Obituary of Donald Ramsay

Donald (Don) Ramsay, of Calgary, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2005 at the age of 92 years. Born in New Glasgow, NS, on April 13, 1913, Don spent his younger years in the Maritimes, graduating from Dalhousie University with a medical degree in 1938. After post-graduate studies at McGill University, he trained at Montreal General Hospital, where he met Mary. Don served in the Canadian Army during World War II, and subsequently moved his young family to Calgary where he practiced medicine at the Calgary Associate Clinic until his retirement in 1977. He pioneered new techniques in surgery at both the Rockyview and Holy Cross hospitals, and was known for his kindness and compassion. For many years, Don held the position of Chief of Surgery at the Holy Cross Hospital, displaying a sensitivity and insight that brought great respect from his peers and all of the hospital staff. Don created many joyous memories throughout the years at his beloved cottage in Windermere, BC, where he sailed, windsurfed, skied and worked in the gardens with his family. His leisure time was never idle; he was infamous for his brand of home grown engineering skills, and there were always construction projects or major maintenance under way. He spent his retirement winters at their home in Sun Lakes, AZ, golfing and enjoying good friends. Don will be greatly missed by all who were touched by his caring, kind, and giving nature and his incredible sense of humour. He is survived by Mary, his wife of sixty-three years; their five children, son Jim (Sheryl) and his children, Shannon (Mike), Todd (Ashley) and Katryna, son Bob (Diane) and their children, Janice Lochhead (George) and Brock (Kristen), with great-grandsons, Eric and Alex Lochhead, daughter Trish Guenette (Roland) and their children, Paul, Genevieve, Emily and Madeleine, son Allan (Lynette) and son Ray (Shelley) and their daughters, Brittney and Breanne. Devoted to his family and friends, Don spent his life serving and caring for others. The family wish to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Glen Gould, Mr. Fred Pineda, and the staff and friends at Eau Claire Retirement Residence for their friendship, kindness to, and caring of, Don. In celebration of Don’s life, Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, August 19, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110. In living memory of Don Ramsay, 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.