Leaving a legacy for your piece of the planet can leave a lasting impression for generations. Long-time summer Muskoka resident Robert George Wes did just that. West left a legacy of $8 million to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation: the largest donation in the foundation’s history. The entrepreneur and founder of Medical Mart, one of the country’s leading medical supply companies, spent his career working alongside hospitals and healthcare professionals “Bob understood what world-class healthcare looked like because he spent his career helping deliver it,” said Leah Walker, CEO of South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. “His remarkable gift reflects his belief that the people of Muskoka deserve that same standard of care. We are incredibly grateful that his legacy will help strengthen healthcare in our region for generations to come.” West first discovered Muskoka during annual family vacations at Bangor Lodge on Lake Muskoka before eventually purchasing a cottage on Lake Rosseau and making the region his summer home. “He fell in love with Muskoka, and there was no turning back. This became home. It became the community he cared about and wanted to make even better,” said his son Rob West. The gift will advance South Muskoka Hospital Foundation’s mission which envisions a Raise Muskoka campaign to build one integrated healthcare system and two new hospitals, including one in Bracebridge.
