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John Wenham Obituary
The world bade adieu to a bright, fierce and generous soul when eternity opened its arms to Dr John Knowles Wenham on July 19, 2020. John was born April 29, 1942, to Robert Barnes and Margaret Cecilia Wenham in Butte, Montana. His curiosity led to discovery of the world around him: exploring the outdoors, riding trains, reading and learning, hard work and the opportunities it brought him.
Following studies at Carroll College in Helena, MT, he attended medical school at the University of Oregon and served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Following his service and honorable discharge, he returned to Arizona to practice emergency medicine in Phoenix and Tucson, including his role in forming, teaching and training the first group of paramedics and emergency medical professionals in Tucson.
He also met his soulmate, Linda Lee Melton, in Tucson. They wed in 1975 and welcomed a son in 1980, eventually moving to Graham County and then settling at home in Thatcher in April 1991. In March 1993, Doc opened a private practice in Downtown Safford where he served the community as a family practice physician for twelve years, helping many in need of compassionate medical care.
Doc John is survived by: his wife, Linda; his son, Sean (Jennifer); and his three grandchildren, Mercedes, Abigail and Noam; as well as brothers, Richard (Paula) Wenham and Robert Wenham; sister Kathryn (David) Bruning; and six nephews.
He also leaves behind extended family whom he loved dearly and many cherished friends he made over the years. Thank you for embracing and loving him as your friend and neighbor.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Memorial services for Doc John are to follow at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wenham
5 Entries
Dr. John Thomas
September 8, 2020
Learned of John's death from Rob Sterling, Carroll Alumnus,classmate and John's roommate at Univ. of Oregon Medical School until he was replaced by Rob's young bride Peggy.
As pre-med students we spent an inordinate amount of time together in class and labs and strong relationships were formed, yet with the medical school location, the Vietnam War [we in essence were inscripted through the Berry Plan upon completion of our internships] and defined Medical training, we were separated. We had a great four years at Carroll under Dr. James Manion's tutelage preparing us for privilege careers.
Appears that John served his fellow Arizonions exceedingly well during his Emergency Room and the Family Practice careers while hopefully fulfilling his life as a husband and father. His photo also reflects that he may well have been a 'horse whisperer' and likely had many outside interests. My prayers our with the extended Wenham family.
father william dornbos
August 31, 2020
we went to butte central high school. nice obit, a good life.
Dick Maney
August 23, 2020
I went to St. Ann's grade school with John. We were also in the Boy Scouts together. His parents lived across the street from the school and we'd go there after school. I knew John as a really nice guy and a good friend. I will miss him. -Dick Maney
Dr. Frank Seitz
August 21, 2020
John was a giant of a gentleman ... kind, considerate, and a bounty of integrity. He was a Carroll classmate who will linger gently in our memory.
Gene Evans
August 20, 2020
A special memory for me. In Tucson John said he was going up to Phkenix and get an orange tree. Did I want to go and get one. Once there, we were at an orchard that was being closed. A big machine with giant claws dug into and around a full sized tree and put it on his pickup. Same with #2. We then drove back to Tucson hoping the trees stayed on. Got mine in our backyard and it was a wonderful orange producer . Thanks John. Gene Evans
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