L’Arche is widely recognize for its success in building communities and accommodations for those with developmental disabilities in the Comox Valley and around the world. 

LYNDA BROSKO

Lynda and her family have called Vancouver Island home for almost 30 years. Lynda has spent much of her career in leadership and management supporting people who face many barriers. Before joining L’Arche Comox Valley in 2023, she was the Director of Operations for Footholds Therapy Center in Courtenay working with multi-disciplinary teams. 

Lynda is an active part of any community she calls home, owning and operating several businesses and volunteering for numerous local non-profit organizations. Currently, she sits on the Haven Society board, focusing on the development of respectful and healthy community. 

Lynda’s thoughtful and strategic approach, along with her attitude of service, enables her to oversee the priorities and direction for L’Arche Comox Valley daily and into the future. 

DAPHNE CROWTHER

Daphne has called the Comox Valley home since 1983 and seeks to make the community more accessible and inclusive for people living with intellectual disabilities.

She brings with her a practical knowledge of L’Arche Comox Valley and its culture. On the urging of Lock Mawhinney – one of the organization’s founders in the Valley – Daphne joined the L’Arche Comox Valley Board in 2007 and is the current Chair.

With a background as a CDA in the dental field for more than 40 years, Daphne has spent her working life connecting with individuals and families from across the Valley.

The Anchorage Campaign Advisors

PETER GIBSON – Campaign Chair

Peter’s family has been in the Comox Valley since 1960. He grew up in the Valley and returned in 1977 to work on the early plans for Mount Washington, investing more than 40 years into the resort in numerous roles including General Manager and President.  

Peter has served on several boards and has been awarded for his leadership. His service includes sitting on the board of the Canada West Ski Areas Association, current Chair for the Comox Valley Regional District Advisory Planning Commission – Area C, VP of the Comox Valley Community Foundation, Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation and Tourism Association of Vancouver Island.   

MURRAY PRESLEY

Murray has lived in the Comox Valley since 1961. As a Chartered Accountant and Senior Partner in his own accounting firm, he has been a long-standing member of the community. Murray has been involved in property development and, in partnership, built and operated Casa Loma Seniors Home. He sat on council for the City of Courtenay for 15 years as well as the Comox Valley Regional District. 

Murray was Campaign Chair for L’Arche Comox Valley’s I Belong Centre, and past President of the Rotary Club of Comox. He has been involved with the Beaufort Association for Inclusion in Action, Comox Valley Mental Health, United Way, Comox Valley Economic Development and numerous other non-profit organizations.  

The Anchorage Campaign Cabinet

MATT BECKETT  

With a career in finance that spans almost two decades, Matt has established himself as a Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor in the industry and the Valley. 

Matt shows his passion for the Valley as an active Rotarian, past President of the Comox Valley Community Foundation, as well as his work with the Mayor’s Golf Charity Classic, and the Comox Valley Transition Society. 

DAN FOURNIER  

Dan and his family moved to the Comox Valley in 1969 where he grew up. He moved back in 2018, bringing with him 28 years of construction experience in Metro Vancouver. Dan has owned and operated his own contracting company for 33 years, working in both spec and custom building. With decades of knowledge and experience, he provides a strong foundation for new build construction and how to meet the special needs of people with disabilities and mobility issues.

Dan has known a Core Member at L’Arche since he was a child and understands how L’Arche has supported this person’s independence and prosperity; he aims to help this happen for more people in the Valley.

EVELYN GILLESPIE  

As owner and operator of  Laughing Oyster Bookstore in Courtenay, Evelyn is an active part of the Comox Valley community.  

As a former Canadian politician, she served as MLA for the Comox Valley riding in BC’s Legislative Assembly as a member of the BC New Democratic Party. Evelyn has a background in recreation and education, which she leveraged in her work for a Calgary shelter for abused women and children, for the Addiction Research Foundation in Toronto, and with the Vancouver Health Department.

DON MCRAE  

Don was born and raised in the Comox Valley and he has worked to bring social prosperity through politics. Don served on council for the City of Courtenay for three terms. He has worked with the Comox-Strathcona Regional District and the Comox Valley Regional District. Don is a former member of BC’s Legislative Assembly as a member of the BC Liberal Party. He has also served as BC’s Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Education, and Minister of Social Development & Social Innovation.  

With a background in education and international relations, Don has held both teaching and administrative roles for Comox Valley Schools.   

DAVE MELLIN  

Dave has called Comox Valley home for 62 years. With more than 36 years of experience in the insurance industry and over 42 years of exemplary service as an auxiliary RCMP Constable, Dave is well-known for his community pride and support. His numerous awards highlight his passion for, and commitment to, Comox Valley and its people. 

He has provided his support to many organizations including Comox Valley Search and Rescue, Comox Valley Airport Commission, Courtenay Airpark Association, BC Games Committee, the Mayors’ Charity Golf Classic, Comox Valley Commercial Hockey League and more. Dave has worked on Habitat for Humanity builds and with the We Can Shelter Society. His knowledge and influence have been pivotal for many non-profit organizations.

ROBERT MULROONEY

Robert is a Senior Investment Advisor at IA Private Wealth and Founder of Mindset Wealth. He has been in wealth management for almost 30 years. Robert built his career in Vancouver, and in 2005 he and his family moved to the Valley where Robert established his Courtenay office. He has been honoured with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award and the Chamber of Commerce President’s Merit Award.

Robert believes that community service and volunteerism are vital. In addition to coaching youth sports, he has been Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, Co-Chair of the “I Belong” campaign for L’Arche Comox Valley, and a supporter of Habitat for Humanity.

TONY REYNOLDS

After a 25-year career with the Government of Canada in Ottawa, Tony and his wife moved to the Comox Valley where they have enjoyed life for 26 years, farming and volunteering in the Valley they call their home.

Tony has held a series of assignments in the departments of Finance and Industry. He has worked on the revitalization of the inner-city of Winnipeg and directed programs to stimulate the growth of Indigenous business at a time when this was rare. With the Government of Canada’s creation of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Tony was appointed Executive Director charged with mapping a just and achievable future for Canada’s Indigenous and settler peoples.

Tony was Board Chair for L’Arche Comox Valley when the I Belong Centre was created.