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GEORGE WILLIAM NELSON MULLIGAN, MD,  Obituary pic

GEORGE WILLIAM NELSON MULLIGAN, MD,

Born: Oct 12, 1926

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GEORGE WILLIAM NELSON MULLIGAN, MD, FRCS(c) Overcome with sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. G. William Mulligan. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Lillian (nee Olafsson); children, William (Linda), John (Tammy), Jill (Robert) and Bryan (Carla); grandchildren, Lori, Lonie, Khelie, Ryan, Kevin, Trevor, Tanner, Lexy, Layne, Kendall, Connor, Katie and Max. He will be missed by his sisters Linda and Audrey and their families. Also left to mourn are the children of his late brother who Dr. Mulligan and his wife Lillian helped raise during their formative years: Connor (Linda) and their children Sean, Scott, Jamie, Jera; Angela (Jeff), Jason, Holly; Kathy (Nino) and Jackie (Garth). Many nieces, nephews and friends were also foremost in his life, including Lars (Kathy) and their children Eric and Maria, and inturn will miss him deeply. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Jackie and Gerald, and beloved daughter Bonnie. Bill was born October 12, 1926, in Grandview, Manitoba, the eldest child of John George and Keturah (Kate) Mulligan. He had to leave school at a young age to assist his father, but with the guidance of Jack N. Belton, then principal of Grandview Collegiate, he returned to school to complete grade 12 and go on to university. Dr. Mulligan graduated with an M.D. from the University of Manitoba in 1955, and began to practice in Ste. Rose du Lac under Dr. R.L. Gendreau. He also practiced for three years in Neepawa during which time he purchased an airplane, obtained his pilot's license and learned to fly. Dr. Mulligan left practice in 1961, for postgraduate training in the United Kingdom at the University of Birmingham and the Birmingham Accident and Rehabilitation Hospital. He then completed his training at McGill University in Montreal. While at McGill he took the Master of Surgery Program and did pioneer research in clinical shock under Dr. Lloyd MacLean, Professor and Head, Department of Surgery. The program promoted the development of Surgical Intensive Care Units worldwide. His postgraduate training satisfied the requirements of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to sit for the Fellowship examinations in both General and Orthopedic surgery. He was awarded membership in the Royal College of Surgeons in the fall of 1969. . Subsequently, he returned to Winnipeg to the position of Head of the Emergency Department and surgical consultant to the Intensive Care Unit at Health Sciences Centre. As a proud member of the University of Manitoba Department of Surgery he rose to the rank of Associate Professor. Following training at the University of Southern California, Dr. Mulligan founded and directed the University of Manitoba Road Safety Research Unit (1973 to 1992) which conducted on scene investigations of road traffic collisions. For years he lobbied for mandatory seatbelt and motorcycle helmet use legislation, eventually introduced in 1984, by the Manitoba legislature. Following retirement from surgical practice he worked as a consultant to the Worker's Compensation Board, retiring in 2000. Bill and Lillian did not stop there, they went on to build and operate Hidden River Country House a Bed Breakfast and banquet facility in Middlechurch, West St. Paul. There he was able to enjoy his many guests, musicians and valued friendships with staff, especially Susan. G.W.'s interests included animal welfare and architecture, but his greatest passion was for music He was a member of the Assiniboia Concert Band and loved to see his grandchildren perform musically. He was convinced of the power of music to evoke the love that could cure the world's ills and did his best to support the local music scene. If music be the food of love, play on.... - William Shakespeare The Mulligan family invites friends and family touched by Bill's life to a celebration Monday, June 25 at Hidden River Country House, 3615 Main St. West St. Paul, MB, beginning at 3:00 p.m..

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2012

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • It was during his residency years at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal that I had the honour of working with Dr. Mulligan in the Intensive Care Unit that opened in the fall of 1964. The exciting pioneer research on shock was conducted, in part, in this unit. From my perspective as a nurse in this challenging unit, I appreciated Dr. Mulligan’s thoughtful and thought-provoking teaching of nurses as well as residents. The research on shock stimulated me to continue my education and pursue doctoral research training. Dr. Mulligan was truly a person who exhibited both the art and science of medicine. He was a remarkable man. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Ann Brown (Nurse, ICU, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal) on: Aug 16, 2013

  • It saddens me to read of Dr Mulligan's passing. In January of 1989 I 'met' Dr Mulligan on the surgical table at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. I was 17, at the time, and had suffered some grievous injuries in my hometown of Leaf Rapids, MB. Over the next few weeks, I came to know a little about the exceptional man in whose hands my care was now placed. His professionalism, courtesy, and respect were evident in every aspect of his care, without any judgements as to the self-inflicted nature of my injuries. But even above these outstanding qualities, Dr Mulligan had a natural kindness about him that seeped into every conversation or treatment I received from him. I never had the opportunity to truly thank this amazing man. Over the past 25 years I've tried to check-up on Dr Mulligan via the Internet and it deeply pains me to read of his passing. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues who have been enriched by Dr Mulligan's life. The second chance he gave me, so many years ago, is a gift that I cherish today and for the years yet to pass - Posted by: George Curtis (Former patient) on: May 30, 2013

  • I will always keep Dr Mulligan close to my heart. He touched my life in ways that I cannot describe. Thank you for all you have done for me. You will be missed. Love to Lillian and family. Colin Fonteyne - Posted by: Colin Fonteyne (Friend) on: Jun 29, 2012

  • I remember Dr Mulligan fondly from my years as a resident in orthopaedic surgery. A few years back I had the opportunity to meet him again when his son was in for an injury. He kindly gave me a priceless original book on the shoulder by Codman from 1934 which I shall forever treasure. Bill was a highly intelligent articulate individual who advanced the cause of road safety research in Manitoba. - Posted by: Dr Peter MacDonald (former resident) on: Jun 23, 2012

  • I am so happy that I had the chance to meet you and sing to you. I'll always remember you Uncle Bill. Love, Jenn - Posted by: Jenny-Lynn Lascano (Grandniece-in-law) on: Jun 21, 2012

  • My sympathy to the family. My Grandfather, Gerald Mulligan (Dr. Mulligan's older brother) spoke very fondly of his brother Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Jodi Maxwell~Lee (Relative) on: Jun 20, 2012

  • Pleasant to visit with. I remember the nice party Bill had for our class reunion, with Mr. Shannon's music. An accomplished doctor. - Posted by: Donald McBane (MD 55) (classmate) on: Jun 20, 2012

  • My heartfelt and deepest condolences to your family. I have wonderful memories of Granite Lake with the Mulligan's and the Dawson's and our card games, fishing, and just spending time together. Debbie Cleghorn Charlesworth - Posted by: Debbie Cleghorn Charlesworth (Friend of family) on: Jun 17, 2012

  • Dear Lillian, I will always remember and be grateful for that long ago summer in Montreal (1966) living with you and Bill and working at the Royal Vic. My sincere condolences to you. - Posted by: Marilyn Cottingham Shinyei () on: Jun 17, 2012

  • Uncle Bill, your magnificent light will shine over us all eternally. Thank you for saving so many lives, including mine. Love always. - Posted by: Kathleen Mulligan (Niece) on: Jun 17, 2012

  • I will miss my Grandpa dearly, he loved all equally and gave himself wholly to care for others. May you rest in the hands of the Lord Grandpa, Love Khelie - Posted by: Khelie Mulligan (Grandaughter) on: Jun 16, 2012

  • It it with fond memories and sadness I read of Dr. Mulligan's passing. I worked for Dr. Mulligan as a secretary for his Accident Research Team out of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba in the 1970's. He was extremely dedicated to his research in wanting to save lives by mandatory seat belts - choosing research over sleep deprivation. Sincere Sympathy to his family. - Posted by: Carol Peever (nee Kohut) (former employee) on: Jun 16, 2012

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