Yellowknife (Sep 24/04) - Aven Manor recently received a sizable donation that will help ensure plans for a $900,000 Dementia Facility are realized.

Long-time resident Herman Rompain, who passed away in 2002, requested that $63,000 be donated to the fund from his estate.

"He lived (in the Manor) for a number of years and felt like this was his home," said Lynda Koe, nursing care co-ordinator for Aven Manor.

The matters of his estate were just recently finalized and, as a result, raised the total of the fund to almost $80,000.

"The Trail Riders Club raised $8,000 and the general public has sent in donations but Herman's donation really bumped the number up," said Greg Debogorski, executive director of the Manor.

"I'm sure we'll do something and name a room or hallway after him but that still has to be decided."

The Manor is currently working to get government funding and hopes to have the facility completed by the fall of 2006.

"Herman was a great old guy and wanted to help make the facility and its services available to more people," said Allan Shortt, good friend and executor of Rompain's will.

"He was a giving person and this was his final act of generosity."