David Patrick FITZGERALD

Fitzgerald, David Patrick
Born in Northampton, England on March 24, 1924, son of Dr. David P. Fitzgerald and Madge (Cowap). David married his wife Ingrid H. Fabian in 1951. David attended Ratcliffe College Leicester. He studied medicine and graduated from Birmingham University in 1946. He served as clinical pathologist with the Royal Air Force from 1947-49, when he took over his father's general practice in Wolverhampton. David and family immigrated to Canada in 1965 and were introduced to Stratford by Dr. R. McWilliam and his wife Hazel (now both deceased). David and Ingrid loved Stratford and promoted and supported it for many years. David opened his practice on George Street and later Huron Street, where he provided services to Stratford and Milverton areas. He was a coroner from 1972-94. He continued practicing until December 1994. He was chief of staff at Stratford General Hospital in 1971 and president of Perth County Medical Society in 1985-86. In 1972 he was appointed to the faculty of University of Western Ontario School of medicine where he served as an assistant professor in family practice, taking interns into his practice until 1988, and leading many young family physicians to practice in Stratford and area. In 1991 he received the Sawyer Award from Ontario Medical Society. He was active on the board for Stratford Community Care Access and involved in United Way Campaign for several years. David and Ingrid created a family life filled with music, art, literature, theatre and nature. They were avid supporters of the Stratford Festival Theatre, Canadian Opera Company and Kitchener- Waterloo Symphony. David was a founding member of the Stratford Squash Club and an avid coach and player. He enjoyed cricket matches between SGH medical staff and Stratford Festival actors, as well as golf. In the mid 1970's David and Ingrid bought a hobby farm in Downie Township, where they planted many trees and delighted in country walks and family gatherings. David had many friends in the community. Some cherished souls have already passed away, including his beloved wife Ingrid, in November 11, 1997 and his dear son Michael in April 2, 2011. As David's spirit is welcomed by his dear departed family members and friends, his sisters Maureen and Gilliian and sister-in-law Ellen, his daughters Renata, Maria, and Oonagh, his sons-in-law Jim Quinn and Karl Biernath, his grandchildren Meghan, Nora, Raphael and Gabriel and his grandson-in-law Matt bid him a loving good bye. They will miss him deeply and always cherish their memories of him. A service to celebrate David's life will be held at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario on Saturday May 26, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with reception to follow. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Stratford General Hospital or Spruce Lodge. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com