Close family and friends gathered at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville
Hospital (MSH) on Oct. 26 to celebrate a transformational legacy gift made by the late
C. Donald Brodie.
In recognition of this monumental donation, the hospital proudly named and
officially unveiled the C. Donald Brodie Medical Centre at 377 Church Street on its campus.
Affectionately known as Don, he was born and raised on a farm in York Region. Built by his
ancestors in 1832, the farmhouse he grew up in was the foundation of his family’s heritage. His
parents, Charles Norman Stuart and Rose Anne Brodie, instilled a deep appreciation for community in
Don and his sister Cora through their life’s work.
“Don was my little brother and he was my best friend,” says Cora. “Everyone who met him was greeted
with a warm smile and open arms. He wanted nothing more than to help people and give back to his
community. Don’s gift to Markham Stouffville Hospital will help so many people in our community for
generations to come, and I’m glad that his generous legacy will be remembered in the community he
cared for so much.”
In 2006, Don and Cora became residents of Markham. Don played an active role in the community
through his involvement with the Markham Fair Board, Club 35 Senior’s Club of Richmond Hill and the Markham Lion’s Club where he received the Melvin Jones Award for his outstanding commitment. He was also a dedicated member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Markham.
“This extraordinary generosity sends a powerful message to other residents and will serve as an
inspiration for other caring individuals in Markham, Stouffville, and beyond,” Markham Mayor Frank
Scarpitti says. “We are so privileged to have had the commitment and dedication that Don poured into the City of Markham and especially, Markham Stouffville Hospital. His legacy will continue to transform lives for generations to come.”
Don and the Brodie family have been committed supporters of organizations that aid the less
fortunate, both locally and internationally. The transformational gift left to MSH by Don will
impact patients and health care for MSH for years to come.
“Because of Don, we will establish more specialized programs that respond to the complex challenges
of our patients, we will implement more cutting-edge research and techniques, and we will
revolutionize the services that we provide. We are all truly inspired by Don’s generosity,” says
Dr. Caroline Geenen, Chief of Staff, Oak Valley Health.
This monumental gift will support extraordinary patient care by funding the acquisition of priority
medical equipment, innovative technology and emerging hospital needs that government funding can’t
cover. “Don’s historic gift is more than an investment in MSH, it is a testament to the values
inspired by the Brodie family,” says Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation. “Don’s legacy will make a
lasting impact and create positive change in the lives of countless people living in our community—for that we are profoundly thankful.”
Photo: Oak Valley’s Markham Stouffville Hospital officially unveiled the C. Donald Brodie Medical Centre at 377 Church Street in recognition of the transformation gift left by Don Brodie. His sister Cora poses for a photo with MSH Foundation CEO Suzette Strong and Oak Valley Health CEO Jo-anne Marr.
