Chapleau residents and those who lived for miles around the community lost one of the best loved and public spirited citizens on October 26, 1942 when Dr. J.J. Sheahan died, the Chapleau Post reported.
For 35 years Dr. Sheahan had lived in Chapleau "and he practised his profession conscientiously for the entire period except for the last few hours of his life. He was in his office attending a patient when he suffered a sudden stroke. He died in the Lady Minto Hospital..."
The Chapleau Post in its tribute noted that "Commanding the respect and trust of his fellow citizens from the first, he put his profession above all else. Never known to take a holiday when work was pressing, (he) took few holidays."
Dr. Sheahan also took a great interest in community affairs. Besides being the CPR doctor he was the Medical Officer of Health, a member of the Chapleau High School board and honourary president of the Chapleau Red Cross Society. He was also the official doctor for several lumber companies in the area.
He was also the first president of the board of Lady Minto Hospital when it opened in 1914. In 1963 a renovated wing in that hospital which became the children's ward was named after him. That plaque is now displayed at the Chapleau General Hospital.
With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Dr. Sheahan became a member of the Chapleau Citizens Recruiting Committee.
"He took active interest in social and welfare activities in the community and was one of the best supporters of (Sacred Heart) Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of Chapleau Council of the Knights of Columbus."
He also served on the executive of the Kebsquasheshing Golf Club.
Before his remains were taken to Portage du Fort for burial a requiem high mass was sung at Sacred Heart church by Rev Father Romeo Gascon, the parish priest.
"The schools and stores were closed. Everyone, young and the old attended the funeral one of the largest Chapleau has ever known," the Chapleau Post reported. "Children of the separate school prayed at his bier and with the students from the high school marched behind the Knights Of Columbus in the cortege to the station."
As a sign of the high respect and esteem in which Dr. Sheahan was held, Trinity United Church paid tribute to him. In part it said that Dr. Sheahan's hands were different. "There was something about his life that made him different. Those hands ministered to us in sorrow and in need.
"His personality made his presence in the sick room a benediction. He sought to save human lives but he also helped people make their lives worth living. His personality among us will be greatly missed but his gracious spirit, his untiring devotion to duty and his Christian character will ever be an example and and incentive to all of us>"
Dr. Sheahan was popular with everyone and years earlier circa 1920 the community bought him a new Ford car which prompted him to comment that "Instead of babies coming in a little black bag, they will now come in a little black car." According to the late George Evans it may have been the first car in Chapleau.
In 1940 he was crowned as King of the Chapleau Winter Carnival.
Born in Pembroke he graduated in medicine from McGill University in Montreal. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife the former Beatrice English, three sons John, Joseph and James, and two daughters Evelyn and Mary.
Following the service in Chapleau, his body was taken by train to Portage du Fort where another high mass was celebrated before burial in the family plot.
In a tribute to Dr. Sheahan at the time of his death an unknown writer said that he was blessed by patients adding that "Our doctor, yes, but more than that, our friend!" John Joseph Sheahan was truly one of Chapleau's most outstanding citizens.
My sincere thanks again to Margaret Rose (Payette) and Bobby Fortin for lending me the Richard Brownlee Papers. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
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