|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
VERRYN-STUART, Ian Theodore, Dr. - Verryn-Stuart, 81, of Kentville, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at 10:29 on Saturday, March 28, surrounded by his loved ones. A resident of Kentville since 1986, Ian was born at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York City on May 13, 1944, to Theodore Verryn-Stuart of Amsterdam and Claire (Murphy) Verryn-Stuart of North Sydney. He lived in Montreal as a teenager until moving again to Halifax, where he proudly served with the Royal Canadian Navy, eventually rising to the rank of Captain. While in medical school at Dalhousie, he met the love of his life, Marina (Thomson) Verryn-Stuart, with whom he was married in 1970 and shared 56 beautiful years of marriage. A closer bond between two people would be hard to find.
By the time of his retirement, Ian was one of the longest-serving family physicians in the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Western Zone, having worked as a doctor for nearly 50 years altogether. He earned the respect and admiration of the thousands of patients and fellow health care professionals with whom he worked, and on whom he had such a positive impact. He worked as a family physician, an emergency room doctor, assisted in operations, and served as the house physician at Wedgewood House for Seniors. His career is best summarized in the words of an appreciative patient: "This is one of the very finest doctors my wife and I have had, having lived in all 10 provinces, the UK, Australia and the United States. He is punctual, considerate, thorough, compassionate, knowledgeable, and skillful as a physician and surgeon."
Ian was a man who always put others before himself. He used his credibility as a physician and his powerful public speaking skills as leverage to start a widespread citizens’ campaign to force the provincial and federal governments to begin twinning Highway 101, which has saved many lives. He was a big believer in Scouts Canada, having served as Chairman in Kentville for several years. He was a long serving doctor with the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, where he also performed as a ringside physician for local amateur boxing matches.
An exceptionally intelligent and well-read man, Dad could converse and philosophize in many subjects, ranging from history to politics to economics to current events. He could "hold court" in a large crowd or introspectively bury himself in a book next to the fireplace. In addition to his academic nature, he appreciated the value of humour and never passed up an opportunity to laugh himself to tears, usually bringing others with him.
Ian was also an avid athlete almost until the end of his life. In his youth he won diving and swimming championships, and he passed those skills on to his children and grandchildren. He was a regular swimmer at the Acadia pool who could outlast most people half his age, competing in races until relatively recently. Later in his life, he overcame an old football knee injury to take up downhill skiing, that he took on with a passion with Marina. He skied with her from Martock, to Alberta, to New England, taking on black diamond trails and racing until his 70s.
There were few things Dad liked more than the serenity, beauty, and skills associated with fishing, particularly fly-fishing. He fished his whole life, whether in Pictou to help his sons hook their first catches, in Chester Basin while boating, or during his annual trips to Cape Breton’s Margaree Valley with ‘The Boys’. About the Margaree, he said, "Could I speak to God, and he would listen, I would ask for a perfect river in a perfect valley, and he would give me the Margaree". He believed so strongly in the sanctity and preservation of nature that he usually released what he caught.
Ian was never afraid to try new things. In his 60s, he used a fib about a medical conference to leave home for the day. Much to Marina’s surprise, he returned home after taking a motorcycle course with a brand-new Yamaha. After some convincing, Marina jumped on the back seat and they became regular bikers, taking in the province on two wheels and becoming regulars at the Digby Wharf Rat Rally.
Even more than participating in sports, Dad enjoyed watching and supporting his sons’ athletic endeavours, especially rugby. He could be found at all their games alongside Mom, in blistering heat or bitter cold, everywhere from Nova Scotia to Manitoba, cheering and using his medical skills to tend to his sons’ and their teammates’ ailments. Just as impressive as his dedication was his ability to keep up with the Acadia rugby team during post-game celebrations on Saturday nights. However, his favorite team was King’s-Edgehill Boys Rugby, who he supported for thirty years as their, and their coach’s, biggest fan.
Dad was also a sailor. From the time he spent as a teenage lifeguard in the Northwest Arm in Halifax, to his service in the Navy, to excursions with Marina in their sailboat, to captaining three generations of Verryn-Stuarts in his beloved "Tumblehome" in Chester Basin, he had a lifelong devotion to and respect for the sea.
Our father’s affection for the sea was matched only by his passion for woodworking. Three Verryn-Stuart homes enjoy the beauty of his handmade creations made from pine and cherry wood. He appreciated the beauty in simplicity that is reflected in the things he made that will last for generations.
More than anything, Dad cherished his family. He spoiled our golden retrievers, Beau and Charlie, like they were children. He doted on his precious grandchildren, loved his daughter-in-law like she was his own, and showed unending pride and affection towards his sons. Aristotle said that true love was when one soul occupies two bodies. Truer words could not be said about Dad and Mom.
Ian is survived by his wife Marina (Thomson) Verryn-Stuart; sons, Jason and Brendan; daughter-in-law, Cynthia (Becker) Verryn-Stuart, and grandchildren, Claire and Timo Verryn-Stuart.
In accordance with his wishes, Dad’s ashes will be spread near Zwicker Island, where he will spend forever at one with the waters of Mahone Bay. A memorial service will be held at a date to be announced in the near future. Donations in Ian’s name may be made to The Salvation Army. Our family would like to thank the Valley Regional Hospital, Valley Hospice, and the White Family Funeral Home for their professionalism and kindness during this difficult time. (White Family Funeral Home, Kentville)
Ships served in: HMCS SAGUENAY - Served in SAGUENAY 1969 as Communications Officer
|
