DR. SAMUEL BELLAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. SAMUEL BELLAN April 2, 1914 - February 21, 2005 After a short illness, Dr. Samuel Bellan passed away suddenly on February 21 at his home in Winnipeg. He attended local North End schools and graduated from St. Johns Technical School. In 1934 he earned his BA degree from the University of Manitoba - St. John's College. He graduated with a degree in medicine from The University of Manitoba Medical College in 1940. He spent a year as resident at the old St. Joseph's Hospital. He enlisted in 1942 with the RCAF as a medical officer and was discharged in 1946. After leaving the forces he went into private practice and cared for his patients for more than 60 years. He loved athletics and sporting events and was proficient at speed skating, swimming, golfing, tennis, and curling and continued most of these activities into his early 80s. He was also a great bridge player and enjoyed playing at the Glendale Country Club. Sam was proud of a personal letter from the Director of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba expressing esteem at the high standard of his office and hospital charts during a survey conducted in 1995. He was married to Marjorie Tallman on November 4, 1951. They built their home one year later on the east bank of the Red River and lived there while raising a family of four sons and one daughter. Sam always had great compassion for his patients and long after many doctors stopped making house calls, he continued. He always found time to ease their pain and problems and was a truly empathetic man. He often felt that one of the most important parts of medicine was listening to people. He believed medicine was an art as well as a science. He was the doctor other doctors went to when they needed care. He was proud of the fact that he never missed a day at his clinic because of illness. He loved medicine and was still making house calls and caring for people up to the time of his death. Sam's curiosity and love of learning never stopped. He was always open to new ideas and loved a good debate. He leaves to mourn his wife Marjorie; children, Phillip (Debra), Jerry (Rhonda), Murray (Robyn) and Loralie. He was predeceased by his son David. He also leaves to mourn, six grandchildren, Marnie, Lane, Jamey, Joshua, Isaac and Michael; many nephews and nieces and many friends. Dad, you'll live in our hearts forever. We all love you. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 24 at Congregation Etz Chayim Synagogue, 123 Matheson. Interment will take place at the Rosh Pina Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a donation to the charity of your choice would be welcome.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2005