John HUCKELL

HUCKELL, Dr. John Richmond
John died peacefully at home on July 1, 2014 with his wife of 27 years, Sally, by his side. John was born in Edmonton on February 6, 1928 and grew up in Edmonton with his parents, Dr. Graham Robert Huckell and Opal Jean Huckell (nee Travis) and brother, Robert, who predeceased him and sister, Mary Lund (George) of Sudbury, Ontario. After attending Strathcona High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta and his medical degree from McGill University. He completed his post-graduate orthopaedic training at Harvard's program located at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He loved Edmonton and returned in 1960 to raise his family with his first wife Truda (who predeceased him in 1985), and their four children, Sharon Bowes (Tim), of Calgary; Graham (Colleen) of Buffalo, John of Edmonton and Cameron also of Buffalo. Upon returning, he entered private practice in Orthopaedic surgery with his father and partner Cooper Johnson, and later with Cooper's son, William Johnson. During his career he primarily worked out of the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton where he was Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery from 1978 to 1986. When he retired from surgery at 65, he continued working with the Worker's Compensation Board as a medical consultant where he was able to continue until he was 82 when leukaemia forced him to retire.
He was proud of his family and enjoyed the time he shared with his children and Sally's children, Christopher Knowlton (Lissette) of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Katherine Soares (Matt) of Boston. He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren. John believed in contributing to the community and organizations in which he belonged, having served as President of organizations such as the Alberta Orthopaedic Association, the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Mayfair Golf and Country Club.
I give you the end of a golden string
Only wind it into a ball
It will lead you in at Heaven's Gate
Built in Jerusalem's Wall
- William Blake
John and Sally wished to thank the doctors, staff and volunteers of the Cross Cancer Clinic for all the help he received after contracting the disease. A cremation has taken place. In order to accommodate family, a service will be delayed until August 21, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Christ Church, 12116 – 102nd Avenue, Edmonton. In lieu of other tributes we suggest that donations be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
To send condolences, please visit: www.connelly-mckinley.com