Gordon Denford, Founder of Berwick Retirement Communities today received the BC Seniors Living Association (BCSLA) Pioneer Award from BCSLA CEO Lee Coonfer at a special ceremony coinciding with the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Berwick House.
In addition, three employees, Doug Webb, Margot Wallace, Bill Krutz and Katrina Glass, received special awards to celebrate their 30 years of service to Berwick Retirement Communities, having been with the company since the doors first opened at Berwick House.
Since Berwick House, located in Victoria’s Gordon Head neighbourhood, was built in 1989, Gordon Denford and his team at Berwick Retirement Communities have gone on to build and operate six more award winning senior living communities in British Columbia.
Over the past 30 years, Berwick Retirement Communities commitment to quality, innovation, and community have never wavered. Every site built has incorporated the latest innovations in health and wellness, considered the lessons learned from previous sites and all the while always striving for the highest quality of amenities and services. Renovations are ongoing at the existing residences to ensure they continue to fully meet the expectations of current and future generations of seniors.
Each Berwick is designed with the local culture and community in mind. It is imperative that the sites operate with local insight and a community mindset.
“My Dad believes to be successful, one must do so while supporting the communities they live and operate in,” said Chris Denford, President & CEO, Berwick Retirement Communities. “While many people talk about being a “Resident First” company, my Dad has spent a lifetime demonstrating an unparalleled commitment in pursuit of this philosophy.”
Family owned since 1989, father and son Gordon and Chris Denford are actively involved in both the business operation and day-to-day activities at Berwick. Their philosophy is that, in order to provide the best senior care possible, it is vital for the Berwick family of senior living experts to really get to know each resident individually and tailor our services to their needs. It is this involvement and dedication at every level that allows Berwick Retirement Communities to make meaningful differences in the lives of BC seniors.
Gordon Denford Career Achievements
- Founder of the Western and Pacific Bank which merged with the Bank of Alberta and became the
- Canadian Western Bank and Trust
- Instrumental Advocate for the inquiry into BC Assessment
- Former Chairman: Advisory Planning Commission of both the Municipality of Saanich and the City of Victoria, Academic Steering Committee for business and management programs (Continuing Education) at the University of Victoria, and for the Victoria Airport Authority
- Served as President of Tourism Victoria and the Urban Development Institute
- Director of Oak Bay Lodge, Camosun College Foundation and Lester Pearson College of the Pacific
- Former member of the Medical Services Commission responsible for the Province’s Medical Services Plan and the Provincial Surgical Services Steering Committee which is determining ways to deliver prompt and efficient surgical procedures.
- Berwick Communities have won several awards and recognition over the years:
- GV Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 40+ employees | 2019
- Times Colonist Reader’s Choice Awards | 2017, 2018, 2019
- Black Press Best of the City | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Care Award, Best Outdoor Living Space & Best Mixed Use Development for Berwick Royal Oak| 2010
- CFAX Community Awards for Business Leaders of the Year | 2009
- Greater Victoria Business Awards Business of the Year (26-75 employees) | 2008
- 2010 GV Chamber of Commerce- Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
- 2019 BCSLA PIONEER AWARD