Dad passed away suddenly from complications following surgery, on Jan. 18, 2024, in his 95th year. Beloved husband of the late Margaret (nee MacDonald) (2019). He is survived by his sons, Alec and his wife, Bridget, and Mark and his wife, Linda; his grandchildren Zachary (Kyla), Tristan, Jesse, Blaise, Phoebe (Brian) and Amelia (Colin) and great-grandchildren Owen, Maeve and Dean.
Dad was born and raised on a dairy and silver fox farm in Bay Fortune, P.E.I. He was a graduate of Prince of Wales College, Acadia University and McGill University where he received his medical degree while mom worked as an executive secretary to put him through school.
He began his practice of medicine as a family physician in Winona and Grimsby, Ont., and continued there for his entire career. He cherished his patients and gained a reputation as a skilled and caring family physician. Dad had a special interest in obstetrics and took pride in welcoming hundreds of newborns to the world. To him, they would forever be "tiger" or "peanut".
Outside of medicine, Dad excelled as a nature photographer specializing in nesting songbirds. He relished being close to wildlife and marvelled in watching life unfold before him. He shared this joy through frequent presentations to community groups. He was a gregarious and vital citizen and was recognized as Citizen of the Year in Grimsby. He was a supporter of minor sports, team physician to the Grimsby Peach Kings hockey team and a frequent volunteer referee of minor hockey at all levels.
Dad was active in service to his profession and his community. He served on many boards of community organizations as a medical advisor, acted as a practice investigator for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and actively accepted medical students from McMaster University Medical School as a mentor. He was recognized by McMaster for his excellence in teaching and motivated many of his students to pursue successful careers as family physicians based on his example.
Dad's enthusiasm for life and boundless energy were infectious. He was curious and interested in the lives of everyone he encountered. He was dedicated to his family and somehow always found time to be present in our lives and include us in his adventures. His life was a gift to those who knew him.
Well done, Dad. Now rest in peace.
Alec, Mark and families. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service and interment will take place once plans have been finalized. Should you wish, memorial donations may be made to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Stonehouse-Whitcomb Funeral Home in Grimsby.