Gordon ARMSTRONG

Gordon ARMSTRONG obituary, OTTAWA, ON

Gordon ARMSTRONG

Gordon ARMSTRONG Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen from Jun. 30 to Jul. 25, 2018.
ARMSTRONG, Gordon Walter Duncan, C.M., MD, FRCSC 1923-2018 Peacefully at Grace Manor, Ottawa, June 24, 2018. Loving husband of Molly (nee Mary F. Burnett) for 62 wonderful years. Beloved father of Douglas (Janet), John (Arlene), James (Pamela), Mary Jane, and Beth (Gregory Park). Cherished Poppa of Christy (Matt Carlson), Gillian, Gordon, Ian, William, Ross, Molly, and three great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents, Rev. Dr. B. Douglas and Katharine (McBeath) Armstrong, and sister Margaret. Born in Hong Kong to Presbyterian missionaries, raised in rural Ontario, he graduated from Queen's University (Meds 1948), and trained in orthopaedic surgery in Canada and England. In 1954, began his surgical practice in Ottawa and became internationally recognized for his skills as a surgeon, teacher, mentor and innovator in the development of modern spine surgery. Believed deeply in sharing his knowledge and techniques to benefit others, training medical professionals from around the world and never accepting royalties for medical devices he invented. Long, productive relationship with National Research Council. Former Chief of Orthopaedics, Ottawa Civic Hospital; practised at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario; first Medical Director of Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre; Professor of Surgery, University of Ottawa; Past President of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association; founding member and Past President of the Scoliosis Research Society; Honorary Professor of Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Highly regarded for his compassion and humility, Gordon is also remembered for his keen sense of humour. In retirement, he enjoyed repairing antique clocks His greatest joy was spending time with his family at his cottage at Aylen Lake, farm near Merrickville, or home in Ottawa. Visitation Friday, July 27, 6-8 p.m., at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 150 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa. Memorial service Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m., at St Andrew's Church, 82 Kent St, Ottawa, followed by reception. Private interment at Pinecrest Cemetery. The family gratefully acknowledges the care of Grace Manor and Dr. Lloyd Rossman. Gifts to Presbyterian World Service and Development or Carefor Community Services would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-728-1761

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August 10, 2018

Shelley S posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2018

Joe ONeil posted to the memorial.

July 16, 2018

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23 Entries

Shelley S

August 10, 2018

Dr. Armstrong was my scoliosis surgeon in 1983 at the Ottawa Civic...I have been doing research on my surgery recently and reading about Dr. Armstrong...I was 13 years old at the time of my operation and still remember Dr. Armstrong as a very kind and gentle doctor...we were told he was "the best of the best" surgeons, and he certainly was! I am very grateful to him for doing such a wonderful job with my Luque rod procedure. I always remember him fondly, there needs to be more doctors like him in this world! I was saddened to hear of his passing and send my condolences to his family.

Joe ONeil

July 20, 2018

So sad to hear of Dr. Armstrongs passing. Ill always remember him as a true gentleman and pioneer in spinal surgery. He was instrumental in bringing me on staff at the Ottawa Civic and arranging a travelling spine fellowship prior to the start of my career. Our condolences to Mrs. Armstrong and family. Dr. A. was an exceptional man. Joe and Joanne ONeil.

July 16, 2018

Dr. Armstrong was the kindest and gentlest of physicians. I was a young patient of his who was very frightened not understanding what was happening yet he always spoke in a very calm and comforting way. I had spinal surgery (harrington rod procedure) about 45 years ago and have enjoyed a healthy happy life thanks to his skill and knowledge. I hope that his spirit lives on in other physicians that he mentored. My sincerest sympathies to his wife and family and thanks for what he meant to me and to others that were under his care.

Annette Jensen (nee Van Allen)

Kevin Nolan

July 15, 2018

As an anesthesiologist and a medical colleague, I had the pleasure of spending many hours with Dr Armstrong in the operating room at "the Civic". He was a superb surgeon. He operated with his hands, heart and brain. He was very conscientious, humble and a fantastic teacher. He arranged for many health care personnel from China to have extended visits to Canada. He leaves a rich legacy . He was tall in many ways. My condolences to his family. You can be very proud.

July 9, 2018

My condolences to Dr. Armstrong's family and friends. I was one of his Herrington rod patients in the 1970's. He was so kind and respectful. I had complete trust in him and have always remembered him. He left a lasting impression as one doesn't meet someone that special every day. I would go so far as to say his patients loved him, and I for one am sad to hear of his passing, but happy to know he lived such a long wonderful life. Thank you Dr. Armstrong and bless you. Lynda Purcell

Sue Dolan

July 7, 2018

A wonderful person - a true gentleman and a dedicated and talented surgeon!
It was always a good day working with him in the Operating Room at the Civic!
My sympathy to the Armstrong family.

Dominique Bourg

July 7, 2018

My sincere condolences to your family. Dr. Armstrong was a very special man. I am so glad that he was there for me when I needed him. He performed my surgery to correct scoliosis forty-six years ago and I have never forgotten him. Over the years, I have often thought of him with a great sense of gratitude. I was in a great deal of pain prior to surgery and he took all that away. He changed my quality of life. I am forever grateful for his skill, kindness and sense of humour and compassion.

Camyle Beaudry

July 6, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Armstrong Family.He performed one of his first Harrington procedure on me in the late 60's.He was so pleased with the results. I remember his kindness and great sense of humor.

Daniel Hayward

July 5, 2018

Our condolences to the family of Dr. Armstrong. He operated on my wife for scoliosis 40 years ago, and her memories of his kind bedside manner, compassion and skill have lasted as long as the rods he put into her back. He was a doctor who made a deep impression on his patients and did much good in the world.

Denyse Baizana

July 4, 2018

My condolenes to the Families...
Dr Armstrong was my doctor for decades. He will be greatly missed Another guardian angel to oversee his loved ones

Kathie Davidson

July 4, 2018

I too, want to express my condolences for your loss. Dr. Armstrong operated on my back to correct scoliosis in the early 1970s. I'm forever grateful to him. RIP Dr. Armstrong.

Linda Brisebois (nee Brown)

July 4, 2018

My deepest sympathy to the entire Armstrong family. I, like many others, was operated on by Dr. Armstrong to correct my scoliosis. He truly was a pioneer in his field and he shared his knowledge with countless others! Dr. Armstrong operated on my back in 1959 when I was 10 years old. Thanks to him, I have led a relatively normal life even giving birth to a healthy son who is now 42 years old. Thank you Dr. Armstrong for allowing me to live a normal life! RIP.

Merv & Marilyn Letts

July 3, 2018

Gordon was a mentor and a role model to many surgeons, myself included.He was a founding member of the Scoliosis Research Society of North America and made many contributions to the treatment and understanding of scoliosis. He will be remembered not only in Ottawa but around the world. It was a pleasure and an honor to have known him. Condolances to Molly, Doug and the Armstrong family. Per Ardua ad Astra. Merv & Marilyn Letts

Haisheng Zhao

July 3, 2018

My deepest condolence. Dr. Armstrong was a long time friend of China and he will be dearly missed. Thank you Dr. Armstrong for your friendship.

John Hickson

July 3, 2018

Dr. Armstrong treated me for severe scoliosis 43 years ago. For an eleven/twelve year old to spend so many months bed ridden in traction for two consecutive summers was very trying (no air conditioning at the Civic back then). He treated not only my back but my spirit with his kind encouraging words, happy personality and dry sense of humour. I've never had a problem with my back since and thought of him often this weekend whilst walking the golf course...thanks to good old Dr. Armstong.

Mary Moore

July 2, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Dr. Armstrong performed my scoliosis surgery in mid-1970s, and I've been forever grateful for his knowledge and skills. I would probably not be alive were it not for him.

Ann Hunt

July 1, 2018

My sincere condolences for your loss. I will be forever grateful for Dr. Armstrong for his skill & kind manner. He operated on my back to treat my scoliosis 48 years ago, as well as doing surgery on both knees. I have often thought of him through the years since.

T Newman

July 1, 2018

Dr Armstrong was my surgeon and I was under his care for many years. He was a gifted physician, but more importantly, a truly great soul.
May your family be comforted and healed in God's good time

Marc Davey

July 1, 2018

My deepest to your family...I was a patient of your father's thirty-three years ago. Fondly remember his demeanour, he cared about how he told his patients about their condition. He made me laugh to ease my concerns. I am grateful to his incredible work. Thank you, Dr. Armstrong.

Cathy Olmstead

July 1, 2018

I remember Dr. Armstrong well. He treated me for scoliosis in the early 1970's. He was always soft-spoken, and reassuring. I'm so very thankful to have been his patient.
My Sincere Condolences,
Cathy Olmstead

Karen Lubbers

June 30, 2018

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Dad did my scoliosis surgery back in 1979 at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Pleased to say, I've never had any further back problems. RIP Dr. Armstrong.

June 30, 2018

Dr Armstrong was my mentor in Orthopaedic during 6 months of my training,à great loss for the Orthopaedic community my condoléances to Ms Armstrong and family
JP Desjardins MD FRCSC

June 30, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Armstrong was my father's cousin (I believe) - Art Murray and I remember lots of stories from way back when. I remember visiting with the family and the wonderful times we had. On behalf of my brother Bill Murray and I, we want to express our condolences.

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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry - West Chapel

150 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 3T9

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August 10, 2018

Shelley S posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2018

Joe ONeil posted to the memorial.

July 16, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.