A proud champion who fights for quality healthcare for the people of Prince Edward County has been honoured by the Hospital Foundation.

Surrounded by his close family and friends, Leo Finnegan, 88, was presented with the inaugural Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award from the Prince Edward Memorial Hospital Foundation at a surprise ceremony at the Regent Theatre in Picton on Thursday.

"It is a real pleasure, an honour and a surprise," a humble Finnegan said following the ceremony.  "I was told to be here but not told anything more than that.  I'm very pleased and honoured.  I'm proud of and happy with all of the things we have been able to accomplish.  To think back when there was a threat when the hospital might be closed and now we are building a new one - tremendous."

The longtime board member and former two-term mayor credited the countless volunteers who 'fought like hell' with him for the County hospital to stay open, fundraise for critical equipment and the construction of a new one along with generous donors.

The Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals or organizations who through their ongoing commitment, outstanding contributions and service have demonstrated dedication to and support of the vision, mission and strategic imperatives and priorities of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

"Leo embodies all of that and much more," said Shannon Coull, foundation executive director.  "Leo's passion for Prince Edward County is immense and contagious."

"He is one of the most important ambassadors, philanthropic leaders in our community and one of the strongest voices for healthcare in our community, said Barbara McConnell, chair of the PECMHF.  "Leo knows that a new hospital in the County is an important development in fact it's fundamental to our well-being here.  He has given many people in this county hope that we will have a hospital for generations to come."

Finnegan has been a staunch supporter and fundraiser for the new Back the Build campaign that will see a new hospital built.  Finnegan intends to sit on the board to see the new build come to fruition, McConnell said. In numerous capacities, Finnegan has worked tirelessly to give back to his community by volunteering thousands of hours and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help local organizations in Prince Edward County, McConnell stated.

That dedication to quality healthcare for County residents is what led Finnegan to run for mayor in 2003, his son Peter Finnegan said.

His father was the last chair of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital board before it was amalgamated with the Belleville, Trenton and Bancroft hospitals under the Quinte Health Care banner.

"At the time he had concerns that the Prince Edward County hospital would suffer a reduction in services under the new larger structure," he recalled.  "It seemed more services would be structured in Belleville.  Over time there were cuts and dad believed residents of the County did not have a strong enough voice at the board level."

After Finnegan was elected as mayor joined the board and became an 'effective advocate' for health care in the County as did former Quinte West mayors Bob Campney and John Williams.  They were so effective that in 2009 the board was disbanded by the province, Peter Finnegan said.  

"Dad said it was the first time he had ever been fired from anything," he chuckled.  

Since retiring as mayor he said his dad has scaled back his volunteer efforts to the hospital and St. Gregory Catholic Church - "two things he feels strongly about," he said.

Current Mayor Steve Ferguson and former mayor Robert Quaiff were also in attendance and presented Finnegan with a replica of the 'Finnegan Drive' sign that was named in his honour near Wellings of Picton in 2017.

Ferguson said Finnegan "raised the bar" as mayor and thanked him for his dedicated efforts that have led to a vibrant and thriving hospital in the County.  

"The fact that we will have a redeveloped hospital in a few years due largely to his advocacy is an unbelievable achievement," Ferguson said.

"Leo you've always been such a passionate member of the community," Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith said in a recorded message to Finnegan. 

Smith said it is because of the great work of Finnegan and many others that they are continuing to move forward and will see a new hospital built behind the current hospital.

Stacey Daub, president and CEO of QHC said she is thankful for everything Finnegan has done to help create 'a beautiful hospital' that they will bring to fruition.

Daub said Finnegan also plays 'a special role' by letting her know when 'there is something she should be thinking about in the County.'

"You have given me a gift to connect with many residents, with loved ones in the community so I can have a conversation about their experience in the hospital and what we could have done better," she said.  "I am so grateful to have you in the community."  

Former MP for the area and current president of the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation Lyle Vanclief thanked Finnegan for sharing his skills, leadership and time so that Prince Edward County can be a better place.

"It has become a better place because of what you have done with and for the community," he said.