Tom McCullough
A Promise Fulfilled
Legacy means something different to everyone. For Tom McCullough, it was never about recognition; it was about impact.
Tom grew up in a household where giving was second nature. His father led by quiet example, offering support without fanfare. Tom followed that path, giving generously and devoting his time to causes close to his heart. RVH was one of them. Over the years, he served on both the hospital and foundation boards, helping shape the future of care in our region.
“His business background gave him the tools, but it was his compassion and care for the community that really drove his involvement,” shared his daughter, Patti. “He wanted to be part of something that would outlast him, something that would make life better for others. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Tom and his wife, Jeanne, experienced firsthand the importance of having world-class care close to home. When Patti was born prematurely, they became NICU parents, an experience that left a lasting impression. They saw how critical it was for families to access life-saving care without the added burden of travelling far from home. They made a promise: when the time was right, they would help ensure other families wouldn’t have to face that same strain.
That promise became a plan. Through a planned gift of life insurance, Tom and Jeanne chose to support RVH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They paid monthly premiums, knowing the hospital would one day be the beneficiary. When Tom passed away in 2020, that gift came to life, adding another chapter to his legacy.
As Tom’s family grieved his loss, they found comfort in knowing his generosity would help transform fragile beginnings into a strong foundation for newborns in our region. His gift is helping fund the revitalization of RVH’s NICU, still in development.
“Being part of the journey has helped bring a sense of purpose and healing to our family,” shared Patti. “Losing my dad has been incredibly hard on all of us but knowing that his generosity will soon help families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives brings comfort and meaning to our grief.”
A recognition plaque in memory of Tom now hangs in the NICU—a quiet tribute to a man whose commitment to RVH began many years ago.
“When we see the plans and imagine the space where babies will grow stronger and parents will find hope, it’s as if he’s still here, guiding the way,” reflects Patti. “We truly felt my dad with us during our recent tour of the NICU…I could hear his voice, see his smile, and feel his pride (with a tear in his eye).”
Jeanne McCullough (center) accompanied by her family, paid a visit to the recognition plaque in her husband’s name, located outside RVH’s NICU.
For his loved ones, his legacy brings comfort, honour, and a deep sense of connection. It’s a reminder that even in loss, there can be lasting impact.
“My dad believed in doing good, not for the spotlight, but because he cared deeply about people,” said Patti. “He listened more than he spoke, and when he did speak, it mattered. His true legacy is in the way he treated people—with respect, with care, and with a quiet commitment to making the world a little better than he found it.”
Planned giving is a powerful way to shape the future with the values that shaped you. For Tom, it was a chance for one last powerful word to honour what mattered most to him and his family, and to leave something that continues to heal those left behind.
Leaving a legacy gift to RVH is a meaningful way to support future care. By including RVH in your will, you can define how you’ll be remembered and make a lasting impact on your community. Click below to learn more about making a legacy gift.