Dr. WILLIAM JOHN CAMPBELL MacARTHUR

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Dr. WILLIAM JOHN CAMPBELL MacARTHUR M.D., F.R.C.S.,(C), F.A.C.S., M.B.E., RCAF Squadron Leader, Second World War Peacefully at "the farm" north of Oakville, after a battle with cancer, on Monday, April 2, 2001, in his 88th year. Husband of Dorothy (Toots), his beloved wife of 60 years. Wonderful Dad to Judy and Fergus Chapman, Cam Jr. and Leah, Heather and Ian Blakelock and Jamie and Terry. Revered "Grump" to his 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his sisters, Isabel of Winnipeg and Olive of Port Hope. After attending the University of Manitoba he studied medicine at McGill, graduating in 1938, and he remained a proud alumnus. At McGill he captained the football team and was later named to the all-star team of the half century. After spending a year at the Mayo Clinic he interrupted his career to serve as medical officer with RCAF Spitfire squadrons in England. Wounded during the D-Day landing, he recuperated and returned to serve as a medical officer at Carpiquet airbase in France. He was twice mentioned in dispatches. Upon his return to Canada he joined the medical staff at the Toronto Western Hospital. In 1946 he set up his medical practice in Oakville. He helped found the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in 1950, becoming successively its Chief Of Surgery and Chief of Staff. Through the years he mentored many young doctors and nurses. He retired in 1976 but, until very recently, continued his daily appearances at OTMH with cheerful greetings and encouragement for patients and staff alike, and maintaining his reputation for whistling as he walked the halls. A committed Rotarian throughout his working life, he was twice named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a friend to a generation of Appleby College students while he was the school physician from 1946 to 1972. He also served on the board of the school. In 1970 Cam and Dorothy first visited the Island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands where Cam took a three month locum for a vacationing physician. So began a 30 year association with the BVI where "Doc", as he was known, assisted the medical and dental community by mentoring and sourcing equipment. He arranged for the Oakville Rotary Club to fund travel for a number of BVI children to Toronto for specialized medical treatment. He was named an Honorary Belonger in recognition of his contribution to the Islands and was further recognized in 1985 when he was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Cam and Dorothy travelled the world with their wide circle of very good friends. Measuring laughs per mile, they got full value from these excursions. They loved Georgian Bay where they spent time with friends and family, fished and played cards. Cam always drew the right card but usually let Toots catch the biggest fish. He was an eager supporter of all family functions, travelling the continent to attend reunions and weddings. He rarely missed his childrens and grandchildrens horse shows, swim meets, soccer, football, rugby, hockey and baseball games. To these events he brought his partisan support and was quick to set the officials straight when they erred in their judgment! We will miss his keen mind, his insight, his gentle, gracious manner, his caring nature, his mischievous sense of humour and his support. We have lost our hero. Avoirdupois old friend. Visitation at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville, ON, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday. Funeral service 2:00 p.m. Friday at St. Judes Anglican Church, 160 William St., Oakville. Cremation. Our thanks go to the marvellous medical men and women in Oakville, Toronto and Virginia who provided treatment and encouragement over the past two and one-half years. Donations please to the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital which was such a big part of his life and to which he contributed so much.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2001