Estate Donation Makes Lasting Impact on the Future of Cardiac Care at Southlake

Archie Verspeeten was committed to helping other families access the healthcare services they needed, and he did so through considerable philanthropy during his lifetime. His son Dennis reflected on his father’s generosity.

“My dad was a humble person. He’d be embarrassed when people thanked him for his help,” Dennis shares. “He just never wanted any family to go through what he went through. It affected him so much. His biggest worry was losing someone else he loved. He hoped the money he donated would help give other people a fighting chance.”

When Archie passed away at the age of 92 in 2023, Dennis, a grateful patient who had received cardiac care at Southlake, designated a portion of his father’s estate to Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program. “The care at Southlake is unbelievable,” says Dennis. “I received a partial ablation performed by Dr. Zaev Wulffhart. He also changed my pacemaker. I kept experiencing heart issues, and I eventually had to receive a full ablation. I can’t say enough good things about the treatment I received at Southlake. Everybody was great and always gave 100%.”

Dennis was happy to give to Southlake’s highest priorities in the Cardiac Program. The Verspeeten family’s estate donation will support two of our hospital’s urgently needed heart-lung machine replacements.  Dr. Wulffhart emphasizes the importance of replacing end-of-life equipment and keeping pace with advancing technology. “We’ve had much of Southlake’s cardiac equipment for 20 years or more. It’s old; it's prone to breaking down. If you don’t have the appropriate equipment, you can’t perform procedures. It impacts the care we can deliver. New equipment functions more effectively and has the latest updates, meaning our patients have access to the most advanced care.”

Heart-lung equipment makes surgery safer and more reliable, instilling confidence in our surgeons and patients. “Everybody wins,” says Dr. Wulffhart. Advanced technology ensures lower risks, greater comfort, and fewer complications. Continues Dr. Wulffhart, “None of us — physicians, nurses, staff, hospital administration — can do this alone. Our donors are our partners. When you support the highest priorities of the Regional Cardiac Program, which provides advanced cardiac care close to home from York Region to Muskoka, thousands of patients benefit. Please know that what you’re doing for us is vital, appreciated, and part of our team effort.”

Dennis echoes Dr. Wulffhart’s emphasis on the importance of philanthropy. “If everyone gave what they could afford, we would be much better off. I’m trying to instill in my kids and grandkids what it means to give. It feels good to give to your community, knowing that you can help others.”

Legacy giving is just one way donors give back to Southlake. You can learn more here.