R. Gordon Crandall, M.D., accomplished physician and psychiatrist, whose work helped improve the quality of life of many dealing with mental illness, died quietly on July 1, in Charlotte, NC, surrounded by family. He was 88. Dr. Crandall had a particular interest in schizophrenia and conducted research at the National Institute of Health in the 1960s on identical twins and schizophrenia. He was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on February 14, 1928. He developed passions for music and medicine as a young child which drove his career path. He graduated from Acadia University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie Medical School in 1956. He worked his way through medical school playing piano in his jazz band and his love of jazz, classical music and opera continued throughout his life. After living and practicing medicine in Germany for the Canadian government, Dr. Crandall decided to attend Wayne State in Detroit for his psychiatric residency. Afterwards, he moved back to New Brunswick to practice psychiatry for a number of years. In 1956 he married Marguerite MacNaught, of Truro, Nova Scotia. She survives him, as do two sons, David and Ken; a daughter, Deborah; and four grandchildren. He lived and worked in Canada, Munich, Germany, Iowa, South Carolina and finally settled down in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1981. He served as medical director for various psychiatric facilities and after he retired in the 1990s, was asked to come out of retirement and serve as medical director for Catawba Community Mental Health Clinic. He was respected by his colleagues for his dedication and integrity as a psychiatrist and administrator. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation or any non-profit supporting individuals with mental illness.
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