Dr. John Anthony Lusk

Dr. Lusk lived by his creed, “Study hard and make something of yourself.” John was proud of his education and career as a physician, practicing medicine in Davison for 35 years before his retirement in 1996. Reflecting on his passion for education, Lusk called his uncle, Michael Toll, of London, Canada, “his mentor.” During his medical school days at the University of Western Ontario in London, John roomed at his uncle’s house.

Born October 12, 1927, in Detroit to Maria Theresa Citulski and John Lusk, who worked as a forging inspector, John was raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on Langlois Avenues and attended grade school at Prince Edward Elementary and Kennedy Collegiate High School. He then attended Assumption College and the University of Western Ontario, where he was graduated from medical school in 1952.

At Western, John met Ruth Sutherland; they married in 1950. John interned at Wayne County General Hospital from 1952 to 1954; he joined the United States Air Force as First Lieutenant, moving to McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, KS.

In 1955, the Lusks gave birth to their first child, John Sutherland in 1955 and a second boy, James Alexander, in 1956. The young family moved to Garden City, Michigan, to finish John’s residency in Internal Medicine. From Garden City, the family moved to Goodrich where William Joseph was born in 1958 and Ruth Elizabeth in 1960. The Lusks then moved to Davison where Peter Christopher was born in 1962.

Dr. Lusk started his family practice in the basement of the family home in Davison, eventually building a medical clinic down the road from the house.

During that time, John served as President of the Michigan Society of Internal Medicine, saw patients at Hurley Hospital and St. Joseph’s in Flint, and received credited for a medical first, the inoculation of a rhesus monkey with gamma globulin. John also taught as adjunct faculty for Michigan State University’s College of Allopathic Medicine and greatly cherished sharing his wisdom and experience with residents and students.

John is survived by his five children and seven grandchildren: Alexander and Dominic of Seattle; Lauren and John Anthony of Gig Harbor; WA.; Tianna (Doug) Stehle of Burton, and Samuel and Scott of Port Huron; one great-grandchild, Ellianna Elizabeth, Burton; cousins Walter Polk (Polulak); Steve and Michael Polulak; Michael Toll and spouse Frances; Aunt Anita Citulski; John’s in-laws are Randy Maitland (Elizabeth’s spouse); Julie (John’s spouse); Margaret (Jim’s spouse); and Gayle (Peter’s spouse).

Cremation has taken place; a memorial service will be held 2:00PM Sunday, November 24, 2013 at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 1523 N. Oak St., Davison. Rev. Sue Colavincenzo will officiate. The family will receive friends 1:00PM Sunday until time of service at church. Special thanks to John’s wonderful caregivers, especially Krysta. Memorials may be made to the University of Western Ontario Medical School or to a charity of choice in John’s name. Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Rd., Grand Blanc. www.brownfh.com