DR. FRANK BENNETT PEARSON MD., FRCPC

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DR. FRANK BENNETT PEARSON MD., FRCPC Frank was born April 19, 1926 in Toronto, Ontario and passed away March 28, 2009 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 82. He was predeceased by wives Ruth and Muriel, as well as children Lyn and Paul. He is survived by daughters Kim (Doug Peterson) and Sandy (Colin Urwin); grandchildren Becky and Katey Peterson, Hailey and Charlie Urwin, Phil, Jil and Nick Pearson. Frank graduated with a degree in Medicine from the University of Manitoba in 1950 where he met Ruth. They had a family practice together until her death in 1960. He continued in family medicine until 1967 when he decided to alter course and follow his interest in Psychiatry, announcing to his family that he was going back to school. One year later, in 1968, he married Muriel who supported and helped him through his years of study and into his career until her death in 1981. He attained his degree in Psychiatry in 1971 and began practice at Selkirk Mental Health Centre (SMHC), where he devoted great effort to institute change for patients and staff. Over the years he became Clinical Director of SMHC, President of Medical Staff, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, member of the Medical/Nursing Liaison Committee and Chief Negotiator for Government Employed Doctors, where he quite enjoyed the fight for the benefit of his colleagues. Frank was also a proud member of the Fort Garry Horse as a Major and a Medical Officer in the reserves where he made many lifelong friends. Later, in 1973 he became a member of the Fort Garry Horse Senate. He was elected President of the Manitoba Medical Association in 1981 and served on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Medical Association from 1982 to 1983. He retired from SMHC in 1988 and started a private practice in Selkirk, Manitoba where he worked until his retirement in 2002, after more than 50 years of medical practice. His love of medicine and his work led him to advise everyone from then on to never retire . Frank also loved his summers at Lester Beach and enjoyed finding new recipes, never turning down a good meal prepared on the barbeque. He was a connoisseur of wine and loved discussing the merits of a good bottle over a good bottle. He also loved his winter vacations to any place warm. There was always a special place in his life for the opera, whether listening to Saturday Afternoon at the Opera on CBC or attending the Manitoba Opera Association productions, where he rarely missed a performance since its inception. Thank you to the home care staff, especially Sylvia and Barbara, who cared for Frank in the manner he allowed. Thanks also to the staff of 3E at Riverview for their compassion and care in recent weeks. Finally, thanks to Dr. John Rabson who was there when we needed him. Cremation has taken place. No funeral service will be held. Family and friends are invited to Rae and Jerry's, 1405 Portage Avenue, on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to share memories and raise a glass to Frank. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba at 200-6 Donald Avenue, R3L 0K6. I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way - Frank

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2009