Back in 1968 a young doctor came to our valley who would eventually serve Vernon and Lumby patients for 43 years. His name was Will Cawkell and his first patient was Lumby’s very own Betty Fraser. Back in those days, doctors made house calls and Dr. Cawkell was one of the last doctors to visit patients in their Lumby home. What was exceptional about Dr. Cawkell was the fact that he played semi-pro hockey in Holland before coming to Canada. In 1983, he would use his love of hockey to start a hockey tournament comprised entirely of doctors. The tournament continues today and over the years has raised thousands of dollars, including $75,000.00 donated to the cardiac care unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Dr. Cawkell passed away on November 19, 2022.
