The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) is mourning the passing of its dear friend and generous supporter Carl P. Vanderspek. Having achieved tremendous success in business, he sought out champions and causes whose success would have great impact and his support of the BC-CfE was central to this philosophy.
Many years ago, Carl met Dr. Julio Montaner, the BC-CfE’s Executive Director and Physician-in-Chief. As Carl and Dr. Montaner’s relationship grew, Carl became a key supporter for the projects and policies espoused by Dr. Montaner. Carl saw the promise of BC-CfE’s Treatment as Prevention not only for HIV/AIDS, but also for hepatitis C, mental illnesses and substance use. Putting his entrepreneurial skills to work, Carl sought to help motivate the bureaucracy, minimize the red tape, and avoid the interminable wait times that typically accompany the establishment of new innovative programs. In this regard, he played a central role in strategically advising Dr. Montaner in his quest, and most critically, in the establishment of a new clinical research and innovation centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, known as the Hope to Health (H2H) Research and Innovation Complex.
Donald Mackenzie, a personal friend and director of Carl’s foundation, the 625 Powell Street Foundation, described him as one of the most humble people you could ever meet, despite his incredible business successes. Donald shared how Carl would often say, “I do the easy work, I just write the cheques!” Not one to ever seek the spotlight, Carl declined formal recognition for his support, but behind the scenes he enjoyed celebrating the success of those he supported.
Carl was very hands-on in overseeing the projects to which he was committed. At the H2H Complex, Carl ensured he had an office, so he could be on-site to monitor the extensive renovations required and the progress of the subsequent work.
He enjoyed frequently engaging with Dr. Montaner and his colleagues, to discuss the optimal layout for H2H and potential ways to optimize the wrap-around services offered at H2H to improve the lives of those living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Carl was a big picture visionary, and a strategic thinker. His input, guidance and commitment were invaluable to the success of our efforts.
Carl was often frustrated with what he saw as the glacial pace of the system in helping communities most in need. He was committed to breaking down barriers and cutting through red tape to make sure projects got done and care delivered. He was a true man of action.
In Dr. Montaner, Carl had found a friend, a partner, and a cause to champion, to fight for, and to support. Dr. Montaner provided Carl the ideal opportunity to leave a lasting impact in Vancouver, in BC, and the world. A theme emerges when speaking to those closest to Carl, and it’s his desire to leave the world a better place, and for the improvements into which he poured his efforts to continue to flower and grow.
“Carl was a true friend, a wise counsel, and magnanimous supporter. He played a critical role in enabling us to make our dreams a reality. He will be dearly missed. However, we look forward to continuing to work productively with his 625 Powell Street Foundation to ensure we see the fruits of his efforts flourish at the Hope to Health Research and Innovation Complex for a long time to come”, said Dr. Montaner.
Carl’s desire was not that of a legacy, but instead to provide people and organizations with the tools they needed to do the great work he knew they could carry on. Carl’s sentiment is nicely captured by a quote from the Dalai Lama, who said, “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.”
Carl P. Vanderspek was a man of great successes, few words and simple tastes. A man who could have exclusively spent his final years enjoying his time with his beloved wife Margaret, their family, his dog, and a wide-range of pass-times. However, beyond that, he was fully committed to support his preferred champions and their causes, as he believed by enabling great success it will spur on others to achieve success. We are forever indebted to Carl for his overwhelming generosity and his unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. We are confident that Carl’s ripples will be felt wide and far.