the Icelandic commu-
nity and by so many other dedicated peo-
ple. The Hofn Society Board members
have worked tirelessly, to the benefit of the
residents in their care, under the capable
leadership of the following Presidents: Carl
Frederickson, G. F. Gislason, Leifur
Summers, Sig Sigmundson, J. S. Johnson,
Oscar Howardson, Chris Eyford, Franklin
Eyford, Walter Thorfinnsson, Pall
Johannesson, Ed Johnson, Pete Jonasson,
Gwen Dowding, Erling Bjarnason,
Herman Eyford, Bob Leeson, Ron
Matthews and Brian Bjarnason. The
numerous volunteers have been there to
help with the residents on their Solskin bus
outings and parties at Hofn. The
Matrons/Administrators have capably
maintained a caring home atmosphere for
the residents.
These Matrons/Administrators have
included; Bjorg Thompson, Mrs. Isaacs,
Matta Frederickson, Mrs. S. Sigmar, May
Stevens, Mrs. McDowell, Bina Sveinson,
Winnie Krinky, Rene Johannesson, Angie
Berg, Norma Kelsey and Marlene Wynes.
The Solskin Ladies have, from the very
beginning of Hofn in 1947, to Solskin’s dis-
solution in 2002, played an important role
at Hofn in providing entertainment, love
and innumerable gifts to the Icelandic
Home. The following are brief recollec-
tions of Hofn by some of the Solskin mem-
bers. Recollections of Hofn:
“I was glad to be invited to a barbeque
party held at Hofn on May 15, 2005, but I
must say I went with mixed feelings. As
always, I was delighted to spend time with
my dear friends, the Solskin Ladies, who
are like my sisters. It was wonderful to see
the staff members who have been so loyal
to Hofn over many years and to see once
again the families of people who have loved
Hofn through all its phases of growth and
change.
Needless to say, this was a very emo-