As I reflected this past week or so on nine years of writing Chapleau Moments, it has taken me into the mothballs of my memory about the people, life and times of the community that I have shared with you as well as articles written by others who have captured some "moments".
On my journey, I discovered a wonderful article by Dr. Roy Marquardt about Dr. G.E. 'Ted' Young but before I share some details, let me tell you about the birth of Chapleau Moments.
I received an email from Mario Lafreniere, the publisher of the Chapleau Express asking if I would like to write a column. I agreed but in all honesty I thought I may have enough material for about six months. Nine years later, on June 18 when the first column appeared I realize I have still just scratched the surface.
Although many people have provided assistance over the years, which I greatly appreciate, at the risk of forgetting someone, I will mention only three: the late Anne (Zufelt) McGoldrick and Doug Greig. Both made a most significant contribution to Chapleau history and were so helpful to me with research assistance. The other is Hugh Kutner, who established the Chapleau web site now looked after by the Chapleau Public Library. I would just add in the interests of full disclosure that Anne is my cousin.
I also extend my most sincere thanks to Mario Lafreniere for whom it has been a weekly pleasure to write a column for his newspaper. Mario has been most co-operative and supportive. Thank you my friend.
Now back to Dr. Marquardt and Dr. Young who died on November 14, 2010 at age 95.
In an article entitled 'A Life Living' Dr. Marquardt explains that he was a physician at Chapleau General Hospital providing emergency and clinical medical services who kept hearing from patients and staff about a retired doctor who was "much beloved and respected in the community."
This doctor was known for "his kindness and dedication towards his patients" doing whatever it took to look after them regardless of the challenge to provide medical care and comfort."
To be sure it was a different era as doctors during this time had limited personal living. Their work was their life. Dr. Young epitomized that era, Dr. Marquardt wrote. He got to know Dr. Young having chats with him on many occasions. Dr. Marquardt got to know Dr. Young at the Bignucolo Residence which led to the article.
Dr. Young was born in Chapleau, attended Chapleau Public and High School, then attended Queen's University in Kingston to study medicine. Upon graduation he interned at Columbia University in New York City with no plans to return home and open a practice. He came home for "six months" to replace a doctor, and retired just over 50 years later.
He obviously was very impressed with Dr. Young. He concludes his article by saying that "I must busy myself with addressing patient care issues brought to my attention by the nursing staff. I immerse myself in my work, inspired by this alert, sharp faced, bespactacled man deep into an intrigue novel."
" A life living indeed!"
I was able to spend about a month visiting with Dr. Young when I returned home for the 100th anniversary of Chapleau's incorporation as a municipality in 2001. I stayed at his apartment. In 2004, Dr. Young came to visit me in Cranbrook as he made one last trip across Canada in his motor home. While here we travelled to Creston to visit the cemetery where members of his family are buried. His mother was from Creston.
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| photo by Gordon Woods |
In selecting Dr. Marquardt's article as I mark nine years of Chapleau Moments, it also let me mention that Dr. Young and my father James E. Morris were both born in Lady Minto Hospital shortly after it opened in 1914. My father was killed on active service in the RCAF on July 16, 1943. We go back a long way.
My most sincere thanks to all who have supported Chapleau Moments since 2009. Most appreciated. I leave you this week with a thought from Tom Brokaw, "It's all storytelling you know. That's what journalism is all about." A life living for sure! My email is mj.morris@live.ca
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