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John Edward BLUNDELL
John Edward BLUNDELL
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John BLUNDELL Obituary
John Edward Blundell M.D., (Cambridge) M.R.C.P., (Lond.) F.R.C.S. (Eng.), born in London, England October 2, 1920 to schoolteachers Ethel and Henry Blundell, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016 in Montreal. Predeceased by older brother Philip, wife Betty (nee Ball) and son Jeremy, Dr Blundell leaves to mourn daughters Jennifer (Gerald) and Cathy (George), and many friends and colleagues. Dr Blundell had an illustrious career spanning more than 30 years in Canada, the United States, England and Austria. His early career took him to roles as Staff surgeon for the Royal Army Medical Corps during WWII in the 48th British General hospital in Graz, Austria, to a Fellowship in Neurosurgery at the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago in 1955. It was during this time he was recruited by Dr Wilder Penfield to move to Montreal instead, where he was elected Assistant neurosurgeon at the Montreal Neurological Institute and lecturer in neurosurgery at McGill University in 1958. This was followed shortly thereafter by his appointment in October 1961 as Founding Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Montreal Children's Hospital, where he remained until his retirement 1990. It was there that his passion for treating children truly defined him as a world class surgeon, and gave him the most inspiration and joy. He was not only a surgeon, he was an avid, lifelong teacher and student, and believed that every day provided such opportunity. He was a flautist, playing regularly with friends until recently and loved classical music and opera - his favourite being Der Rosenkavalier. He enjoyed the family country home in Vermont where he spent his days sailing and reading, loved the challenges of cryptic crosswords and, when he retired at age 70, began studying Mandarin, fascinated by the language and Chinese culture. He will be well missed by his family and many friends around the world. The celebration of Dr Blundell's life will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 chemin de la Forêt, Outremont, Qc H2V 2P9 514 279-6540. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cause close to his heart, the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation.
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26 Entries
Joel Joseph
January 19, 2025
I was born with craniosynostosis and after my mom, a trained nurse, refused assurances that everything was fine and sought a second opinion, I was operated on by Dr. Blundell at 6 months old.
I was only a few short years ago that one f my customers, herself also a nurse, noticed my surgical scars and after confirming my age (my late 40s) and residence (a lifelong Montrealer) told me of the neurosurgeon who had performed the operation.
I was sad to see that he had passed away a few short years previously and I will always remember him.
Nicole Fleming
February 6, 2024
I only came to know the name of Dr. Blundell today as my Mom told me of the Doctor who saved my life when I was born with a deformed head and he performed a miracle on my skull my Mom said. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be alive. I wish I could have known his name sooner so I could have thanked him personally but, such is life. My sympathies to his family.
Keith Tibbitts
January 12, 2021
Uncle John was very kind to us when we stayed at his house during the summer of 1972. Keith & Cathy Tibbitts
Errolyn Rennie
March 31, 2019
Few days go by that I do not think of Dr. B with love and gratitude . I just returned from a visit in Florida where I visited with a friend who worked with me here at the Barrie Memorial Hosp.
I informed her that Dr. B had passed. Once again talked in great length about his role in Chelsea's life and how he would remain in our hearts for ever.
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garry kinney
December 31, 2016
Dr Blundell saved my life. I had a skull fracture as a kid and he operated on me and if I hadn't been operated on I would have be paralyzed from the waist down. He was such a kind soul and I met him when I was in my 20's again in Montreal near the Shriner Hospital. God Bless him.. He was my hero.
george nikiforos
May 20, 2016
rest in peace from an young boy whom you operated in the 80s .
Mary Alanna McQuillan
May 19, 2016
I was so saddened to find out that Dr. B. is no longer in our midst. I was a fresh out of nursing school new nurse on Neurosurgery, and had to prove myself to him before he would recognize me as 'one of his own'. Once I passed the very high standards he set for his nurses, he was behind me 150%. One time, after I had called a code on a young patient of mine, and the resuscitation team was about to intubate her and get her to the ICU, I had to stop them from doing so because this child was dying and was a "no code". Afterwards, Dr. B. called me into his office and I thought my career was over (only 5 months into it as I was), He said "You know Mary. She was not to be resuscitated, because she is dying, and this was the parents request, that their child should not suffer for no reason" I said "I know, dr. B. But her Mum had just fed her a baloney sandwich, and she choked on it, and I could not let her die from choking on a piece of baloney." He looked at me and said "I would have done exactly the same thing if I were you. You did well." My guilt was somewhat relieved about prolonging her life when she started to respond to her radiotherapy and went home, and rode her horse all summer long, and died only the following fall. And when she died, Dr. B. came to me and said "You did the right thing for her, Mary. Thank you!" He was the primary reason why my love , to this day, is pediatric neurosurgery..he was the best!
Gordon Lippiatt
April 8, 2016
Dr. Blundell basically cured me so I could grow in to the man I am today, with 4 children and two grandsons. I was a guest on his ward in the mid 60s for 6 weeks. After that a frequent visitor for the next two years. Rest in peace and Thank you.
Karen DiRaddo
April 8, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Blundell family especially to Jennifer. Dr. Blundell was a class act in all respects. He will surely be missed. May you rest in peace Dr. Blundell. It was a honor to have known you. Karen - Montreal General Hospital-MUHC
David, Valerie, Albert & William Delcloo
April 8, 2016
Our condolences to the family. May our friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time.
Cathy Macdonald
April 8, 2016
My Condolences to the Family
Dr.Blundell had operated on 2 of my boys in the 80's.
If not for his skills and caring person he was I don't think I would have been able to get through all of the surgeries my boys had.
Thank You
A life well lived
Rest in peace.
Colette
April 7, 2016
I light this candle in memory of you. The mutual respect we shared was so precious. We had so many good moments together. We could talk about anything or everything. I have worked with you for nearly 30 years. You were my boss, my colleague, my friend. You have thought me so much through all these years. All these opportunities you offered me to learn a bit more every day. You will always be a light for me. I will cherish our friendship for ever.
Kim Newman
April 7, 2016
I was extremely lucky to have had Dr. Blundell as my neurosurgeon in the 70's and 80's. Simply put, I owe the last 42 years of my life to him. He was a gifted surgeon and a caring and compassionate man. His tremendous legacy will live on in all of the many lives he touched. Thank you, Dr. Blundell.
April 6, 2016
Now Dr. Blundell is in heaven with his "golden oldie" former patient Brian McNaughton. We have kept in touch with Dr. B. over the past few years. He was such a supportive person for the medical profession to have. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Doug & Nancy McNaughton, Cornwall, ON
1963, Dr. John Blundell checks the lights in his new O.R.
April 6, 2016
Brian McNaughton, a patient of Dr.J. Blundell, had neurosurgery at the MCH in the early 1960's
April 6, 2016
Dr. Don Penney (1985) was a resident neurosurgeon under Dr. Blundell & Dr. Joe Stratford at MGH. Don also worked in the ER dept.in Cornwall
April 6, 2016
April 6, 2016
My dear Dr B; what do you say to the person who saved your life; thank-you just isn't enough. Because of you, I survived to become the person I was meant to be. Through 10 surgeries, hospitalizations, office visits you were always there. Coming to the fair was always a great part of the summer and of course,mustard beans! You were a great man, an amazing surgeon and someone I was priveledged to know. You have my love and gratitude always and I hope the girls know how special you were and I thank them for sharing you with us. Till we meet again; Jolly good.Chelsea
Brian McNaughton & Dr. Blundell at the MCH in May 1987
April 6, 2016
Errolyn Rennie
April 6, 2016
To Dr. Blundell's Family:
The gratitude that we have always felt for your Father will stay will us forever. He has played such an important part in Chelsea's life.
Constantin Polychronakos
April 6, 2016
As a pediatric endocrinologist, I shared with John the care of many children with hypothalamic-pituitary problems. I have to say that, of all the neurosurgeons I have met, he struck me as the one most knowledgeable and interested in the endocrine issues of his patients.
Rest in peace.
Bob Parent
April 6, 2016
Dr. Blundell took care of my son Bernie through very difficult times back in the mid-80's at the MCH. His expertise and bedside manner were second to none. I know I'm not alone in saying his wonderful person will be missed by a great many people. I am forever grateful for his being there when we needed him. Sincere condolences to the family. RIP, John.
Donna Stafford
April 6, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Blundell family.What a magnificent and interesting man. What a fabulous mind that never stopped learning and exploring.He was brilliant and confident as a surgeon,very calming and reassuring from a patients point of view. After knowing him for 43 years as his patient, I will miss him.
Sincerely, Donna Stafford
Susan McGuire
April 6, 2016
John Blundell was our next-door neighbour for more than 43 years. Along with his wife Betty, they were models of civility, consideration for others, and kindness. In the times when we called upon his professional expertise, he was marvellous, kind and reassuring, and what needed to be done was done. We shall miss him, and Montrose Avenue is much poorer for his passing. We are grateful for his long and productive life.
Michael Shevell
April 6, 2016
As both a pediatrics and neurology resident at the MCH during the late 1980s I had the opportunity to interact with Dr Blundell and can attest to his commitment to the care of children with neurosurgical issues.
Please accept my condolences on his death.
Michael Shevell
Jennifer L. Ferguson
April 6, 2016
Dear Blundell family,
I owe my life and so much more to Dr. John Blundell. I was his patient from approximately 1977 to 1990, and went on to fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer.. I am saddened by his death, but comforted by his longevity. It appears that his retirement years were stimulating and fulfilling. Godspeed.
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22025 Route Transcanadienne, Senneville, QC H9X 3L7
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