Comments on: Verna Huffman Splane: Our gentle giant - “Look up, look waaaay up”, by Michael Villeneuve, RN

By: Elizabeth Carolyn Sams

Elizabeth Carolyn Sams — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 15:40:17 +0000

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Michael, for the amazing tribute to an individual who truly did stand above others as a 'gentle giant' with all of her 5 1/4 ' on tiptoes! I had the pleasure of sharing many tables with Verna Huffman Splane over the years...at RNABC, at CNA events, at the 75th anniversary of RNABC which my New Westminster Chapter (those were the days!) organized in great splendour. Very early on, even as I was a relatively young nurse, Verna had an impact on my nursing career in terms of the pursuit of excellence and the strength of humility. Her accomplishments were simply a part of who she was as a nurse and as a human being. Although she was very proud of what she was able to do, those accomplishments did not change her outlook. She welcomed everyone with open arms. She shared her own lived experiences so others could learn. She led from behind the scenes. She will truly be missed as an active part of the nursing world but she will always remain a very important part of our tapestry. Carolyn - grateful colleague of a great leader

By: Paddy Rodney

Paddy Rodney — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 17:52:21 +0000

I am reflecting on Verna's incredible visionary leadership as I participate in one of my last ARNBC Board meetings (as a soon to be outgoing Director at Large). Verna's wisdom and support when we were in the crucial early stages of the formation of the ARNBC were inspiring. I am looking forward to our next ARNBC Annual General Meeting on May 28th where we will continue to build on her legacy....

By: Nora Whyte

Nora Whyte — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 21:24:19 +0000

Friends, neighbours and colleagues of many generations gathered yesterday to remember Verna’s remarkable life. Mike’s beautiful tribute here was echoed by other close friends, including Sally Thorne, who spoke at the service about Verna’s strength of character, keen sense of social justice, immense contribution to the nursing profession, stylish presence and outstanding social skills. The parties hosted by Verna and Dick were legendary: together they helped to build and sustain community in their neighbourhood, within their church congregation, for many students and for new arrivals at the university. They warmly welcomed international visitors from their wide circle and, on many occasions, opened their home to host gatherings of the national and international nursing community.

Verna holds a special place in our memories as a great mentor and friend. I will always remember her interest in the world around her, her probing questions to help find solutions and her diplomacy. I valued opportunities during the past 25 years to learn from and be guided by her vast experience in Canada and internationally. She lived the life of a true nursing leader grounded in her early experience as a public health nurse who went on to assume roles on the international stage.

It is quite fitting that the suggested memorial donations for those who wish to honour her legacy reflect Verna’s interests and affiliations: The BC History of Nursing Society, UBC School of Nursing (or the School of Nursing of your choice) and the United Nations Association in Canada. Her memory will live on through these organizations and through all she did to nurture generations of Canadian and global citizens.

Nora Whyte, RN
Friend and colleague of Verna Huffman Splane

By: Julie Fraser

Julie Fraser — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 04:45:06 +0000

This blog and the stories shared by many others today at Verna's memorial, reflect a remarkable life. It was a privilege to meet Verna and present her with membership in the ARNBC. The lasting memory of that afternoon was of course her support for the work of nursing associations - globally, nationally and provincially - but even more so, I will remember her fierce logic and discussion on the critical health and nursing issues of the day. Thank you Mike for your beautiful tribute to this nursing leader... yes truly a giant. Julie Fraser, President ARNBC.