Wanda Kovach and a friend of the family take a seat on the new bench in Wilkie that was dedicated to her former boss, Dr. David Kemp. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Kemp Bench

Wilkie celebrates Dr. David Kemp with a bench dedication

Aug 14, 2024 | 2:27 PM

As friends and former patients of a beloved Wilkie doctor gathered at a park to officially dedicate a bench for his 36 years of service to the community, there was a bittersweet quality to the ceremony.

Dr. David Kemp wasn’t there.

In his absence due to current health issues, Wilkie Councillor Clarke Jackson presided over the Weds., Aug. 14 event.

Dr. David Kemp and friend Chaska relax at home. Kemp was honoured with a bench in Wilkie for his 36 years of service to the community. (Submitted Photo/Sarah Kemp de Gereda)

“We are here today to honour one of the most dedicated professional people that our town has ever known,” he said.

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While reading testimonials of former patients, there was a common sentiment to all of them: that of a man who practiced medicine with an old-style quality. Those in attendance told battlefordsNOW about how he would attend patients’ homes or pick them up and take them to the clinic.

“He was from the old days. The doctors believed in trying their best or working a little harder than what doctors do today,” said Garry Johnson.

He explained since Kemp left the community two years ago, the residents are faced with a situation that often happens in rural towns.

“You have one or two appointments and the next… she’s not here anymore, she’s on holiday or she moved out – she moved away.”

Wilkie Councillor Clarke Jackson presided over the bench dedication for Dr. David Kemp. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Although Kemp, who served in family medicine for over 50 years and spanned two continents, was unable to attend in person, he spoke to his former community through a statement read by the councillor.

“Just to thank you all again for what a wonderful bench you have put up, I would love to have come but I am in hospital at the present time,” he said via message.

Wanda Kovach, who worked alongside the doctor for 24 years and served as office manager among other duties, said a myriad of stories and memories were made.

“I had patients come in, couldn’t afford medication, he would pay for it out of pocket and never expect it back,’ she said. “Some would come and bring it back.”

Kovach was one of the first at the dedication to sit on the bench and said it was ‘Humbling.’

“I felt honoured to…work beside such a great man.”

Harold Cey said he had been a patient for years.

“I’d been diabetic for 50 years and he’s kept me pretty healthy so, I do give him the credit for that,” he said.

Attendees laugh and chat during the bench dedication for Dr. David Kemp. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

As attendees visited, shared stories and partook in refreshments, there was a sense something was missing.

“I think we’re all disappointed that he wasn’t able to make it,” said Cey.

“I would have liked to have shook his hand to thank him for all the help he’s given me over the years.”

Meanwhile, the bench sits at the entrance to the Second Avenue Park.

“I think that’s very fitting for a guy that has served this community so well for so long,” said Cey.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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