DR. Ian Renwick MCWHINNEY

McWHINNY, Dr. Ian Renwick
Passed away peacefully on September 28, 2012 at the age of 85, with his family by his side. Cherished husband of the late Betty and adored father of Heather and Julie. Dear father-in-law of Michael and Paul. Loving grandfather of Leah, Max and Claire. Dear brother of Pat and her husband Richard, and uncle of Gillian, Louise and Emma. Ian was born in 1926 in Burnley, England. Following his medical training at Cambridge, he entered general practice in Stratford-upon-Avon with his father. In 1968, he emmigrated to London, Ontario, where he became the first chair of family medicine in Canada at the University of Western Ontario. His visionary work transformed family medicine worldwide from an unacknowledged subject into an academic discipline with undergraduate courses and post-graduate training. His tireless efforts on behalf of family medicine and improved patient care resulted in many honours and awards, including induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada. Blessed with a fine mind, Ian had a philosophical disposition, a strong thirst for knowledge, and a deep desire to make a difference in the world. He touched many people -patients, colleagues, friends, and caregivers alike-with his unfailing kindness and compassion, his gentle nature, and his interest in everyone he met, qualities that remained with him until the end of his life. The family wishes to thank all those who brought comfort and pleasure to Ian's last years and days, including, in London, the staff of Highview Residences and in Saskatoon, the staff of Palisades Care Home and the Orthopedics Trauma Unit at Royal University Hospital. Special thanks go to Dr. Joanne Hammond and Dr. Steven Goluboff, as well as to friends, Sandi, Eric, Tom, Joe, Brian, Penny, Kim, Vicki, Rhonda, Mel, Donna, Christina, Leslie, Fay and others too numerous to mention. Donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada and to the McWhinney Chair of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, are gratefully accepted. A memorial service will be held in London, Ontario at a later date. E-mail condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME, 1 (306) 244-5577