Obituary of Clinton Bruce Hatfield

Dr. Bruce, cherished husband, father, grandfather, friend and beloved physician died February 8, 2009 at the Bethany Care Centre with Kathleen, his wife of 55 years by his side. Mourning his death and treasuring his memory are Kathleen; their daughters Barbara, Kate, Linda and Sue; sons-in-law Rob Coles, Steve Osborne and Rick Smith; as well as grandchildren Nathan, Michael and Tim Coles, Jenna and Jake Osborne, Ben and Sarah Smith and Ellen and Matt Cusano. Bruce is also remembered by his in-laws Pat Hatfield, Joan and Ed Powell, Kathleen Welham and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Clinton and Florence (Hilton), step-mother Eleanor (Jost); brother Bob; and brother-in-law Dennis Welham. Bruce was a proud native Calgarian raised in the Hillhurst community. He was a graduate of Western Canada High School and the University of Alberta and did post-graduate work at the University of Minnesota and at Hammersmith Hospital in London, England. Bruce, along with his brother Bob, his partner in the practice of Internal Medicine for 33 years, pioneered in the areas of palliative care, medical ethics, and the teaching of family life and sex education. As a result of his professional initiatives and achievements, Bruce was the recipient of recognition and awards including Calgary’s Citizen of the Year (1970), the Premier’s Cup (1983), an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Calgary (1995) and most recently was chosen one of Alberta’s 100 Physicians of the Century (2005). Bruce’s insatiable curiosity, love of people and sense of adventure was expressed through extensive travel, trail riding in the Canadian Rockies, public speaking and photography. In addition to his medical career, he was actively involved in community service and the life and work of the United Church of Canada. His passionate social conscience and his willingness to think outside the box have had far reaching effects. Dr. Bruce will always be fondly remembered for his storytelling, big bear hugs and generous and welcoming spirit. Throughout his dignified journey with dementia, he continued to demonstrate his loving nature and taught us that personhood and soul are expressed beyond words and actions. For this and all he has meant to us, we are deeply grateful. A Service of Remembrance and a Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Ave. SW. Forward condolences through . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Naramata Centre, Box 68, Naramata BC V0H 1N0 or to Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, , In living memory of Bruce Hatfield, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.