Obituary of Dr. Richard Winston Street

STREET: Dr. Richard Winston (1920-2014) Dr. Richard Winston Street, long-time family physician in Blyth, passed away on December 26, 2014, at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels. He was 94. R.W. Street was born April 22, 1920 in Kingston, Ontario, to Rev. Richard Street and the former Amelia Weese. When Richard was ten the family settled at Morven, near Napanee. He and his three sisters (Marguerite, Grace and Evelyn) grew up in a strict but loving household, and had to meet the exacting standards required of “preacher’s kids” at that time. He studied Science at Queen’s University, Kingston, completing Bachelor and Master Degrees. He took time off from studies in WWII to enlist in the RCAF, and was completing his training as a navigator when the war ended. Richard went on to become a physician, graduating in 1951 from The University of Western Ontario as a General Practitioner. That same year Richard married Phyllis Wilhelm (of Walkerton), and shortly thereafter took over the medical practice in Blyth. Dr. Street was well respected and well-loved for his gentle manner, understated humour and unflagging dedication. He still made house calls even as that practice was becoming rare; and there are many stories of lives saved though his astute judgement and care. To his family he was a model of integrity and grace under pressure. Richard and Phyllis worked as a team to build their dream home on Gypsy Lane on the western edge of Blyth. They also shared a passion to continue learning about new ways to help people. They traveled to study at seminars and observed cancer clinics in Mexico. And as they studied more about the value of nutritional and holistic therapies, Richard made use of them to complement his traditional practice. After Richard trained in chelation therapy in California, he and Phyllis worked together to set up a chelation clinic that served patients from all over Ontario. Richard also cultivated interests outside of his profession. He was artistic in several areas, and particularly enjoyed singing and listening to music. He was practical with tools and machinery, and fulfilled a dream when he and Phyllis started raising goats and chickens. He enjoyed playing bridge with friends, canoeing and fishing "up north", and – busy though he was – he made time for many memorable summer holidays with his family. Richard was predeceased (in 2006) by Phyllis, his wife of 54 years, and by his son-in-law Patrick Supeene (in 2012). He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Wall, and by his five children: Susan Supeene, David (Kathy), Katherine Lee (Jim), Philip (Vanessa), Eric (Linda), as well as 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at FALCONER FUNERAL HOMES - BLYTH CHAPEL, 407 Queen Street, Blyth on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 220 Carling Terrance, Wingham on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Spring interment of ashes at St. Michael's Cemetery, Morris Township. Parish Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated. The family wishes to thank the staff at Huronlea for their care of our father. Messages of condolence for Dr. Street's family may be sent through www.falconerfuneralhomes.com