Deaths

Notice

Readers are invited to submit brief remembrances of recently departed colleagues. Colourful writing is encouraged, but please limit your notice to 150 words. Send to pubs@cma.ca; fax 613 565-5471.

Bobechko, Walter Peter, Dallas; University of Toronto, 1957, orthopedic surgery. Died Jan. 6, 2007, aged 74.

Duncan, Barrie Potter, Calgary; University of Manitoba, 1939, pediatrics. Died Jan. 23, 2007, aged 90. “After military service in World War II Dr. Duncan worked as a general practitioner in Dawson City, Yukon, 1945–51. He gained national fame when the city's hospital burned down and Barrie dashed in to save the recently acquired X-ray machine. He settled in Regina where he practised for almost 40 years. Tall but shy, Barrie related best to children (and dogs). His advocacy for children was uncompromising. He helped raise community awareness of child abuse, establishing one of the first registries of battered children. Barrie served as head of the Regina and District Medical Association and, in 1979, was president of the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1996 his work was recognized by an honorary senior membership in the CMA. Predeceased by his wife, Norah, he is survived by 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.”

Fahrni, Gordon Paton, Winnipeg; University of Manitoba, 1940, general surgery. Died Jan. 20, 2007, aged 90. “After graduation in 1940 Dr. Gordon joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He was deployed to England and served on the HMS Fitzroy, a minesweeper, until it sunk in 1942. For his actions during the sinking, Dr. Gordon was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He became surgeon lieutenant commander and, later, surgeon captain. He completed his post graduate education at the Toronto General Hospital and trained at the Mayo Clinic. He practised as a general surgeon at the Winnipeg General, Children's and Grace Hospitals.”

Gagnon, Jean-Louis, Québec; Université Laval, 1954, gynecology. Died Jan. 22, 2007, aged 77.

Goh, Keng Eok, Edmonton; University of Alberta, 1969, general surgery. Died Feb. 1, 2007, aged 65.

Gordon, Alan, Thunder Bay, Ont.; University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, 1957, internal medicine. Died Dec. 23, 2006, aged 71. “He came to Thunder Bay in 1966, where his colleagues at McKellar General Hospital recognized him as an astute diagnostician. Symptoms of parkinsonism developed during his 40s, and by his mid-50s, the inexorable progression of the disease prevented him from practising. Alan experienced, and was aware of, the on/off phenomenon, frozen periods, a decrease in cognition, the adverse physical and psychological effects of medication, separation from his family and colleagues, the inability to practise internal medicine and the loss of the joy of swimming far out into Cloud Lake. Throughout, there remained his wry sense of humour. He is survived by his wife, Pam, and their 2 sons, Ian and Alistair.”

Hoh, Kwok-Fai, Niagara Falls, Ont.; China Medical College, Taiwan, 1974, internal medicine. Died Jan. 19, 2007, aged 58.

Janda, Jana Otylie, Victoria; Univerzita Karlova, Czechoslovakia, 1967, ophthalmology. Died Jan. 25, 2007, aged 64.

O'Hanley, John Hubert, Charlottetown; McGill University, 1950, pediatrics. Died Jan. 18, 2007, aged 85. “Dr. O'Hanley served overseas as a lieutenant during World War II. He served as president of the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Provinces Pediatric Society. In 1999 he was awarded the Order of Prince Edward Island. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship and the Silver Jubilee Award. The Dr. J.H. O'Hanley Award of Excellence, created in 1996 in his honour, recognizes outstanding contributions to the service of children. Dr. O'Hanley is survived by his wife and their 8 children.”

Rueben, Erich Franz Joseph, North Vancouver; Universität Heidelberg, Germany, 1951, otolaryngology. Died Jan. 27, 2007, aged 83.

Stephenson, Susan Elizabeth, Berkeley, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1974, family medicine. Died Jan. 22, 2007, aged 57. “Dr. Stephenson recently retired after 30 years of general practice in Bowmanville and Courtice, Ont. Susan was the beloved wife of Charles and mother of Shannon, Charlene, Phillip, Michael and Charlotte.”

Williams, Ralph Carl, London, Ont.; University of Western Ontario, 1961. Died Jan. 18, 2007, aged 82. “Dr. Williams served with the Canadian Navy during World War II as a chief radar operator on corvettes and destroyers. After his discharge, he worked for 9 years with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. In 1954 he returned to school and continued to the University of Western Ontario to pursue his dream of being a doctor. Ralph graduated in the class of ‚61 and opened his family medicine practice in London, Ont. In the early 1970s he served as president of the London chapter of the Canadian College of Family Practice. Ralph practised medicine for more than 40 years before declining health forced early retirement. Loving father of Gerry, John, Charlene, Robert, Doreen, Laurie, Barbara, Jennifer and Michael.”