From creative studios to blues stages — and now to the heart of Georgian Bay’s hospital — Paul Rowan and Marcee Ruby bring compassion, artistry and community spirit to everything they do. Their gift to GBGH is helping ensure excellent, timely care is never far from home.
Paul and Marcee first fell in love with Georgian Bay as seasonal residents and, over time, have transitioned to spending the bulk of their time in Tiny, Ontario. Over the years, they have deepened their roots in the community supporting the Indigenous Gallery in Midland and Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH). They are proud parents of two adult children, two grandchildren, and two dogs. The grandchildren have been spending summers here picking blueberries, tomatoes and attending camp… and just try getting them out of the water!
Co-founder of Umbra, Paul now continues to inspire the next generation through speaking, mentoring, and global collaborations. On top of that, he is a gifted blues harmonica player who you will occasionally find singing and playing blues harmonica at venues here and in Colombia where he teaches in the winter months. Marcee is a lifelong creative, formerly an art director in advertising, and now devotes her time to painting. She connects deeply to the beauty that exists in her backyard and farther afield. Their creative lives are grounded in empathy, which shows up in how they give: thoughtfully, locally, and with a focus on the human touch in health care.
For Marcee, two late night trips to GBGH with their toddler granddaughter were defining moments comprised of kind faces, swift care, and a warmth that’s rare in big-city hospitals. She still smiles remembering the Izzy Doll — a tiny handcrafted doll knit by a volunteer and offered by nurse E.T. — that turned a frightening night into a story of kindness their family will never forget.
Paul’s experience at GBGH was just as meaningful. When he arrived at the hospital with chest pain, he was triaged and received an ultrasound within 45 minutes — a seamless, professional response that left him reassured and grateful.
Guided by those experiences and by a belief in the power of community, Paul and Marcee have donated over $50,000 to We See You, GBGH Foundation’s campaign designated to fund important equipment that GBGH teams rely on every day. Their generosity reflects a simple truth they share often: local giving stretches further, strengthens care for neighbours, and helps families when it matters most.
“I like to remind seasonal residents and winter visitors that we all have a vested interest in ensuring good health care for the people we love, and for those who care for us. Friends, family, gardeners, local farmers, business owners, service and maintenance workers, and many more will benefit from having excellent care close to home.” – Marcee Ruby
