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In the Halifax, N.S. newspaper "Morning
Chronicle", Vol. XXXVII, No. 30, Sat. Feb. 9, 1899
AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH
DR. STEPHEN DODGE PASSES AWAY IN HIS OFFICE
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Cause of Death Supposed to Be Aneurism of the Heart - Practised Medicine Nearly Forty Years - Brief Sketch of His Life
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Dr. Stephen Dodge, who has praticed in Halifax
for many years, and whose gratuitous service
to the inmates of many of our institutions
has won for him the gratitude of many people,
died suddenly in his office yesterday afternoon.
No one who seen the doctor at any time during
the day would have suspected that the grim
hand of death would so soon be laid upon
him, and therefore the intelligence of his
death came not only to the deep regret but
the intense surprise of all. Dr. Dodge presented
every appearance of a man in good health,
and in his strong, brisk walk and robust
looking figure would have led every one to
expect many years of vigorous, active life.
But a trouble that often but little warning
of its presence affected him, and manifesting
itself suddenly took him away before medical
assistance could do aught to help him.
C.W. Romans, who has an office in the same
building, met the doctor on the stairway
about three o'clock and exchanged a few words
with him, when he seemed to possess the same
cheerfulness that always characterized him.
There was apparently nothing the mattar with
him then. A few minutes later, however, as
Mr. Romans came out of his office, he heard
very heavy breathing in the doctor's office,
and feeling that it was not natural, he went
to investigate. To his horror, he found the
doctor lying on the floor unconscious. Drs.
Bigelow, Trenaman and Finn, who quickly answered
a summons for assistance, did what they could
to restore him, but in vain. Life was fast
ebbing and nothing could stay the rapid approach
of death. He passed away without speaking
a word. It would appear that he had been
standing near a table when the sudden illness
attacked him, and as he fell senseless to
the floor, his cheek and nose came in contact
with the table from which resulted several
bruises.
Dr. Dodge was born near Newport, Hants county,
sixty - seven years ago. His early education
was received at the Presbyterian academy
at West River, Pictou county. He studied
his profession in New York and then graduated
from the college of physicians and surgeons
in 1859. He first practiced in Kentville
and afterwards made a special study of diseases
of the eye, ear and throat and as well, deformities.
He then came to Halifax where he commenced
practice as a specialist in those diseases,
thus becoming the pioneer specialist of the
province. He devoted attention at one time
to nervous diseases and won considerable
fame for his successful treatment of such
diseases.
Besides attending to his practice, Dr. Dodge found time to do much work for such as would
otherwise have to suffer without help. He was connected with the dispensary from its
inception and the annual reports of the School for the Blind and the Deaf and Dumb
Institute for many years have spoken with great appreciation of his service rendered
gratuitously. He was also connected with the Victoria General Hospital. His kindness will
be long remembered by those who, in his way, have come under his care.
For a long time he held an honored position in the councils of the Nova Scotia Medical
society. He was a very active member of that society and during his long connection with
it has read any valuable papers. At one time, his services to the society and his ability
in discharging duties in connection with it were recognized by his elevation to the
presidency of that body. His activities extended even further and, as a professor in the
Halifax Medical college, he has done a work the influence of which has extended to all
parts of the province. He occupied the chair of ophthalmology and otology and while he
discharged faithfully the duties in connection therewith for many years he has also, of
late years, lectured on diseases of the nose and throat as the successor of Dr. Tobin. He
was also a very active and useful member of the provincial medical board, from which he
retired only a short time ago.
As a man he possessed many fine qualities. he was always cheerful and kindly in disposition.
As a Presbyterian, he was an active member of Fort Massey Church, at times acting as
a member of the board of management of which he was once chairman. He was square and upright
in his dealings with men, possessed strong convictions which he expressed fearlessly
and in very clear, well chosen language. He was fond of debate and being logical in
his method of discussion put points very clearly. In politics, he was a strong Liberal
and kept always well posted in the current political history of the province and country.
He married Miss Blanchard, daughter of the late Judge Blanchard of Kentville who survives
him. He also leaves three children, two sons and a daughter. Blanchard, the elder son, is
electrician on a British government surveying ship, and Rae, the younger son, is an
electrician in Halifax. His daughter is Mrs. Ings, of Charlottetown.
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Sent to us by Rannie Blanchard of Nova Scotia .
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