Dr J.J. Sheahan referred to as "great soul and great man when memorial plaque unveiled at Lady Minto Hospital in 1963

When the Lady Minto Hospital honoured Dr. John Joseph Sheahan with a memorial plaque and officially opened the new childrens' ward in 1963. Rev. Gaston Lampron of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church  referred to him as a "great soul and great man' adding that the occasion  was a fitting tribute to his memory.

In dedicating the memorial plaque, Rev. J.G.M. Doolan of St. John's Anglican Church mentioned the affection and respect that Dr. Sheahan Was held since his arrival in 1907 in Chapleau until his death in 1942. Mr Doolan added it was in both his personal and professional life.

The memorial plaque was unveiled by Dr. Sheahan's daughter, Evelyn.

C.B. Greenlaw, chair of the hospital board welcomed the dignitaries who were present for the occasion on a day with "clear skies and pleasant temperatures which parallled carrying out the dedication service on the hospital lawns, according to Margaret Costello in the Sudbury Star.

Dignitaries included Evelyn, Dr. Sheahan's daughter;Ray Jessup, president of the Ontario Hospital Association; E.P. Everitt, CPR Superintendent; and Mrs. Lionel Nolan, a personal friend of Dr. Sheahan who had a long association with the hospital.

The Lady Minto Hospital was opened in 1914.Mr. Greenlaw outlined the history of the Lady Minto Hospital from 1914 when it was the only hospital between Sudbury and Fort William (now Thunder Bay.

Mrs Nolan commented that Dr. Sheahan's  "ready smile" won the hearts of young patients who considered him their hero"  

She added that until his death he was not only a physician but " but counsellor, father and friend. He was always available in time of need."

Mr, Everitt of the CPR said that every word he had heard would not bring out all the greatness that Dr. Sheahan possessed. His medical practice through the north country was very difficult and he travelled by dog team and horses and sleigh as his transportation.. As an aside the good people of Chapleau had bought him a Ford  to take him around town.

Dr Sheahan 1940 Carnival King, Ina Robinson, Charles Reid, Walter Leigh

Visits to the new childrens' wing were conducted by Mrs. Frances Burrows, Mrs. William Grinton, Mrs. Ross Pellow, Mrs Richard Avison,and Mrs. J.R. Keddie.

There were already young patients in the new wing which was complete in every detail.

The guests then returned to the hospital lawn for refreshments. Pouring tea was Mrs. Elsie Wilkinson, one of the first matrons at Lady Minto Hospital. Many of us will remember Mrs. Wilkinson as the school nurse.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca