Harry Vernon DONALDSON

DONALDSON, Harry Vernon
February 12, 1932 – Calgary, Alberta
December 17, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Harry Vernon Donaldson passed away on Sunday December 17, 2017 at the Foothills Medical Centre surrounded by his family. He was born in Calgary, AB February 12, 1932 to Elva and Leroy Donaldson. Harry was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife of 66 years, Fay; son Scott Byron; Brother, 2 Sisters; many wonderful brother and sisters-in-law and a beloved niece and nephew. He is survived by his son Brad, Daughters Sharon Brick (Darrel), Gay (Dennis) Amen; Sisters Myrla Matthews, D. Skye; Brother-in-law Lyle (Gill) Pittman; Sisters-in-law Marion Murray, Norma Schuler, Carol Farrow; Grandsons Kevin Donaldson, Nicholas Amen; Granddaughters Corie (Brett) Kennedy, Kristyn Brick; Great-grandson Jack Kennedy and 34 nieces and nephews.
Harry attended Connaught junior high school where he met his future wife Fay (Pittman). He went on to graduate from Calgary Central High School with a Governor- General's medal and scholarship. On September 8, 1951 he married his school sweetheart, Fay in Banff, AB and went onto have 4 beautiful children. Harry attended U. of A and graduated in 1956 with a B.Sc. and M.D. He obtained his C.R.C.P. (anaesthesia) in 1960. Affectionately known as "Dr. D" Harry went on to have an extensive and impressive career with many achievements. Harry did original research at U. of S Hospital (1958-59) on the effect of various anaesthetics on the pulmonary circulation. He served as Department Head at Alberta Children's Hospital for 10 years as well as Department Head at Calgary General Hospital for 6 years. He was involved with many evolutionary medical feats such as giving the anaesthetic for Dr. G. Miller when he did Calgary's first intracardiac pacemaker; as well as for Dr. L. Logan when he did the first electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. He also convinced the psychiatric community to use light general anaesthetic before inducing E.C.T. He helped Dr. D. Blair (Western Canada's 1st physiatrist) set up a procedure for releasing contractures in M.S. patients. In conjunction with Dr. Y. Nip and Dr. M. Ishii, Harry helped set up a mini "school" for nurses interested in inhalation therapy. Due to Dr. Ishii's efforts, this program eventually morphed into S.A.I.T's Respiratory Technology Course. Harry helped convince the C.G.H Board to keep the post-op recovery room open 24/7 making it only the second hospital in Alberta to do so. As a sub-specialty, he did a lot of work on chronic pain; using nerve blocks primarily. In 1976, along with a group of dentists, established the North Calgary Surgical Centre, an out-patient day care facility. He served as Medical Director and Chief Anaesthetist for 17 years.
"Car Crazy" from a very young age (bought his first car at age 14) he owned several high performance cars. His favorite, however was a factory ordered 1965 Mustang fast back, which he kept for 38 years. He was an avid curler, which he enjoyed doing so for over 50 years. He and his wife Fay were chartered members of the Calgary Winter Club. In 1976 he graduated from the Mount Royal School of Aviation and eventually became a one third owner of a Piper Comanche 250, in which he enjoyed nearly 500 hours of flying. In 1973, he and his family obtained a lease on a property at Crimson Lake and continued to enjoy the "Lake-side Lifestyle." Harry was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and friend. He was humble, kind, talented, generous, an idol to many and a true gentleman. It is difficult to put into words the life of someone who gave so much, yet expected so little. He will be loved and missed by all who have been lucky enough to have known him.
Thank you to the Foothills and staff of Ward 32. A special thank you to nurse Sheldon who stopped to truly listen and care and graciously gave Harry "the most peaceful day of his life." You truly became a part of our family that day and for that, we are eternally grateful.
He has gone on to find his love again so that they may continue their "Farry" tale.
To respect his wishes, there will not be a service.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Harry Donaldson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.