Newell Whittemore

March 24, 1935 - July 7, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Blair Whittemore, devoted husband to Mary for 67 years, beloved father to Deborah (the late Rodney Pike), David (Jackie), Blair (Alanna), and Katherine (Donald Charles Jackson). Proud grandfather of Alexandra and Ryan Pike, Tori and Blair Whittemore, Erika Whittemore, and Bella and Charlotte Jackson.

He was the heart of a family that adored him - whose lives are forever shaped by his unwavering love, wisdom, and dry wit - and he found his greatest joy in time spent with them, especially at the family cottage. So many memories of planting hosta gardens, debating world events and talking hockey around the dining table over a bottle of wine.

Blair was a proud alumnus of Lakefield College School and Bishop’s University, institutions that nurtured his early curiosity, discipline, and sense of community - qualities that remained hallmarks of his life and distinguished career.

He went on to graduate from McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine, completing his residency in Internal Medicine and Hematology at the Montreal General Hospital, followed by a research fellowship in Hematology at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. Returning to Montreal, he built a distinguished career at the Montreal General Hospital. Blair was not only a gifted clinician and educator, but also a leader in medical education and healthcare administration.

He served as Director of the Undergraduate Teaching Program at the MGH, Chairman of the Undergraduate Teaching Committee at McGill, and CTU Director and Associate Physician-in-Chief. His service extended nationally, taking on the role of National Director of the Transfusion Service for the Canadian Red Cross in 1988, before returning to the MGH as Director of Professional Services.

In 2002, what Blair called “retirement” marked the beginning of a deeply impactful new chapter at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. As Interim Director of the Hematology Laboratories, and soon after as Head of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Division, he revitalized clinical training programs, championed renovations to the in-patient unit (lovingly known as Sarah’s Floor), and led the division to achieve the highest designation granted by the Quebec government’s cancer care body (Lutte contre le Cancer).

Blair’s legacy is not only measured in titles or achievements but in the lives he touched. He will be remembered as a brilliant and principled physician, a generous mentor, and a man who cared deeply - for his patients, his students, his colleagues, his friends, and above all, his family. His impact will endure through his children and grandchildren, the countless professionals he trained and the families whose lives were profoundly impacted by his care.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Meagher, Dr. Mihalcioiu, and the exceptional teams of doctors and nurses in the 9th Floor ICU and the Emergency Department at the Montreal General Hospital for their devoted care and compassion.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 2 pm, at St. Philip’s Church, 25 Brock Avenue North, Montreal West, Québec. Reception to follow at the Church Hall. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Blair’s memory may be made to The Dr. Blair and Mary Whittemore Endowment Fund at The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, supporting the continuing education of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology nurses and Hematology technologists, or to a charity of your choice.