DR. JOHN (MARTIN) ELLISON
November 3, 1939 to September 13, 2017
Dr. John (Martin) Ellison FRCS (England) FRCS (Canada), of Fonthill, died in his 78th year on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Welland General Hospital. Anne, his loving wife of 51 years, was at his side.
Martin was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Daphne, and his sisters, Rosamund and Marian. Martin is survived by his wife Anne, his sons Andrew and David, and his grandchildren Albert, Madeleine, Alexander and Peter.
Martin was born in Leeds, England. Like most of his family, his parents were doctors. He was educated at Repton School and the University of Leeds Medical School. He qualified as a physician and surgeon in 1964, specializing in obstetrics and gynaecology. He met Anne (nee Eastwood), a nurse and midwife, at Hillingdon Hospital, London in 1965. They married on April 23, 1966. They had two sons, Andrew John in 1967, and David Martin in 1969.
After practising medicine for six years throughout England, Martin brought his family to Canada for a better life in 1971. While working and caring for two small children, he re-qualified in both general medicine and obstetrics/gynaecology. He practised general medicine initially in Port Colborne, and then obstetrics and gynaecology from 1973 to 2000 in Welland. He then practiced general medicine at Niagara walk-in clinics until his retirement in 2006.
Martin was a great physician and surgeon. His knowledge, skill, judgment and powers of observation were renowned. He worked tirelessly, countless times throughout the night, in one of the most demanding medical specialties. He served faithfully with quiet dignity and dedication, without complaint, nor hope for reward. He worked selflessly with his colleagues. Anne worked along side him for many years. He practised "holistic medicine" long before the term was invented, approaching the patient's entire body, mind and soul as one indivisible entity. He was "old school" in the best sense of the word. He was a true professional, putting his patients ahead of profits. He exemplified the mission statement of the Welland General Hospital “We love, we serve, we care.”
Martin was a real renaissance man, with many interests and abilities beyond medicine. He loved sports. He was a fine tennis player, golfer, and cricketer. Martin loved music. He was an accomplished pianist, bassoonist and vocalist. He played and sang in various local musical ensembles, both sacred and secular. He was an active parishioner of local Anglican churches, including reading and singing bass at St. Barnabas Church for over twenty years. In retirement Martin even played the carillon at St. Georges Church, St. Catharines!
Martin loved languages, studying Latin and Greek in primary school, French and Romanian in his prime, and finally Spanish in his retirement. He was very interested in politics, serving in the local Conservative Party. He was a skilled bridge player. He loved reading, especially John LeCarre spy novels and the poetry of John Betjeman. He loved England, and returned there many times with his wife to visit family and to vacation. He had a keen, irreverent sense of humour. He penned many witty and perceptive verses about local institutions and politics (many of which were set to music, and strictly for private consumption!). He pursued all these passions well into retirement, and generously shared them with his children and grandchildren.
Martin was a dedicated family man. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He and Anne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016. Until the end, he remained very close to his immediate family. He maintained strong ties to his family in England. Martin always had time for his family, friends and patients.
Martin led a happy, full and Christian life. He brought love, healing and laughter to all those who knew him. He was dearly loved, and will be deeply missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

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