Howard G. Thistle

It is with deep sorrow that Marion (Thistle) Jackson of St. John's Newfoundland announces the death of her nearest and dearest brother, Howard Thistle, 78, on July 8th, 2013 at Nyack Hospital. He will be most sorely missed by his loving friend and life-partner of 50 years, Christopher 'John' Calt and by his New City friends Cristel and Erna, his New York colleagues, and by a host of Canadian nieces and nephews whose generous 'Uncle Howard' played host to many a pleasant New York holiday.

Special acknowledgement and vote of thanks is owed his niece Pauline (Thistle) Tenberg who has travelled repeatedly to his home in New City over the past year, and especially over recent months of the decline of Howard's health, working with her sisters and husband to ensure the welfare and nurture of both Howard and John right up to and during their recent hospitalization.

Growing up in a small Newfoundland village, Dr. Thistle earned his medical degrees in Halifax and Toronto and in the early '60s joined the staff of the Rusk Institute, a prestigious rehabilitation center within the New York University Hospital system. His work there as a director of rehabilitation medicine became the epicenter of his life until he retired, very reluctantly, but a few years ago.

Though Canadian, Howard became a total New Yorker, delighting both in the rustic setting of his home up the Hudson -- he was a superb chef and host as many who attended his frequent feasts could attest -- and in Manhattan's legendary artistic, theatrical and culinary offerings.

His remains will be returned to Newfoundland for burial; a family memorial wake for Howard in St. John's will be held at a later date.