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Dr. John "Douglas" Henshaw

1931-2016

Dr. John "Douglas" Henshaw

Well-known Berwick Physician passes away

 

Dr. John "Douglas" Arnold Henshaw, M.B., Ch. B., F.R.C.S. (ED) passed away September 6, 2016 in Shannex Orchard Court, Kentville, following a five year battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born September 16, 1931 in Edinburgh, Scotland to Arnold and Jean (Rodger) Henshaw. He received his early education at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh. In 1949, he entered the RAF to do his National Service where he qualified top of his class, gaining his wings in April 1951. After converting onto jets, he joined No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, flying jet fighters at weekends while attending medical school at Edinburgh University. He became Scottish University champion in fencing (foil) and was on the Scottish International fencing team for several years. He received his fellowship in surgery in September 1960. In 1966 he immigrated to Canada with his first wife, Penelope (Crundall) and family. He set up a surgical practice in Berwick where he met his second wife, Sylvia, and spent the rest of his life. He introduced many changes at the Western Kings Memorial Hospital with the active co-operation of his colleagues, most notably an endoscopic clinic in 1972, and laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in 1990. He was a founding member of the Waterville St. John Ambulance division, rising to become a Commander of the Order. He was past president of the Medical Society of Nova Scotia (1997-1998), chairman of the Canadian Medical Association Committee on Hospitals and was chairman of the Canadian Council of Health Care Accreditation in 1994-1995. He retired from surgery in 1992, becoming a Consultant for the Department of Health for four years. This was followed by retirement, during which he and Sylvia travelled extensively throughout Europe and the U.K., spending their winters in Portugal and their summers sailing their sailboat "Spartan". Doug was a member of the Cruising Club of America, becoming Rear Commodore of the Bras d'Or Station. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Sylvia (Taylor); his children, Claire Henshaw, Denmark; Sarah Stewart-Smith, England; Ian (Kate) Henshaw, Switzerland; stepsons, Jim Benjamin and Peter (Petrina) Benjamin of Nova Scotia. Also survived by grandchildren, Sophie and Nanna Kristensen, Iona and Skye Stewart-Smith, Will and Guy Henshaw, and David and Rachel Benjamin. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Rodger, and sister, Joan. Donations in memory may be made to the Berwick Food Bank or to Shannex Orchard Court, Kentville. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, September 11, 2016 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2016 in the Berwick United Church, Reverend Tom Woods officiating. Burial will take place in the Berwick Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. 

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Service Date
Monday, September 12, 2016
Service Time
2:00 p.m.
Service Location
Berwick United Church, Berwick, NS

Visitation
September 11, 2016
Visitation Time
7-9 p.m.
Visitation Location
White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, NS

Burial Location
Berwick Cemetery, Berwick, NS

Requested Charity
Berwick Food Bank or Shannex-Orchard Court, Kentville