ARTHUR HENRY POVAH

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ARTHUR HENRY POVAH March 6, 1920 - August 1, 2001 Dedicated physician, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Art passed away peacefully at home at Hawthorne Park amongst his friends and family. Born in Winnipeg, MB to Mable and Arthur Henry Povah Sr. Art grew up in Kelowna with his brother Bruce and his sister Mary Margaret. Art had many fond memories of his early life in Kelowna but his ambition was to become a doctor and he returned to Winnipeg to pursue his dream. He graduated in the medical class of 1945. Art was drafted into the army where it was discovered that he had contracted tuberculosis. He spent the following year in the St. Boniface Sanatorium and developed his lifelong interest in tuberculosis and diseases of the lung. While in the sanatorium, he lost his brother who died in Africa on May 25, 1945 and he married the love of his life, Isobel Bilton, on December 31, 1945. Once out of hospital, he continued to work with tuberculosis - first at Ninette Sanatorium and then at the Brandon Sanatorium. He pursued postgraduate training in Winnipeg and Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Although he had always intended to return to Kelowna, his new wife Isobel was a Manitoban and they stayed close to her roots. Despite severe damage to his lungs from tuberculosis he worked long hours, always putting the needs of others ahead of his own, always the one to whom family and friends would turn in times of trouble. As the scourge of tuberculosis was brought under control and the need for sanatoriums passed, he went on to meet the next challenges of lung disease, caring for the many victims of the tobacco industry. Before the help of organized ICU he would personally ensure that his patients were cared for after surgery. He served for many years as Chief of Staff at Brandon General Hospital. Despite his hard work, he was always dedicated to his family. If he couldnt be there because of work, Isobel always ensured that his presence was felt. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Isobel; as well as his daughter Barbara Tisdale (Rob) of Winnipeg; son Bruce (Carole) of Kelowna; grandchildren, Christine Davis (Lee), Mark Tisdale (Margaret), Cheryl, Andrew, and Julia Povah. He is survived also by his sister Mary Parker and her husband John of Vancouver. He also loved his friends and was as dedicated to them as he was to his patients. He loved to golf with them and was also there for them in times of trouble. He was greatly saddened by the passing of his two good friends, Fred and Bill. By the time he retired from the medical practice, he was 71 and had to fight his own medical battles. Prior to his retirement, most of his patients had no idea of his age. Shortly after retiring, he returned to Kelowna. He said that he had finally brought his bride home. And he did. He met the trials of his last years with dignity. He hung on for as long as he could. He will be sadly missed but always remembered by the many he helped along the way. Special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff who have looked after Art over the years and especially to the dedicated staff at Hawthorn Park and Orchard Manor who cared for him in his last days. "If one man has breathed more easily because I have lived, then my life will have been worthwhile."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2001