W. A. Paddon (1914–1995)

Obituary via website of Memorial University at http://www.mun.ca/gazette/1994-95/Jan...

"Dr. W. Anthony Paddon, who dedicated his life to the
development and expansion of health and educational services
in Labrador, and who was the first Labradorian to serve as the
province's lieutenant-governor, died Jan. 5 at the age of 80.
Dr. Paddon was a member of Memorial's Board of Regents from
1972-74 and received an honorary degree from the university in
1977.

Born in Indian Harbour, Labrador, he received his early
education at home (since there was no school in his area) and
later attended Lenox School in Massachusetts. He received a
B.Sc. (1936) from Trinity College at Hartford, Conn., and
completed his MD (1940) at the State Medical School of New
York. His summers as a student were spent with the
International Grenfell Association (IGA) in Labrador.

After serving as a surgeon with the Royal Canadian Navy
during the Second World War, Dr. Paddon returned to Labrador
in 1946. Although he had become a qualified pilot during his
university career with a view to conducting aerial medical
work in Labrador, he never actually flew air ambulance
flights. Instead, he worked as a medical officer for the IGA,
travelling the region by dogteam and on foot in winter, and
visiting coastal communities by hospital ship in summer. He
was director of the IGA's Northern Medical Services from
1960-78, and retired in 1979.

Dr. Paddon was Newfoundland's lieutenant-governor from
1981-86. During his long and distinguished career he received
many citations, including an honorary degree from Trinity
College (1974). He was named twice to the Order of Canada,
first as a member (1978), then as an officer (1988). Dr.
Paddon also served on the executive of the Newfoundland
Medical Association for two years."