Dr. Vernon Withold Krause

Vernon Withold Krause, MD, FRCPC, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, in Halifax, NS, at the age of 101, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 2, 1925, in Bruderheim, Alberta, to Withold and Alice Krause, Vern lived a long, full life marked by his curiosity, empathy and generosity.

Early life was in the small Alberta communities of Bruderheim and Radway, where his father ran flour-mills. For his high school years, the family moved to Edmonton. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alberta in 1948. His career began in Mayerthorpe, Alberta, where he practiced family medicine, which spawned a number of his colourful stories. In 1950, he married Isabel Merriman, an O.R. nurse he met at the Royal Alexandra Hospital—a partnership that would shape the course of his life.

Driven by a desire to keep learning, Vern moved to Ontario in 1955 to specialize in pathology at Queen’s University and the Banting Institute. He later worked in pediatric pathology at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children before settling in Halifax in 1961. There, he served as Director of Laboratory Services at the IWK Hospital for Children and Grace Maternity Hospital and as Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University. His leadership and contributions to his field were recognized nationally when he was elected President of the Canadian Association of Pathologists in 1981.

In 1983, Vern and Isabel returned west to Abbotsford, British Columbia, where he continued his career, but in general pathology. Following Isabel’s passing and his retirement, he remained engaged, taking on pathology locums in communities across the country.

Beyond medicine, Vern’s greatest pride was his family. He and Isabel raised four children—Shauna, Donald, David and Margaret—while building a vibrant family life centered around their love of horses. Vern served as President of the Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers and was an avid supporter of his children’s riding pursuits. Vern and Isabel bought a farm in Dartmouth and established an equestrian centre, hosting many riding competitions and clinics. When on the farm, he was not afraid to get his hands dirty, often seen in overalls riding a tractor, scything thistles or shoveling manure.

He also had a keen interest in the stock market and current affairs and followed the NHL and CFL, especially when an Edmonton team was in the mix. He loved skating, and spent many hours on Russell Lake playing hockey with his boys and skating under the moonlight, arm in arm, with his daughters. He taught his children card games and chess but never liked to lose.

Retirement did not slow him down. Vern maintained an active life—playing tennis, cycling, fishing, skiing, sailing and white-water rafting. He often criss-crossed the country to visit and support family. He travelled to the six continents to fulfill his interest of history, art and culture, accompanied by family, friends and long-time friend and frequent travel companion, Lynn Kobierski.

At age 90, he returned to Halifax and made his home at Parkland at the Gardens, where he quickly made new friends and became a valued member of the community. With enthusiasm, he participated in activities ranging from book club, painting, writing and exercise classes. Known for his intellect and depth of knowledge, he enjoyed sharing medical insights at weekly discussion groups. His vivid memory delighted his friends with stories of his personal exploits. His frequent saying, “trying to stay in the game,” captured his enduring spirit.

Vern is survived by his children Shauna (Payson) Hunter of Halifax, Donald (Lois) of Mississauga, David of Ottawa, and Margaret (Monty Clemens) of Whistler; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister Barbara (Jim) Moscovich; and Alberta based nephew and nieces. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Isabel, his brother Gilbert, and his parents.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the IWK Foundation.

A funeral service celebrating Vern’s ten-decade-long life will be held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints (Anglican Church) in Halifax on Monday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m. It will be live-streamed at https://www.cathedralchurchofallsaints.com.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Shauna and Payson and Lynn Kobierski for their care and support, and to the nurses, staff and doctors at Parkland at the Gardens for their compassion and kindness.