Dr. MacArthur departed this life
A true friend and generous benefactor of the
BVI died on Monday at 88 years of age. MacArthur, Dr. William
John Campbell, M.D., F.R.C.S.,(C ), F.A.C.S, M.B.E., - RCAF Squadron
Leader, WWIIpeacefully died at the farm north of Oakville, after
a battle with cancer, on Monday, April 2nd. Husband of Dorothy
(Toots), his beloved wife of 60 years and wonderful dad to Judy
and Fergus Chapman, Cam Jr. and Leah, Heather and Ian Blakelock
and Jamie and Terry, Dr. MacArthur had many friends in the BVI
and was well known and highly respected by the entire community.
After attending the University of Manitoba he studied medicine at McGill, graduating in 1938. After spending a year at the Mayo Clinic he interrupted his career to serve as medical officer with RCAF spitfire squadrons in England. Wounded during the D-Day landing, he recuperated and returned to serve as a medical officer at Carpiquet airbase in France. He was twice mentioned in despatches. Upon his return to Canada he joined the medical staff at the Toronto Western Hospital. In 1946 he set up his medical practice in Oakville. He helped found the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in 1950, becoming successively its Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff.
Through the years he mentored many young doctors and nurses. He retired in 1976 but, until very recently, continued his daily appearances at OTMH with cheerful greetings and encouragement for patients and staff alike, and maintaining his reputation for whistling as he walked the halls. A committed Rotarian throughout his working life, he was twice named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was friend to a generation of Appleby College students while he was the school physician from 1946 to 1972. He also served on the board of the school.
In 1970 Cam and Dorothy first visited the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands where Cam took a three month locum for a vacationing physician. So began a 30 years association with the BVI where DOC, as he was known, assisted the medical and dental community by mentoring and sourcing equipment. He arranged for the Oakville Rotary Club to fund travel for a number of BVI children to Toronto for specialized medical treatment. He was named Honorary Belonger in recognition of his contribution to the Islands and was further recognized in 1985 when he was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Cam and Dorothy travelled the world with their wide circle of very good friends. Measuring laughs per mile, they got full value from these excursions.
We will miss his keen mind, his insight, his gentle, gracious
manner, his caring nature, his mischievous sense of humour and
his support. Funeral Services are scheduled at 2p.m. Friday April
6, 2001 at St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William St.,Oakville.
Our thanks go to the marvelous medical men and women who provided
treatment and encouragement over the past 30 months, family members
said. The Publishers and Staff of The Island Sun extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family.
[World News][What's New & Commentaries]
[BVI History, Attractions & Features] [Your Spot in the Sun]
[Legal][Contact Us][HOME]