February 3, 2026 – A deeply moving painting dedication took place recently on Arnprior Regional Health’s Inpatient Unit, as family, friends, and members of the nursing team gathered to honour the work of local artist and patient, Lynda Tyler.

The painting, titled Life, was created by Lynda as a tribute to the ARH staff who supported her during a critical moment in her cancer journey. The dedication was led by her daughter, who spoke through tears as she shared the meaning behind the artwork and the profound impact the hospital team had on their family.

Lynda was receiving end-of-life care for terminal cancer. Her room was filled with loved ones and ARH nursing staff, many of whom had cared for her throughout her time on the unit.

In the bottom left corner of the painting are the words: “Thank you ARH for exemplary care.”

At the centre of the piece is a turtle, which Lynda chose as a symbol of life. Years ago, she and her husband Rick spent time in Jamaica helping baby sea turtles safely reach the ocean. The turtles were small, fragile, and vulnerable, a feeling Lynda later related to her own experience as a patient.

While receiving care on the Inpatient Unit, Lynda experienced a medical emergency. She was successfully resuscitated — an intervention that gave her something she deeply valued: time.

Time that allowed her to be with her children, friends, and loved ones, and to say goodbye on her own terms.

Surrounding the turtle in the painting are beams of light in different colours, shades, and intensities. According to Lynda, each beam represents a different nurse.

“Every one of them matters,” she shared. “They’re all different, but they’re all important.”

The light strokes in the painting were added by fellow artist and longtime friend Kevin Dodds, when it became clear that Lynda would be unable to finish the painting herself. Painting has always been a significant part of Lynda’s life, alongside her previous careers in banking and later running the kitchen at the Legion.

Since moving to Arnprior in 2020, Lynda found strong community connections, including with the Arnprior branch of the Legion.

“I didn’t realize how many people I had touched,” she said. “I loved volunteering in the kitchen at the Legion. It was the best of both worlds – work the kitchen, clean it all up, then go and have a beer!”

Members of the Legion have visited her frequently since her admission to the Hospital, bringing flowers and treats, and offering companionship. It was clear that Lynda has been an important part of the community, and will be dearly missed.

The staff – from nurses to food service staff – grew to appreciate Lynda’s humour and outlook, and the admiration was mutual:

“I admire all the staff here. If someone asks for help, nobody ever says no. Every cog is in position.”

Life is Lynda’s final painting. It is currently displayed where nurses can see it every day, as a reminder of how important their work is and how deeply it impacts patients and families.