Everyone knew Bernard as “Barney”.
Terry Moore, who succeeded Barney as Midland Hospital President) shared, “Barney was the kindest person I ever worked for.”
President of the Midland Hospital for over decades (31 years; 1945-1976).
He had just returned from WWII duty as the ‘Captain of Detachment Commander’ in the Army Administration Corps, responsible for a 500-bed hospital on a ship that returned to port with the war’s end on V-J Day.
He began his role in Midland on November 8, 1945, assuming executive leadership for the mere 47-bed hospital. DuHerew the hospital to a regional center with 307 beds. During his tenure
Over 30 years, Barney led the hospital to become a significant regional health center.
Barney also worked to preserve the forest setting and the presence of nature on the 40-acre campus.
In 1970, Lorimer was presented with a Doctor of Public Service degree by Central Michigan University,
His award citation read in part, “Thousands of people in Midland and the entire Midwest have benefited from Barney E. Lorimer’s imaginative leadership in improving health care over the past 25 years.”
During his hospital career, Lorimer has held leadership positions in numerous professional organizations. He served as President of the Michigan Hospital Association and the Tri-State Hospital Assembly. He was a life member of the American College of Hospital Executives. He received many honors throughout his career.
The annual Barney E. Lorimer Award for career achievement was established at the Mid-Michigan Medical Center in 1978, recognizing an employee who reflects his high standards of loyalty, dedication, compassion, and concern for people.
In “retirement,” Barney served with the International Executive Service Corps, advising hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, and Kingston, Jamaica. The son of a Lutheran pastor, he was an active member of his churches.
Barney died on August 21, 2013, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at 97. He was survived by his three children, Ann, Bill, and Lisa, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Barney and his wife, Miriam, were married for 61 years. They lived in Midland for 40 years.