It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. James Yeandle-Hignell, MRCS, LRCP, on April 18, 2023.
Dr. Yeandle-Hignell was predeceased by his beloved wife Zoe Yeandle-Hignell (née Steel) and by his son-in-law Larry Harquail. He is survived by his children Karen Harquail, Sylvia Wright and spouse Robert Wright, Kim Yeandle-Hignell and spouse Paolo Coppo, and grandchildren Jessica Yeandle-Hignell, Alexandra (Rimmer) Yeandle-Hignell, Melanie Harquail, James Harquail and spouse Shandy Beck, Ariella MacDougall and great-grandchildren Tristan, Zoe, Hailey, Olivia, Emery and Lyric.
Born in London, England, on Feb. 28, 1934, Dr. Yeandle-Hignell was educated at New College School and St. Edward's School, Oxford. He then embarked on a career with the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1961. He served as a Navigating Officer on the last of the North Atlantic Liners, Empress of Canada. It was while working on the Empress of Canada that he met and fell in love with Marian Zoe Steel (Zoe). In 1964, the two were married and started a family.
Dr. Yeandle-Hignell's passion for knowledge led him to pursue a degree in medicine at the Middlesex Hospital Medical School in 1973. After completing his degree, he moved to Canada, where he established himself as a physician at Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, serving as Director of the Psychogeriatric Unit from 1975 to 1990. In 1990, he accepted a position as Medical Advisor for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), and later as Regional Medical Coordinator for the N.W. Region. After retiring from WSIB, he accepted a position as part-time faculty at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Yeandle-Hignell had a deep appreciation for the arts. He was a talented musician and artist, painting seascapes that included ships he had served on. His paintings are displayed with pride in the homes of his daughters and grandchildren. He was an active member of Cambrian Players and served as president in the 1980s. He acted and directed for many productions, including a production of The Elephant Man at the community auditorium. He also enjoyed sailing on Lake Superior with his family and golfing at the Fort William Country Club with his good friends.
Dr. Yeandle-Hignell was a man of many talents, known for his quick wit and boundless energy that brought laughter to those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their wonderful care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Northern Cancer Fund. Condolences may be made through Northwest Funeral Alternative Inc.