It
is a melancholy duty at all times to chronicle the deaths which take place
from time to time in the neighborhood; but when the angel summons from our
midst one of estimable character, in the prime of life and well fitted to
be of great use in his day and generation, it is indeed sad to record the
fact.
A death that has caused very
wide feelings of sorrow and sympathy in the village of Vittoria and
surrounding country, was that of Dr. Norman Walter MacInnes, eldest son of
Dr. Walter John McGill MacInnes, which occurred on Friday, May 18th, 1906,
at the family residence.
On looking back upon the life
of the deceased, who was in his 31st year, we see him a quiet, studious
boy, attending the village school, and giving little trouble to his
parents or teachers. He continued his studies at the Simcoe High
School, and then went to the University of Toronto, where he graduated and
got his diploma of M.D. in 1897.
He first practised medicine
in Port Dover for nearly three years, meeting with fair success.
While there he contracted a severe cold at a night fire: at the same time
he was attending several consumptive patients. On leaving Port Dover
he went to Wellandport and practised for a year in that damp
locality. No doubt the seeds sown in Port Dover were fostered and
consumption developed in his system. From there he went to Fort
William and practised for a time with Dr. Hamilton: but [failing] health
caused him to return home.
He took up his life work here
and continued it as long as his health would allow, indeed, ambition and
devotion to duty often carried him beyond his strength: but about a year
ago the insidious disease had gained such a headway that he was forced to
give up even office work.
As a practitioner he was
painstaking and conscientious, much liked by his patients and by those in
attendance. In religion he was an Anglican -- a member of Christ
Church -- having been one of the Vittoria class of 1891 confirmed at Port
Dover by the late Bishop Baldwin. In politics, a Conservative.
A member of Port Dover lodge of United Workmen.
The
funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at the family residence and was
largely attended. The Rev. R. Herbert read the service of his church
and gave a short address. The floral tributes were many and very
beautiful -- one noticeable and much appreciated was a rustic wreath of
moss and apple blossoms, lovingly twined by the fingers of one who has
passed through deep waters of afflliction. The token was typical,
for the young Doctor was a country boy, a lover and observer of
nature.
The interment was made at the
Port Dover cemetery, where a large number of sympathizing and sorrowing
friends had gathered.
The parents, two brothers --
Gordon of Hamilton, Robert, of the Bank of Hamilton [star] Simcoe -- and
three sisters -- Mrs. R. Mason, Hamilton, and the Misses Edith and Erie at
home -- survive the deceased. General sympathy is felt for them in
their sore bereavement.
Vittoria, May 26th, 1906
