Three Doctor's McGuffin, brother's, born in London, Ontario, all graduates of The University Of Western Ontario have practiced Medicine from 1905, Alberta's inaugural year, until 1970. William was the 9th child in a family with 10 children he operated a grocery and shoe store in London Ontario and also had a farm on the 9th Concession Lot 12. Sons of William McGuffin and Elsie Fish, they are above all a tribute to their parents’ dedication and hard work.
Dr. Chester Fish McGuffin (Terry)The first to arrive in Calgary was born August 28, 1883 and graduated as an MD in 1904 and established a practice in Calgary in 1905. In 1908 he was a member of the First Convocation and Senate of the University Of Alberta. He and younger brother Herb did most of the surgery in Calgary at the Calgary General Hospital until interrupted by WWI.
Terry served in France and Belgium with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC) from 1914 to 1918. He was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and received the Distinguished Service Order and Bar (DSO). After the War Terry focused on Physical Rehabilitation Medicine and in 1921 opened the McGuffin Clinic in Calgary. He held a Fellowship in the American College of Physical Medicine, served as the Medical Representative for the Workmen’s Compensation Board of Alberta from 1936 to 1958, and ran the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital for many years.
Terry was an avid Boxer in his youth and served as Official Timer and Referee for many of his early years in Calgary. He loved and was a strong supporter of Hockey, and held a box of seats in every major Calgary arena (they kept burning down!) from 1905 until his death in 1958. He died September 8th 1958 having practiced Medicine in Calgary for 53 years.
Dr. William Herbert McGuffin (Herb)Herb was born in London, Ontario December 27, 1886, graduated as an MD in 1910 and moved to Calgary that year to join his older brother Terry in General Practice.
During the war years, Herb became very interested in the new Technical advancements offered by the use of X-rays. In 1918 he opened the Radium and X-ray Institute in Calgary for the practice of X-ray and Radiology. He studied Radiology in Chicago, and at Bellevue Hospital in New York. He quickly became a leader in this new field of Medicine and was named a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, Fellow of the Faculty Of Radiation London England, and served a term as President of the Radiological Society of North America.
Together with Dr. John McEachern of Calgary Herb organized the Alberta Cancer Society - later the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. He was named a Life Member in 1949. Herb fell victim to the new technology he worked tirelessly to promote and died on October 25th 1949.
Dr. Gordon Lionel McGuffin (Gordon)Gordon was born in London Ontario Sept. 23, 1890. He graduated as an MD in 1918 after serving two years in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. He was discharged as a Lieutenant and pursued post graduate studies at McGill University and Rush Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Gordon served for a time at the Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago as an Eye, Ear, Nose, & Throat specialist where he met his wife Mary Albert, who was in Nursing training. Later he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as Assistant Medical Examiner before moving to Calgary in 1923. He set up his practice in the old Grain Exchange Building on 1st Street West.Gordon served a host of patients, local and rural, through the depression years accepting farm produce, or in many cases, gratitude only for their service.
Gordon was an avid Curler and golfer, was a President of the North Hill Curling Club, and an enthusiastic member of the Canukeena Service Men’s Club and the Earl Grey Golf Club. He died in hospital Feb. 1st 1961 while recovering from a heart problem.
