Obituary of Frank D. Wanamaker

The death of Frank Douglas Wanamaker, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Saint John, NB, occurred on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on March 24, 1916, he was a son of the late Hartley and Ethel (Davis) Wanamaker. Frank did his B.Sc. at Acadia and Dalhousie Universities. He interned at the Saint John General Hospital and then went on to do specialty training in Obstetrics/Gynecology in the Saint John area until his retirement in 1982. Following retirement from his private practice he continued to perform surgery and assist fellow surgeons until he was 85. Frank was the Chief of Staff (Obstetrics/Gynecology) at the Saint John General Hospital and the Saint John Regional Hospital for a number of years. In addition, he practiced at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Evangeline Hospital and Lancaster Hospital. He was also Oral Examiner for the Medical Council of Canada and an Associate Professor (Obstetrics/Gynecology) at Dalhousie University. Frank was Past President of the Saint John Medical Society, Past President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of NB, Past President of the Canadian Gynecology Society, a member of the Canadian and American Societies of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Governor of the American Medical College. On the community scene, he was a past member of Albion Lodge, past member of the Board of Trustees of the Saint John YM-YWCA and Lancaster School Board and a past elected member of the School Board of Saint John District 20. He enjoyed swimming, boating, traveling (particularly to Barbados), gardening, woodworking, literature and stamp/coin collecting. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Audrey (Mitchell); daughters, Janet (Robert) Capson of Saint John, NB, and Jean (John) Biddle of Bridgewater, NS; son, David (Linda) Wanamaker of Ottawa, ON; brother, Dr. Murray Wanamaker of Vancouver, BC; seven grandchildren, Steven (Pam) Biddle, Brian (Lois) Capson, Gwen (Dino) Karatzios, Ian (Shelly) Biddle, Patti (Kory) Kinsella, Joanne Biddle, Eric (Sophie) Wanamaker; ten great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew. By request of the family there will be no visitation. A memorial service, followed by a reception will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 2:30 PM at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home Chapel, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (634-7424). In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. On-line condolences may be made by visiting, www.brenansfh.com