Lynn, Ralph Beverley

Person

Lynn, Ralph Beverley

1921-2006

Dr. Ralph Beverley Lynn, a professor of Surgery at Queen's University, was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario, on August 24, 1921. He began his teaching career at Queen's University in 1958 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery in charge of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Surgery. He became a full professor in 1962. Prior to his tenure at Queen's University, Dr. Lynn served as Professor of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan from 1955 to 1958. He was a Markle Scholar from 1955 to 1962, and has received Fellowships from six surgical colleges in Scotland, England, the United States and Canada.

In 1944, he married Blanche Wellman; they have four sons. Dr. Lynn also served in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps from 1943 to 1946, and was discharged at the rank of Captain.

Dr. Lynn entered Queen's University as a student in 1940, graduating with distinction in medicine in 1945 and earning the Gold Medal. He interned at Kingston General Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. He was Senior Registrar at the Post-Graduate Medical School (PGMS) in London, England, for 1947-48; was Clinical Tutor, Surgery, at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, for 1948-49; was Assistant Lecturer, Surgery, at PGMA London, England, from 1949 to 1950; was National Research Council Scholar and Hospital Surgeon at Cleveland City Hospital, 1950-51; was a Travelling Fellow (PGMF) at John Hopkins University, Baltimore, from 1951 to 1952; was again Assistant Lecturer, Surgery, PGMS London, England for 1952-54; and was Senior Registrar at Southampton Chest Hospital from 1954 to 1955, before taking up the position of Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan in 1955.

Dr. Lynn has been President of the Ontario and Canadian Thoracic Societies and of the Kingston Academy of Medicine. He served on countless committees locally and nationally. He co-authored a surgical textbook, and among his other academic accomplishments are the authorship of over 100 scientific papers and contributions to five textbooks, including an encyclopaedia. Dr. Lynn was one of the most respected doctors in Canada, and is adored by his patients and revered by his colleagues.

Following his retirement from Queen's University, Dr. Lynn devoted more time to his hobby of antique collecting and sales. He was respected by the antique dealer community for his detailed knowledge of craftsmanship, his good taste and shrewd sense of value. His wife Blanche shared in these traits as well as in the trade. Dr. Lynn died tragically on 1 December 2006.

Draft

• English