Dr. Dumaresq Marner Child passed away after a short illness surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Eryl for 60 years; father to Matthew Child (Susan Bryant), Daniel Child (Alison), Emma Child (Geoffrey Poynter) and Hannah Child (Jonathan Bott); grandad to Isabel, Sophie, Lucas, Aidan, Annabel, Alexander and Oliver; and brother to Romilly Killick (Ian). Predeceased by his parents Raymond and Valerie Child, and brother Jonathon Child.
Born in greater London, England, at the start of the Second World War, he was sent away to school at the age of three to avoid the bombing raids and was subsequently educated primarily at boarding schools. These formative experiences instilled qualities of independence, resourcefulness, curiosity and supportiveness that he reflected throughout his life.
Dr. Child studied medicine at University of Oxford and continued his training at St. Mary’s Hospital (London), when he wasn’t playing bridge and consuming fine British ale at the local pub. After three years of family practice in England, he sought a different model of care through an overseas posting, accepting a two-year assignment with a family practice in Essex, Ont. He retired 57 years later having provided care to thousands of patients and up to five generations of families throughout Essex County and Windsor.
During his 60-year-long career he also served as a coroner, Windsor Jail doctor, and physician at Country Village Nursing Home and Windsor’s long-term care hospital.
Although Dr. Child prioritized medicine, he put a lot of energy into other areas of his life. He rarely utilized the services of professionals, mechanics or tradespeople – choosing instead to file his own taxes, manage his own investments, service his own cars, design and build the family home (except block, brick and plaster) and the list goes on. Of course, every man has his limits, and he never did learn to boil an egg or empty the dishwasher.
He was a dedicated patron of the arts, with a particular affection for the Detroit Opera, Windsor Light Music Theatre and, especially, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra where he served as a member of the board of directors.
Dr. Child travelled widely – usually with Eryl and often to visit his daughter during her overseas postings. Adventures that took him all over Europe, the Caribbean, North America, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal, Japan, Myanmar, Jordan, Morocco, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Tanzania and Kenya.
He also believed in the physical, mental and social benefits of sport, enjoying rugby in his earlier years and playing squash three times per week into his early eighties. Weekly squash matches with his son usually ended with a triumph for experience and wisdom, and the resolution of a world problem or two over a cold beer following play.
In his own quiet way, Dr. Child prioritized his family and provided all the support his children needed to find their way in the world. Lots of quality time on the ski slopes and in the sun were wonderful experiences that were only partially offset by wilderness canoeing in cold and damp conditions. Once the grandchildren started to arrive, he convened the family of 17 numerous times in Europe and Canada, allowing the forging of relationships between cousins from two continents that will endure.
We are all heartbroken at Dr. Child's departure. Although we shall miss him terribly, his influence will continue to be felt through the actions and kindness of all who have known him. His was a life exceedingly well lived.