Scott Bluekens
Finding Purpose in the Journey

For more than four years, West Vancouver driver Scott Bluekens has been helping patients get to and from their cancer treatments. For Scott, volunteering has been both rewarding and humbling, a meaningful way to give back while connecting with people whose grace, humour, and resilience have left a lasting impression.

Scott joined Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society shortly after retiring from a successful career as a lawyer. While he and his wife had already volunteered in their community with other organizations, he was looking for a meaningful way to give back and stay connected to his community.

A colleague of his wife’s mentioned Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, and Scott decided to learn more.

“I retired about five years ago and wanted to do some volunteering. I heard about VCDS and thought I’d give it a try. Looking back, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

One of the things Scott appreciates most is the flexibility of volunteering. He enjoys selecting the drives that fit his schedule, connecting with patients ahead of time, and building relationships along the way.

“I touch base with patients as soon as I get the assignment. By the time I pick them up, we’ve already made a connection.”

Like many volunteers, Scott initially wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I thought people might be sad or quiet. What I found was the exact opposite. It’s a very humbling experience. These people are battling cancer and doing it with such grace, humour, and resilience. That’s amazing to see.”

Over the years, several patients have left a lasting impression. One woman from West Vancouver, who had adult children scattered across the globe, became someone Scott drove regularly during her treatments. On her final treatment day, he surprised her with a bouquet of flowers.

A few months later, he drove her again, this time to a dental appointment.

“Her hair had grown back curly,” Scott recalls with a smile. “She laughed and said she’d never had curly hair in her life.”

Another patient was struggling through a difficult day and needed to pick up a few light bulbs after treatment. What started as a simple errand turned into something much more meaningful.

“He was feeling pretty down when I picked him up. But while we were out, he started chatting with staff, making jokes, and smiling. By the time I dropped him off, he said what he thought would be his worst day had turned into one of his best.”

Not every experience is easy. One patient Scott drove many times passed away unexpectedly. A few days later, while visiting a local pub, he discovered a celebration of life was being held for that very same patient.

“It was profound,” Scott says. “We often don’t hear what happens after the drives end. It reminded me how important these connections can become.”

That perspective has shaped the way Scott looks at life.

“Sometimes we get caught up in the small things. Then you spend time with people facing serious health challenges, and it puts everything into perspective.”

Outside of volunteering, Scott enjoys travelling with his wife, spending time with family, cycling, and woodworking. What started with building bird feeders has grown into a fully equipped workshop in his garage, where he creates everything from bookshelves and planters to sheds and decks.

“When you’re working, everything has to be done quickly. Now I enjoy taking my time. Woodworking is very zen-like.”

At home, Scott and his wife share a commitment to giving back. Their son and his partner have also embraced volunteering, creating a family culture centred on community service and helping others.

For anyone considering becoming a volunteer driver, Scott offers simple advice:

“Don’t hesitate. People often don’t realize how rewarding it is. You’re not just helping someone get to an appointment. You’re meeting incredible people and making genuine connections. It’s humbling, worthwhile, and far more meaningful than you might expect.”

As Scott prepares for an upcoming knee replacement and a temporary break from driving, we’re grateful for the thousands of kilometres, countless conversations, and compassionate care he has provided over the past four years.

Thank you, Scott, for making every journey matter.

A Few Fun Facts About Scott

• A retired lawyer who enjoys spending time with family.
• Proud owner of two Golden Retrievers, including a rescue from Korea.
• Avid traveller, cyclist, and woodworker.
• Believes volunteering is one of the most rewarding things a person can do.