FEINDEL, Dr. John Howard

Dr. John Howard Feindel (MD, CM, LMCC, CRCP, FRCP) passed away peacefully in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, on July 18, 2017, surrounded by his family. John was born in Bridgewater on July 15, 1931, the youngest son of Archibald and Edith Feindel (Barteaux). His brothers and sisters, Ariel, Walter, Isabelle, Carroll and Evelyn, all passed on before him. John Feindel was an outstanding athlete in his youth. He could run, row and swim long distances with ease. Born next to the LaHave River, it became his playground. In his teens, he would row from Bridgewater to Conquerall Bank and then all the way to the LaHave Islands, spend a night or two and then row back. He became an experienced sailor and navigator. He earned his St. John's Ambulance Water Safety training, Bronze Medallion and Canadian Swimming Instructor training in 1947 and that soon led him to become a regular swimming instructor and lifeguard at the Lido in Chester in the summer time. John was also quite the hockey player. He was known for his speed on his skates (learned from the winter months skating on the frozen LaHave River). He attended Bridgewater High School and received his Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University in 1952, majoring in Biology. He received his medical education at McGill University, graduating in 1956. He practiced general medicine in Annapolis Royal, serving patients in many rural communities in that area, such as Parker's Cove and Victoria Beach. He began his residency in Anesthesia in 1960 and entered the diploma program in Anesthesia at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal in 1962. He started his practice as an anesthesiologist in 1964 at the Halifax Infirmary, where he became head of the Department of Anesthesia in 1969. He met the love of his life, Alyce (Rice), during their studies at Acadia University and they were married on July 31, 1954. Their first child was Steven followed very soon after by Michael and Kevin. Jonathan arrived a few years later. They all looked up to their Dad as a role model and example of serving others. The many skills that John had learned in his youth, he carefully passed on to his four sons. Despite the demanding schedule of his professional life, he always took the time he had to spend with his family. He taught his boys everything from communication to navigation, swimming, sailing and sailboat racing, rowing, water-skiing, downhill and cross-country skiing, skating, hockey, carpentry. and much more. There were many great sailing and skiing adventures, and of course playing hockey on frozen lakes and ponds. Those memories are priceless and remembered well by his family. John also passed on his knowledge and love for his medical profession as an Assistant Professor in the Dalhousie University Medical School and also through his involvement with the Nova Scotia Medical Society. He became President of the Canadian Anesthestists' Society in 1976 and continued to serve on the executive council of the society for many years. He also served on the editorial board of the Nova Scotia Medical Bulletin, the subcommittee on Medical Education at Dalhousie University, the Medical Audit and Utilization Committee, and the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. In 1987, he was a recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal for fostering improved harmony between the French and English Anesthesiologists of Canada. During his Presidency at the Canadian Anesthestists' Society he had learned French (at age 51), so he could make the annual meeting address in both official languages. During his time at the Halifax Infirmary, he was a member of the Medical Advisory Board, Operating Committee, and Executive Committee of the medical staff. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. He was also the first doctor to use lumbar epidural anesthesia for obstetrical care at the Halifax Infirmary. His patients remember him for his kindness and good nature. John experienced a major illness and recovered from major surgery in 1992. A lifelong commitment to fitness and continuous involvement in a variety of sports and activities paid dividends in his recovery and added a generation to his life. After his retirement, he remained active and he served as the Chairperson of the Lunenburg County Community Health Board for three years and was a member of the Ethics and Respite Care Committee for the Western Regional Health Board. He was also appointed Member Emeritus of the Halifax Infirmary Medical Staff and Member Emeritus of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society. He served many other organizations and was a member of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers, where he was Treasurer. He was also very involved with the LaHave River Yacht Club over many years and participated in many Saturday sailing races. His involvement and support for First Baptist Church in Halifax had been central to his life over the past few years and he volunteered on several fund-raising and other committees in the church. He became an avid artist creating many fine paintings. His love of skating and walking on the Bedford waterfront kept him fit. Anyone who saw him on his speed skates would marvel at how much he enjoyed the freedom and speed on the ice, even at age 85. After skating, he would go with his skating buddies for coffee and pass the time with lots of conversation about world affairs. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alyce (Rice), who he adored. He is also survived by his four sons and their spouses: Steven (Jill Harrington), Michael (Carolyn O'Brien), Kevin (Cheryl Spidle) and Jonathan (Angela Parlee). He was loved by his nine grandchildren - Elizabeth, Peter, Lauren, Katie, Mark, Luke, Kimberly, Alasdair and Gretchen and his two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Olivia. He is also survived by many loving nephews and nieces of both the Feindel and Rice families. For many years, he has been the patriarch of the Feindel family and lived up to the role by sharing his love and understanding to all family members. He was always a special guest at the Feindel family gatherings on the LaHave in August of each year. The family wishes to thank Dr. Bussey and the staff of nurses at the Halifax Infirmary, especially Karina, Christina and Jen, for their professionalism and compassion in caring for John. Also many thanks to Continuing Care - Closing the Gap who supported Alyce and John daily since May 2016. A remembrance service will take place at First Baptist Church, 1300 Oxford St., Halifax on Saturday, July 29th at 2 p.m, Rev. Lynn Uzans presiding. Following the service, there will be a reception for family and friends in the church hall. A private family interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be considered for Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be sent through J.A. Snow Funeral Home: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com