Muirhead, Dr. Philip Dunbar – Age 71 of Musquodoboit Harbour, passed away peacefully amongst his family in Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital on November 12, 2017. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Vincent and Margretta (Robertson) Muirhead.
Phil, a lifelong learner, graduated from Mount Allison University, then proceeded to Dalhousie University for his Masters, at which point he discovered his true calling, medicine. Upon graduation, he began a 35-year career as a rural family physician on the Eastern Shore. He was blessed to work in a practice that reflected his values and through the years, he came to know and love his patients, often encompassing several generations of one family. He thought it was important to participate and contribute to both provincial and national medical associations to impact the care that all patients would receive. He was an active and contributing member of First United Church, Musquodoboit Harbour, serving on many committees and singing in its choir for 40 years. Throughout it all, he was a devoted husband and father, supporting and participating in his children’s lives. When he finally had to step back from his medical practice, because of his illness, his greatest joy became his relationship with his seven grandchildren, who brought light into his eyes whenever he saw them.
He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Wendy (Putnam); children, Matthew (Amanda), Red Deer, Alta.; Jamie (Jennifer), Cole Harbour; Keltie (Charlie) Fudge, Cole Harbour; grandchildren, Lucas, Abigail, Alison, Leah, Sophie, Cameron, Amelia; sister, Sheila (Jack) Dietrich, Medicine Hat, Alta.; brothers, Murray (Virginia), Mount William; John (Inez), Westville; several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. downstairs in First United Church, Musquodoboit Harbour. Funeral service will be Monday, November 20 at 2 p.m. in First United Church with Rev. Joan Griffin officiating. Family flowers only. Memorial donations to Musquodoboit Harbour Pastoral Charge or The Lodge That Gives would be appreciated.
We can’t begin to name all the people who have cared for Dad over the last 23 years, but we are indebted to those who have; from staff at the ENT clinic, the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, The Lodge That Gives, to those more recently involved, such as the amazing staff of the Continuing Care Program who supported us over the last few months. We would also like to thank all staff of Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care during the final days of Dad’s illness. It brought us great comfort knowing that he was cared for so well, in the same place where he had cared for so many.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
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