BURNETT, Dr. Ralph Hatfield, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, January 15th, 2015 at the age of 72, leaving an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. Born in Kemptville on January 18th, 1942, he was the son of Frederick Charles Burnett and Eva Annis Hatfield.
Ralph is greatly missed by special friend, Sis Larkin, and four legged friend Mr. Bojangles. He was the much loved father of Robert (Vivian), Tyla (Paula) & Jennifer; loving and admiring Grampy to granddaughter Maren. He is survived by sisters, Queenie and Connie (Ron); brother, Frederick (Inez); and his former wife and mother of his children, Sharon Burnett. He also leaves behind special friends Dr. Heather and Travis Tait, and Dr. Lyle and Julia Holland. He was predeceased by his brother, Reg; sister, Dolly; half-sister, Lily; and half-brother, John.
Ralph obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia University and graduated magna cum laude with his medical degree from Dalhousie University. He did his surgical residency program in London at Western University and furthered his training in the subspecialties of vascular and thoracic surgery. Ralph practiced surgery for 25 years in Kentville, during which time he made a significant contribution to general, thoracic and vascular surgery. In 2003, he accepted a position as a consulting thoracic surgeon at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He returned to the Maritimes in 2004 where he worked as a general, thoracic and vascular surgeon at the Moncton Hospital until the time of his death. He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as a member of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery, the Canadian Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Ralph was a physician of the best possible caliber, both in respect to his technical skills and his warm, caring bedside manner, which touched countless patients and families. Ralph had a love of teaching and was a highly regarded mentor in his field. Despite his esteemed status as a well-known surgeon, Ralph had a humble, down-to-earth presence and could make anyone with whom he spoke feel important.
A deeply devoted father, Ralph’s greatest priority in life, as well as his greatest pride, were his three children and his granddaughter. He was a rock in their lives and the lives of many, providing encouragement and support without fail. Ralph possessed a tremendous desire to help others, putting aside his own needs and wants to be present wherever he was needed, whether as a father, relative, friend, or doctor. His unparalleled dedication, perseverance and exceptionally kind heart will be remembered, cherished and deeply missed.
Ralph had an incredible memory and reveled in discussions of politics, history, religion and science. He had a great love of his Massey tractor, his Ford F-250 (‘Hannibal’), spending time in Kempt and, of course, driving – anywhere, anytime, and any distance. Ralph had a deep love of nature and the simple life, and his heart was always in Kempt. His early work there included being a hunting and fishing guide (Birchdale), trucker, and logger. As he advanced his medical career, he continued to maintain a blueberry farm in Kempt as long as he was able. A dreamer at heart, he spoke fondly of his vision of organic farming with a team of oxen on the old homestead in Kempt in his retirement.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, Yarmouth. Visitation was held Wednesday January 21, 2015 from 1 p.m. until funeral time at 2 p.m. all in Sweeny’s Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Robert Baker officiated. Interment will take place in the Spring of 2015 in Hatfield Memorial Cemetery, Kemptville, Yarmouth Co., N.S. Donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to The Hatfield Memorial Cemetery or the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
On-line condolences may be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook or view a funeral webcast on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net