DISTINGUISHED SERVICE - From left, Phyllis Cameron, chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, presents the organization's Distinguished Service Award to Amherst dentist Dr. Barry MacLeod during the Seventh Annual Foundation Dinner on Friday.

April 18, 2005 - Amherst Daily News

Health care contribution marked
by Darrell Cole

AMHERST - A longtime supporter of health care in Cumberland County was honoured Friday by the Cumberland Health Care Foundation as the winner of its 2005 Distinguished Service Award.

Amherst dentist Dr. Barry MacLeod was presented the award during the organization' annual Foundation Dinner at the Wandlyn Inn and upon receiving the honour said he's humbled to be in the company of previous winners including former premier Roger Bacon, Jean Miller and Blake Daley.

"I'm genuinely honoured to be placed on a list with all the past winners. It is truly quite wonderful," MacLeod said.

MacLeod, who was born and raised in Louisbourg, Cape Breton, came to Amherst in 1972 to set up a dental practice with Dr. Paul MacEachern.

"There are many others who have given to health care for the betterment of the community. All of these people have made our hospital second to none," MacLeod said, adding the real reason for the success of the foundation and the hospital has been the dedication shown by various segments of the community including those who donate to palliative care, Light the Way and the annual foundation dinner and the businesses who make contributions to foundation events and fundraisers.

He has always been regarded as a community leader from his involvement with various organizations over the last 33 years. He has served as president of the United Way, the Red Cross and the Amherst Rotary Club. It was during his presidency of Rotary that the club contributed $25,000 towards the establishment of the Cumberland County Museum.

He was also a member of the former Northern Regional Health Board - the precursor to the Cumberland Health Authority and has served on the board and executive of the health care foundation for the past 10 years.

MacLeod was also active on the Above & Beyond Campaign, which saw $7.5 million raised for construction of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and has taken part in many foundation functions including the Highland Classic Charity Golf Tournament.