Obituary of John Charles Pond

'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' (2. Timothy 4:7) As physician, scientist, scholar, teacher and musician he served his Lord and those people who became part of his walk in life and to those close to him as true friend, husband, father and grandfather. John C. Pond was born in London, England and obtained his M.B. B.S. from London University in 1951. Postgraduate training at University College Hospital (1951-52), Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton (1952-53);The Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London 1953; Medical Registrar, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge (1952-55); Medical Registrar, University College Hospital, London (1955-56); Research Associate of Medicine (Haematology), Harvard University, Boston and Assistant in Medicine, The Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston (1956-57) contributing to research in Blood Transfusion Methodology- plastic bags and CPD solutions; Lecturer in Pathology, University Hospital, Saskatoon (1957-59). Clinical Haematologist, Saint John General Hospital and Laboratory Haematologist, Provincial Laboratories ? integrated later into the Saint John Regional Hospital (1959 ? 1993). For many years he served as the only specialist in Haematology in this Province. During that time he was also a consultant in haematology for the St. Joseph's Hospital, Associate Professor in Pathology(part time) and a Lecturer in Medicine with Dalhousie University, Halifax. Dr. John Pond earned the following degrees: M.B. B.S. (London, England) 1951; M.R.C.P. (London, England) 1951; M.D. (London, England) Part I 1954; M.R.C.P. (Edinburgh, Scotland) 1955; L.M.C.C. (Canada) 1957; C.R.C.P. (Canada) Internal Medicine 1959; C.R.C.P. (Canada) Pathology 1960; F.R.C.P. (Edinburgh, Scotland) 1965; M.R.C. Path. (London, England) 1964; F.R.C. (England) Pathology 1972; F.R.C.P. (Canada) Internal Medicine and Pathology 1972. Professional honors received: Senior Gold Medallist in Medicine 1951; Senior Prize Winner in Pathology 1950; Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1972; 50th Anniversary Medal ? Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists 1987 and Life Membership in the New Brunswick Medical Society in 1996. He was actively involved in the work of the Canadian Red Cross Society (CRC), serving as New Brunswick President, as the representative of all Divisions on the National Executive and as a Member of the National Advisory Committee. During his tenure he was awarded the Commisioner's Award for attracting the highest increase in funding for the N.B. Division (18.5%) and he was involved with the introduction of the very first Home Care Programs in Canada here in New Brunswick. The CRC awarded him the Order of the Red Cross, Officer Level, the highest recognition for volunteer service 1992. He was also the Consultant to the N.B. Haemophilia Society as well as a member of the National Haemophilia Advisory Group. Dr. John Pond was a dedicated Christian, he gave freely of his talents as organist, choir director, educator and advisor and he accepted, when called to do so, the responsibilities of lay reader, preacher and officer of the Anglican Churches he attended. In his retirement he also enjoyed the fellowship and study groups at Marco Lutheran Church on Marco Island, FL during the winters. He leaves behind his wife, Ilse Holler, at home as well as daughters Sheila Francis, New Jersey and Ruth Carey, Toronto, sons David (Fiona), Toronto and James (Elaine), Kanata and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Rosemary. He is survived by his sisters Mary Smith, Rexdale, Anne (Eddie) Akehurst, London, England and Janet, England as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506) 634-7424. At his request there will be no visitations. The memorial service will be held at St. Mary and St. Bartholomew's Church, Glen Falls on Thursday, December 30th, 2004 at 11:00 am. Memorials may be given to the CRC, St. Mary and St. Batholomew's Church, Hope Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.