Obituary for Robert Dalton Ghent MD
Dr. Robert Dalton Ghent
It is with deep sorrow that the family announces his passing on March 16th, 2020 at the age of 87 years, due to Parkinson’s Disease. Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen (nee Epstein), children Margaret (Pat), David (predeceased 1988), Stephen (Sue), daughter in law Sharon Kyle (Paul), grandchildren David, Rob (Samantha), Ian, Dalton, Denver, Lauren (Connor), and Ward, and great-grandchildren Jack and Jamie.
Robert was raised by his parents, Elsie and Newton Ghent, on a farm in Burlington, Ontario. He completed medical school at the University of Toronto in 1956 and came to Sudbury with his new bride to join the Sudbury Clinic. Robert’s practice of family medicine was very demanding, with the births of untold numbers of babies and tending to those in hospitals, nursing homes, and at times, underground, as well as at the office. He also travelled by train to Ramsay to treat those who worked at the lumber camps, and he very much enjoyed these mini adventures. After 35 years of practicing family medicine and 15 years of assisting in the operating rooms, Robert retired at age 75.
Robert was well-suited to life in Northern Ontario, being an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and skiing. Winters included family ski trips to Nordic ski hill in Sudbury as well as many ski resorts all across North America. He coached in the Nancy Greene Ski League and volunteered for the CAA Northeastern Ontario. Robert’s life with Helen included world travel, and together they reached all 7 continents.
His farm upbringing provided him with the problem-solving and innovative skills that he applied to professional and personal projects. Robert was a builder and a tinkerer and he could fix just about anything. These skills came in handy as he and Helen built and renovated two water-access camps, one on Wavy Lake near Sudbury and the other in McGregor Bay. Perhaps his greatest gifts to his family, these legacy properties will continue to be shared with many loved ones and friends over the years to come.
Known as Dr. Bob, Dr. B., and KOD (Kindly Old Doctor), Robert was a hardworking, loyal, and devoted family man, physician, and friend. His dry sense of humour, keen intelligence and curiosity will be greatly missed by all who loved him. With gratitude and love, we will continue the magical ritual of late-afternoon saunas and beer, remembering the man whose drive, determination, and ingenuity resulted in many lasting gifts for his entire family.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the caring and attentive staff of Trillium wing at Pioneer Manor, the Parkinson’s Support Group, and Parkinson’s Exercise Group. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, Sudbury Theatre Centre, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home. For donations and messages of condolence, www.lougheed.org.
It is with deep sorrow that the family announces his passing on March 16th, 2020 at the age of 87 years, due to Parkinson’s Disease. Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen (nee Epstein), children Margaret (Pat), David (predeceased 1988), Stephen (Sue), daughter in law Sharon Kyle (Paul), grandchildren David, Rob (Samantha), Ian, Dalton, Denver, Lauren (Connor), and Ward, and great-grandchildren Jack and Jamie.
Robert was raised by his parents, Elsie and Newton Ghent, on a farm in Burlington, Ontario. He completed medical school at the University of Toronto in 1956 and came to Sudbury with his new bride to join the Sudbury Clinic. Robert’s practice of family medicine was very demanding, with the births of untold numbers of babies and tending to those in hospitals, nursing homes, and at times, underground, as well as at the office. He also travelled by train to Ramsay to treat those who worked at the lumber camps, and he very much enjoyed these mini adventures. After 35 years of practicing family medicine and 15 years of assisting in the operating rooms, Robert retired at age 75.
Robert was well-suited to life in Northern Ontario, being an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and skiing. Winters included family ski trips to Nordic ski hill in Sudbury as well as many ski resorts all across North America. He coached in the Nancy Greene Ski League and volunteered for the CAA Northeastern Ontario. Robert’s life with Helen included world travel, and together they reached all 7 continents.
His farm upbringing provided him with the problem-solving and innovative skills that he applied to professional and personal projects. Robert was a builder and a tinkerer and he could fix just about anything. These skills came in handy as he and Helen built and renovated two water-access camps, one on Wavy Lake near Sudbury and the other in McGregor Bay. Perhaps his greatest gifts to his family, these legacy properties will continue to be shared with many loved ones and friends over the years to come.
Known as Dr. Bob, Dr. B., and KOD (Kindly Old Doctor), Robert was a hardworking, loyal, and devoted family man, physician, and friend. His dry sense of humour, keen intelligence and curiosity will be greatly missed by all who loved him. With gratitude and love, we will continue the magical ritual of late-afternoon saunas and beer, remembering the man whose drive, determination, and ingenuity resulted in many lasting gifts for his entire family.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the caring and attentive staff of Trillium wing at Pioneer Manor, the Parkinson’s Support Group, and Parkinson’s Exercise Group. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, Sudbury Theatre Centre, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home. For donations and messages of condolence, www.lougheed.org.