In Memory of
Gary Deatherage
In 1978, Gary and Ann Deatherage founded Valley Mental Health Services, a registered partnership in British Columbia that would go on to play a transformative role in the Creston Valley. At the time, mental health support in the community was limited and provided mainly by visiting clinicians from Nelson. After moving to Creston, demand for Gary’s services grew quickly as people became aware of his qualifications and commitment.
Gary envisioned accessible, community-based mental health care. Valley Mental Health Services developed a “one-stop,” no-cost service model that offered a broad range of supports and later became recognized as a provincial model. Gary travelled to other communities to share this approach and advocate for expanded services. His persistence and passion were well known; at one provincial meeting he was memorably referred to as “that hothead from the Kootenays,” a reflection of his unwavering advocacy.
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Though initially allied with the Creston Valley Hospital, Valley Mental Health Services operated primarily as a private practice and held contracts with the RCMP, regional school districts, mental health programs, provincial geriatric services, the Ministry for Children and Families, and programs for people with developmental disabilities. Changes in this relationship led to the formation of the Community Resource Society, which later evolved into Valley Community Services.
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Together with Serena Naeve, Executive Director, Dr. Deatherage helped establish the organization now known as Valley Community Services. He brought mental health and social services into the heart of the Creston community, setting a strong ethical and philosophical foundation and mentoring many staff whose work continues his legacy. Gary and Ann retired in 2006, leaving behind an enduring commitment to compassionate, accessible community care.