Dr. Hugh MacSween
Born In: New Waterford
Born: May 2nd, 1941
Passed in: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Passed on: April 19th, 2015
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Miller 'Bud' MacSween at Thomas Hall, Shannex Fredericton, on April 19, 2015. He courageously fought a progressive neurologic disease for a few years, but never lost his spirit, dignity or determination, and remained an inspiration to all who knew him.
Miller was born May 2, 1941 in New Waterford, NS to the late Hugh Francis 'Buddy' MacSween and Anna Judith Miller. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Doris; his children Mark (Shaena), Jody, Andrew (Nancy) and Scott; grandchildren Colin, Claire, Aidan and Leah; sisters Sandra (Ron) Backman, Norma (Al) MacNeil, Barbara (Hans) Schamp, and sister-in-law Judie MacSween (wife of predeceased brother Peter); many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dr. MacSween completed his undergraduate degree at Saint Francis Xavier University in 1961 and graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in 1966. He established a Family Practice in Fredericton for three years before opting to further his training, specializing in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He returned to Fredericton in 1973 where he would continue his practice until his retirement in 2006.
Promoting wellness and healthcare advocacy were hallmarks of Dr. MacSween's long and distinguished medical career. His commitment to his patients and their ongoing wellness led to his founding of the Fredericton Chapters of the United Ostomy Association of Canada, the Canadian Celiac Association and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
Dr. MacSween was instrumental in the development of several other leading provincial health care initiatives, including: New Brunswick Hepatitis B Vaccination in infancy and childhood, the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Donation Network and the Total Parenteral Nutrition Program in Region 3. He was also a founding member and Director of the Dr. Everett Chalmer's Hospital Foundation. Throughout his professional life, Dr. MacSween held several provincial and national leadership positions within the fields of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
His significant health advocacy efforts, innovativeness, and commitment to his patients and profession on a number of fronts have earned his well-deserved recognition with awards that have included: the Dr. Donald Morgan Service award from the NB Medical Society, first recipient of the Dr. H. Miller MacSween Teaching Award by the DECH, an annual award as a top lecturer in medicine by Dalhousie University, the York Sunbury Queens Distinguished Career award, the United Ostomy Association Outstanding Service award, and the Lifetime Service Award from the Canadian Foundation of the Ileitis and Colitis Society (Fredericton Chapter).
In his retirement, Dr. MacSween continued to pursue his keen interest in health promotion by his involvement with the N.B. Network of Healthy Living, and through this, developed the Take H.E.A.R.T program.
Outside the field of medicine Bud was also a Lifetime Member of the Miramichi Salmon Association, Nature Trust of New Brunswick, and the Fredericton Golden Club.
In his spare time, he enjoyed hockey, golf, tennis, sailing, cycling, cross-country skiing and ball-room dancing. He was an avid salmon fisherman and was proficient in the time honoured art of fly-tying. He cherished his time with friends and family at his cottage on Maquapit Lake. His involvement in these activities and his long medical career have allowed him the opportunity to develop a lifetime of meaningful friendships. He is best known to many for his huge heart.
Dr. MacSween's passion for medicine, enjoyment of sports, and his treasured friendships were exceeded only by his love for his family.
The family will receive friends at Bishop’s Funeral Home 540 Woodstock Road Fredericton on Friday April 24, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will take place at St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday April 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Father Bill Brennan officiating. Interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Molly Appeal at Dalhousie Medical School (All funds raised this year will be used to expand and improve the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank).
