Obituary of Dr. Hugh Alexander Lindsay

Hugh Alexander Lindsay, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Hugh Alexander Lindsay died at age 89 in Morgantown. The son of Colin Alexander Lindsay and L. Irena (Fenwick) Lindsay, he was born in Moose Jaw and then was taken to the family farm near Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan. During those difficult times of the great depression and the dust bowl the family moved several times as circumstances dictated, finally locating in southern Ontario. His parents, although undereducated and impoverished, understood the value of education and saw to it that Hugh and his three brothers went as far as their interests and abilities could carry them. Toward the end of his secondary education in London, Ontario, a blessed teacher, Louise Wyatt, suggested that he apply for a scholarship and attend college. As a direct result of her influence and his parents' firm support he did (the first in his known family to do so), earning a BSc degree in Zoology and an MSc degree in Histology from the University of Western Ontario. He then moved to Toronto where he earned a PhD in Pharmacology. He came to Morgantown in 1955 as Assistant Professor of Physiology and rose to the rank of Professor. He taught mostly Endocrinology to medical, dental, pharmacology and medical technology students and performed research in that same field. He married the former Helen Ruth Whitesides in 1956. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in 2015. They had three children: Cameron, Anne and Colin, and nine grandchildren. In mid adult life, with the encouragement of his family he resigned from his position and became a medical student, receiving his MD in 1973. On the basis of scholastic merit he was admitted to Alpha Omega Alpha, a medical honorary society. After a year in post-graduate work in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Family Practice, Dr. Lindsay set up a solo practice in family medicine and after practicing for three years sat for the Board Certification Exam in Family Practice, retaining that certification throughout his career. He regarded being a doctor as a singular privilege and was ever grateful to those who entrusted their lives to him. Dr. Lindsay was a lifetime member of various scientific organizations including the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, and the American Physiological Society. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Morgantown where he and Helen were married and where he had been Deacon and Elder, and of The Rotary Club of Morgantown of which he had been a Board Member. Dr. Lindsay was the last surviving member of his immediate family, having been predeceased by his parents and his brothers Owen, Donald, and Albert. He is survived by: his wife Helen Whitesides Lindsay; son Cameron Lindsay, his wife Deanna and their children Scott Alexander, Erin Nicole, and Alexander James (A.J.); daughter Anne Lindsay Dransfield, her husband Michael and their children Lindsay Anne, Margaret Irene, Stephen Ray and John Michael; and son Colin Lindsay, his wife Kate and their children Madison Bell and Hugh Alexander II. Hastings Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A Celebration of the life of Dr. Hugh Lindsay will be held Saturday, September 19 at 2:00p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church on Spruce Street. The family will visit with friends at a reception from 3:30-5:30p.m. at the WVU Erickson Alumni Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Lindsay's memory to Rotary Club of Morgantown, P.O. Box 411, Morgantown, WV 26507 or Morgantown Area Meals on Wheels, 3375 University Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26505