One Kelowna couple has commemorated their special day in a way that will last forever.

On Monday, the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) hosted the unveiling of a new Robert Dow Reid sculpture, called ‘West Wind’ located at the main Centennial entrance.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com.A new Robert Dow Reid sculpture was unveiled at Kelowna General Hospital on Monday.The sculpture was donated to KGH as gift from Richard and Martha Person.

The ‘West Wind’ sculpture is the second Reid sculpture at KGH, with the first, ‘Conquest’, found just outside the Rehab Unit off Abbott Street.

Reid is well-known for his other Kelowna sculptures, including the Spirit of Sail (or ‘the Sails’) and Rhapsody (‘The Dolphins’), which the city is known for.  

At the official ribbon-cutting, the Persons were joined by their three adult children, who also brought their own families.

The Persons first commissioned Reid to create the piece 30 years ago for an apartment building they had built. That’s where it stood for the next three decades, until they decided to donate it to the hospital. According to Reid, they built a whole new base for the location at KGH after moving it from a fountain.  

The ribbon-cutting has been a long time coming, with Reid working to make the move since 2014. After two years of waiting, he said it only took an hour and half to install, which him and his son pulled off on Sunday night at 9 p.m.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com.The Persons (left) did the honour of cutting the official ribbon for the new site of the artwork.

The Persons said they donated the piece for the enjoyment of everyone in Kelowna, especially patients of the hospital.

“We’re very proud to be citizens of this city, it’s just beautiful,” said Richard.

The couple has had a long-time love for art, whether it be sculptures, paintings, or anything else, according to Martha.

“Now’s the time to put it to a better use,” she said happily. “It’s just great. You can look up and see the birds flying North right now.”

The older couple were happy show off the piece as they celebrate 60 years together.

“We’ve had a good marriage, we have nice children, a good family,” they said.

Those who have a chance to see the sculpture will notice there are five birds, the same number of people in the Person family, something Martha wanted commemorated with a picture.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.The Person family celebrates the ribbon cutting.Health Services Administrator Andrew Hughes said KGH was looking for something to be iconic to the city after recent additions and upgrades, including the new fourth floor perinatal unit which just opened on Sunday.

“We needed that crown-jewel at the front,” said Hughes. “It’s perfect. It matches up with the sails and the dolphins.

“I think this is really one of the iconic landmarks that will now become part of Kelowna.”

Hughes said the family has been connected with the KGH Foundation for many years, which helped make the new partnership happen.  

There was no word on how much the sculpture actually cost, and Hughes didn’t even care to speculate.

“In my opinion it’s priceless. It’s really going to be part of our city so that’s why I’m so appreciative.”