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FLETCHER DRURY BARAGAR
Born: May 12, 1927
Date of Passing: May 05, 2022
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FLETCHER DRURY BARAGAR
(May 12, 1927 – May 5, 2022)
Dr. Fletcher Drury Baragar passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.
He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick Drury Baragar and Edith Anne Baragar (nee Robertson); his sister Peggy Sanders (nee Baragar); his brother Michael Baragar and his beloved wife Mary Louise Baragar (nee Bell).
He is survived by his children, Fletcher David, Anne (Frances), Ian (Valdine), Heather and Alan; his grandchildren, Daniel, Emily (Marcos), George, Soffia (Sebastian), Ingrid (Ryan), Brigitte (Hayden), Signy, Jennie (Jakob), Matthew, Fletcher Bryce and by his great-granddaughter Celeste.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Fletcher attended Earl Grey School and Kelvin High. After graduation, he began post-secondary studies at United College, graduating with a B.A. in 1948, and then earning a B.A. (Hons) from the University of Manitoba in 1949. Medicine, however, was his true calling. He enrolled as a medical student at the University of Manitoba, graduating with an M.D. in the class of 1955. It was during his time as a medical student, that he was introduced to Mary Louise Bell, a nursing student who obtained her R.N. in 1952. It was the perfect match. They married in 1953 and, two years later, celebrated the birth of their first child. By the end of 1963, five children inhabited the Baragar household.
Specialising in rheumatology, Fletcher's post-graduate training included a two-year stint in Edinburgh, Scotland. Upon his return to Winnipeg in 1960, he resumed practice, primarily at the Winnipeg General and St. Boniface Hospitals, and then after 1963, at the newly constructed Manitoba Rehabilitation Hospital. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1962 and joined the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba in 1963. He worked hard to secure the necessary resources for the treatment of patients suffering from arthritis, and to encourage students and new graduates to consider a career in this branch of medicine. In 1972, he was appointed Director of the University of Manitoba Rheumatic Disease Unit at the Health Sciences Centre, a position he held for ten years, and then, after a four-year reprieve, for an additional six years. In 1994, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada honoured him with the Region 2 Regional Award (often referred to as 'the unsung hero award') "for his outstanding contributions as a medical educator and for his contributions to the community." He retired in 1997, at the age of 70.
Fletcher's activities and interests extended well beyond medicine. He was very fond of music. He loved to sing, and did so in school glee clubs, church choirs, the Bison Men's Chorus, the Joie de Vivre senior choir, and at countless Sunday 'Sing Songs' and impromptu home gatherings with family and friends. He was, for many years, a supporter and member of the congregation of the United Church and of the Winnipeg Rotary Club and served on the Board of Regents of the University of Winnipeg. He liked to curl and for many years skipped a rink at the Wildwood Club in Fort Garry. He enjoyed playing both chess and bridge and was not without skill in either. He was an avid reader, devouring the daily newspaper, weekly news magazines and, during holidays, a range of escapist paperbacks.
He also loved the outdoors, and especially the lake country in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. His parents were among the first cottagers at Winnitoba, and Fletcher grew up spending his summers at 'the lake.' Ever since, there was, for Fletcher, no place he would rather be. A new cabin followed shortly after the arrival of their first child, and Fletcher and Mary Louise were soon fixtures of the lake community. He averred that a morning swim and a bowl of porridge was the best way to begin the day, and he adhered to that regimen well into his 80s
Fletcher was always at ease with other people. He genuinely enjoyed their company and loved to tease and joke. Few were spared, and newcomers were often caught unawares. He was, though, invariably generous with his time and could be counted on for assistance or support whenever and wherever it was needed.
In his final years, Fletcher resided at the Riverview Health Centre. The family would like to extend their thanks and sincere appreciation to the medical and support staff at Riverview for the superb care they provided for Fletcher during that period.
Donations in memory of Fletcher can be made to the Arthritis Society or to United Way Winnipeg.
A memorial service and celebration of Fletcher's life will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg. For the health and safety of all of our guests, at the family's request, please wear face masks.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: May 28, 2022
FLETCHER DRURY BARAGAR
1927 -2022
On Friday, May 5, 2022 at Riverview Health Centre, Dr. Fletcher Baragar passed away at the age of 94 years.
Arrangements are pending.
A longer obituary notice to follow.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: May 7, 2022
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2022, May 28, 2022
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Alan Sorry to hear about your dad I remember meeting him and he was actually quite funny. Those days at your cottage were special and I recall how you said that was his refuge from the hard work he did. I hope he is enjoying a similar landscape in the her after. As you know my mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and his work touched our family… - Posted by: george giesbrecht (Friend of family ) on: May 27, 2023
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Fletcher and I were colleagues at the U of M and Health Sciences Centre. I was an Orthopaedic Surgeon and we often consulted each other on difficult arthritic patients. Fletcher was an excellent Rheumtologist and an enjoyable individual to work with. He made a positive difference. It was a pleasure to have known him! Condolences to his family. Merv Letts MD FRCSC - Posted by: Dr R Merv Letts (Colleague in the Health Care Field) on: Dec 12, 2022
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Fletcher and I sang together in the baritone section of the Bison Mens Chorus for years. I will always remember his sense of humour as we rtruggled with some of the difficult pieces. I remember the director once asking the choir, "What will it take to get you to stop making that mistake"? Fletcher was heard to mutter "death"! , - Posted by: Tom Jones (Friend) on: Jun 30, 2022
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Dr. Baragar, Uncle Fletch or to his Children, Dad. A great inspiration, source of amusement and a little fear as was deserved in my teenage years. He taught me sailing on his fireball, how to skin a rabbit, and how to win the last piece of pie following a family dinner...and then pass it on to a guest. Living a long life may ease the heart but can also raise emotions from getting to know the true heart and ones character over 30, 40, 50, 60 years and on. And then is heard no more. I have a tear in my eyes but a more powerful grin. I loved the afternoons I made puzzles with Uncle Fletch when in Lindenwoods. It was just fun, with his playful nature and fascinating character. Until hunger set in and then it was time out. As it should be. I have hundreds of warm, fun and loving memories. - Posted by: Bruce Buelow (Nephew) on: Jun 28, 2022
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I was a patient of Dr. Barager's around 1973. He examined me and I was checked into the Rehab that day. I spent 3 weeks in the Rehab Hospital recovering from my illness. He treated me well. My condolences to his family on his passing. - Posted by: grant wichenko (former patient) on: Jun 10, 2022
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My deepest sympathy on the lost of a remarkable man whose dedication to the community was outstanding. Having taught Ian's wife, Valdine Anderson in elementary school, I have been very involved in the music community wth Valdine and her musical parents. May the many cherished memories of you both and your four daughters with Dr. Fletcher help sustain you in the future. With deepest condolences and prayers, Morna-June - Posted by: Morna-June Morrow (Long time acquaintance of daughter-in-law, Valdine Anderson Baragar) on: May 31, 2022
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My heartfelt condolences to everyone on the loss of this wonderful man. It was my privilege as a team member connected to the RDU, to work alongside the Chief. as I called him, for many years, and to be able to count him and Mary Lou as friends. Dr. Baragar's unfailing dedication, empathy, and compassion for all those he cared for was outstanding. His kind manner and sense of humour lifted everyone into happier places. His devotion to teaching about Rheumatology and his willingness to mentor were invaluable to many. He was notorious for not being on time for things like meetings or clinics, with two exceptions: Thursday morning rounds because we fed him and leaving on Friday afternoons to catch the train to his beloved cottage. He was so very proud of his family and I enjoyed hearing all the stories and getting to know a few of you. My thoughts are with you all knowing that good memories will keep him forever in all of our hearts. Rest in peace Chief - it was an honour to know you. - Posted by: Chris Penhall ( Ont.) (Former Colleague and friend) on: May 29, 2022
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Deepest sympathies to all of the Family. I had the privilege of working with Dr. B on the Rheumatic Disease Unit. He was one of the best physicians I have ever worked with and I learned so much from him - not only through his deep knowledge of Rheumatology and associated disease but also by his high regard for the inter-professional team and his kind and compassionate ways with every single patient. Forever in my mind is a picture of his big strong hand gently wrapped around the arthritic hand of one of his patients, committing that he would do everything possible to get them feeling well again. RIP Dr B. - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Colleague) on: May 29, 2022
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So sorry to hear of Dr. Baragar’s passing. I worked as a secretary for him in the 70s and he was always so kind to me. I have very fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Terry Mages (Employee) on: May 28, 2022
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Sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Barrager...I worked with him at the Rehab Hosp in the 70's. He was a kind man and a great doctor. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Deb Isfeld (Former Nurse's Aide at Rehab Hosp ) on: May 28, 2022
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So sorry to hear of Fletcher’s passing. He was a good friend to my husband Bill and I for many years. Besides being a wonderful doctor he had a great sense of humour and was a loyal and lasting friend. - Posted by: Helen Norrie (Friend ) on: May 14, 2022
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To all of the Winnipeg Baragars (as we have always affectionately referred to you), Uncle Fletch truly was a special man filled with wit and humour. He and my dad, Bob Baragar, seemed more like close brothers. I know the limited time they were able to spend together was treasured. I have fond memories of visiting and spending time at the Lake. Mine and my daughter, Claire's first fishing experience was in a canoe on Lake Marion, just off Fletcher Island. Our deepest condolences to you all, Geoff Baragar and family - Posted by: Geoff Baragar (Cousin) on: May 10, 2022
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David, Anne, Ian, Heather, Allan; Sorry to hear about your father. He was such a great man, he and my father always had great fun together at the lake. Never knew what those two characters would get up to. They sure loved exploring the back country at the lake. - Posted by: Sandra Holder (Cousin) on: May 07, 2022
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