In Honour of Kathleen Viola Raisbeck

• Kathleen Viola Raisbeck October 1929 – July 2024

• Sponsor: Perioperative Nurses Association of BC

Kathleen [Kay] was born in Hanna, Alberta and was the eldest of 5 children. She was raised on a farm just east of Drumheller until the family moved to Craigmyle.

At the age of 18 Kay made her way to BC to pursue a career in Nursing. She began her training at Essondale Nursing School where she graduated as a Psychiatric Nurse. Kay then moved to Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing from where she graduated as a Register Nuse in 1954. After a few months working at the Calgary General Hospital, Kay then returned to Vancouver General Hospital [VGH] and began her extensive career there retiring in 1983.

In 1963 Kay was awarded a Diploma in Administration of Hospital Nursing Units at University of BC’s Autumn Congregation, and became Charge nurse in the Eye & ENT department. Before retiring Kay was appointed Supervisor for Scheduling working along side the anaesthesiologists, and for Equipment and Supplies in the Operating Rooms at VGH. During this time, she was elected 8^TH President of the BC Operating Room Nurses group [now PNABC}, a position in which she served from 1980 to 1982.

Following retirement Kay expanded her volunteering to include a variety of roles at VanDusen Gardens including as a guide, a volunteer in the membership department, and assisting with the Christmas lights. She also assisted with the running of the VGH School of Nursing Alumnae Association where she became a life member.

Kay was an exceptional nurse and pillar of the profession. She was also a great supporter and champion for the BC Operating Room Nurses Group and VanDusen Gardens.