DWIGHT PARKINSON,

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DWIGHT PARKINSON, Dr. F.R.C.S.(C) On Tuesday, February 1, 2005 Dwight passed away peacefully, with family present, at the Grace Hospital. Libby, the love of his life for 63 years could not be at his side. Dwight was a loving and generous father to his four children, Graeme, Gerald, Terrence and Robert who survive him. He is also survived by the joy of his later years, his grandchildren, Andrew, Rebecca, Kara and Chelsea. Dwight was born in Boise, Idaho on May 14, 1916, the youngest child of Lucy and Dana Parkinson. He attended Dartmouth College where he was a member of the ski team and authored his first book on competitive figure skating, graduating in 1938. He attended McGill University in Montreal where he met his future wife, Elizabeth H. Gaunt at the Westmount Skating Rink. Many happy years, Figure Skating Dance Championships and a distinguished career followed. Dwight obtained his degree in Medicine from McGill University in 1941, and a Master of Science in Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota in 1949. His training was interrupted by the war where he served with distinction as a Battalion Surgeon with the 104th Division in France, Belgium and Holland. He rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded two bronze stars. Dwight completed his surgery residency at Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover New Hampshire in 1946 and his neurosurgery residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 1946 to 1949. He brought his young family to Winnipeg just before the great flood of 1950 and filled a need in Manitoba as the only Neurosurgeon for many years. He was certified F.R.C.S.(C) in 1951 and by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1952. Dr. Parkinson was appointed Chief, Section of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences Centre which encompassed the Winnipeg General Hospital, Children's Hospital, Rehabilitation Hospital, Women's Centre, and Psychiatric Hospital, and also held this position in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba from 1957 until 1981. His contributions to the Neurosurgery scene have been many over the years, most notably the practical Simultaneous Stereo AP and Lateral Rapid Serial Cerebral Angiography equipment, developed in conjunction with the Picker X-ray Company and Dr. A.E. Childe; the Neurosurgical Headholder and Cassette Changer providing Intraoperative Rapid Serial Angiography; his description and naming of the anastomotic arteries between the two parasellar portions of the internal carotid artery; and the description of the relationship of the cranial nerves in the parasellar region, The Triangular Space. He is perhaps best known for his approach to the Direct Repair of Carotid Cavernous Fistula with Preservation of the Carotid, a method which paved the way for further development. Dwight's teaching and research at the Anatomy Department of the University of Manitoba continued after his retirement from neurosurgery, right into the week of his death, during his 89th year. In addition to being the First President of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society he has served as Past President for the Knowles School for Boys, Police and Pal, Winnipeg Medical Society, Winnipeg Medical Historical Society, Rehabilitation Hospital Staff, St. Charles Country Club, Manitoba Golf Association, Canadian Society of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Manitoba Chapter; and former Governor for the Manitoba Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, as well as for the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Dwight was also an International Figure Skating Judge from 1955 to 1969, judging many Canadian and World Championships often together with Libby. Dwight enjoyed his recreational pastimes of skating, golf, skiing, bridge, tennis and piano to the fullest. Of his extensive volunteer work, he perhaps enjoyed the most his time helping the junior golfers of Manitoba, which led to his lifelong friendship with valued golfing partners, Dave and Steve. A generous supporter of the ballet, theatre and symphony, Dwight was a world-wide ambassador for Winnipeg's cultural offerings as he attended medical conventions, symposiums and figure skating competitions. He was a dedicated volunteer as a club doctor for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 1950's and 1960's, and was a season ticket holder from the days in Osborne Stadium until his death. So many Western Canadians owed their lives and good health to Dwight's excellence in his field and devotion to healthcare. Dwight never thought much of his of personal accomplishments but rather valued most highly every moment he could spend with his friends, colleagues and family. The family gives special thanks to Dr. Cummings and Dr. Wiatrowski. In accordance with Dwight's wishes a private family ceremony for interment will take place. Also in accordance with Dwight's wishes, Dwight's colleagues, friends and friends of the family are invited to a reception celebrating his life at the St. Charles Country Club, Monday, February 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2005