A Godwin family gift of $3 million supports the new cardiac catheterization labs at Surrey Memorial Hospital, honouring the legacy of the late Dr. Tom Godwin, a pioneer in cardiology.
He founded the first cardiac cath lab in the Fraser region in 1968, at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. Now, thanks to more of his family's generosity, Surrey Hospitals Foundation (SHF) is a step closer to bringing to life the first cath lab south of the Fraser, "ensuring patients will have access to life-saving cardiac care without having to cross a bridge," the foundation says.
The hospital's cardiac care unit is now named Dr. Tom Godwin Family Cardiac Care Unit, thanks to the recent donation from Elaine Godwin and family.
The unit is not only a symbol of medical excellence, SHF says, "but also a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary individual whose contributions have left a lasting impact on cardiac care throughout the Fraser Health region."
On Facebook, the foundation posted photos of a ribbon-cutting event involving Godwin family members.
“Our family is very pleased to help support the development of these two much-needed cardiac cath labs at SMH, which will result in better outcomes for cardiac patients in our community," the family stated.
"We also hope that our donation will inspire and challenge others to find ways to contribute to improve health care in their own communities."
In 2023, SHF launched a cardiac campaign to raise $10 million to bring advanced cardiac care to Surrey Memorial; that campaign is now $800,000 short of its goal.
In February 2024, gala-goers at the foundation's Midnight at the Ballet fundraiser were told about a $2-million gift from the Godwin family for cardiac care at the hospital.
Tom Godwin spent his final days at Surrey Memorial Hospital’s neurology unit, where he passed in April 2013, aged 75. Away from his cardiology work, Godwin was a longtime member of Surrey's Environmental Advisory Committee and founding member of Surrey Environmental Partners.
Two years after his death, Godwin's family "eco-gifted" land to create Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park, in Surrey at 9016 164 St.
Tom and Elaine purchased the land in 1969 and lived there, in the Fleetwood/Tynehead area, with their four boys. Back then, it was a “stump farm,” after settlers came and cleared out nearly all of the historic trees. Although originally 40 acres, the Godwins added to it in little bits and pieces over the years. At one time, the farm operation was 120 acres.
Land donated to the city, dubbed the “homestead area,” was about 26 acres. Today, Godwin Farm Biodiversity Preserve Park is home to a 175-foot Douglas fir, a designated heritage tree more than 180 years old, on the south edge of the park.
