MD
Husband, Father, Grandfather,
Athlete, Educator, Physician, Inventor, Author, MHA
1945- 2018
On Friday, March 9, 2018, at the Palliative Care Unit at the Campbellton Regional Hospital, Dr. Dennis Jerome Furlong, passed peacefully. He leaves his loving spouse Pierrette Arseneault, and family: sons: Denny (Shelly), Sean (Michelle), and Robin (Dawn); stepdaughter, Josée (John); and grandchildren: Jena, Cody, Hailey, Olivia, Ava, Lilyan, Jace, and Jaxen.
Dennis was born to Edward and Loretta Furlong (deceased) of St. John’s, NL, on July 22, 1945. He attended St. Bonaventure’s College along with his four brothers: Edward (deceased), Robert, Patrick, and Garry, and three sisters: Dolores, Madelyn and Eleanor (deceased). While at St. Bon’s, Dennis demonstrated diverse and exceptional academic, educational, athletic, leadership, and extracurricular abilities. Graduating from Brother Rice High School (St. John’s) he continued his studies at the University of New Brunswick where he further pursued his interests. Following a short period teaching in Newfoundland, Dennis earned a Masters of Science Degree at the University of Oregon and a medical degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He then set up medical practice in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, where he served the community as a physician, the Province as President of the New Brunswick Medical Society (1988 - 1989), and Canada as President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (1985 - 1986). Later in his career, as an elected member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick (1999 - 2003), he represented the people of Dalhousie-Restigouche and the people of the province as Minister of Health and Community Services (1999 - 2000), Minister of Health and Wellness (2000 - 2001), and Minister of Education (2001 - 2003). In 2005, he led the Agent Orange Inquiry at Gagetown, NB, and in 2007 chaired the New Brunswick Trauma System Advisory Committee. Dennis was also instrumental in bringing the Canada Winter Games to northern New Brunswick. As an author Dennis published a book on the Canadian Health Care System entitled Medicare Myth: Fifty Myths about the Canadian Healthcare System (2004). In addition, he received: the Canadian Medical Association’s Sir Charles Tupper Award for Political Action and was a CMA Senior Member, the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and the NBMS Order of Merit. Dennis was honoured by his alma mater with an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the University of New Brunswick. As an inventor, in 1981, ahead of his time, Dennis designed and built a spacious passive solar-heated home that stored energy from the sun in an indoor swimming pool. Adding to his inventions, he earned a National Research Council Grant to develop a ground contact monitoring device for Olympic race walking. In keeping with his lifelong passion for athletics, he competed in the Canadian Senior Games, winning gold. “Higher, Further, Faster, and Stronger” was his approach to everything. Participating in the Pan-Am Masters Championships in Vancouver, BC, representing Canada and New Brunswick, Dennis competed in the decathlon achieving the top score in the event, a New Brunswick provincial record in the 70-74 year old master’s class.
In Dennis’ own words: “I have been blessed with a wonderful profession. I have been privileged to care for others who hold the medical profession in high esteem.” Dennis’ family wish to express highest regards and deepest appreciation to all who expressed their love, their support, and their condolences during and after his recent illness. His family extends special thanks to the community of Eel River Bar First Nation for hosting the celebration of his life. A celebration of Dennis’ life (Traditional Mi’gmaq Ceremony) will be held at the Aboriginal Heritage Garden Facility at the Eel River Bar First Nation on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 2 PM followed by a visitation/reception until 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society would be very much appreciated.