October 2, 1930 - December 3, 2020
Howard Lynnes passed away December 3rd in Knoxville Tennessee at the age of 90. He was a popular doctor in the Ashcroft/Clinton/100 Mile House area from the mid '50s to the mid '70s.
Born to Alfred and Hulda Lynnes on October 2nd 1930 in Rosetown, Sask. Howard grew up in Bawlf, Alberta during the Great Depression and the war years. Life was not easy but he managed to graduate from the University of Alberta medical school and start a practice in Ashcroft and Clinton.
He enjoyed the challenges of providing medical care in the rural communities and was proud of being able to live up to the expectations of a country doctor which seem out of place in this day.
He was called upon for house calls at all hours no matter the distance (all day trips to remote patients were not uncommon), delivering babies, surgery, serving as the local coroner as well as sewing up the odd dog or horse.
In the late '70s he moved to Costa Rica for a year to recharge before emigrating to the States ending up in eastern Tennessee where he ran a small-town practice until his retirement. Although he remained in the States for the rest of his life he often spoke fondly of his time in Ashcroft and the people there.
Although his work consumed most of his time he still managed to find the time for steelhead fishing on the Thompson, bird hunting in the hills, driving too fast, riding his motorcycle across the country (and through the hotel bars on Stampede weekends) and flying his airplane. But mostly he will be remembered for his dedication to his patients and for his sense of humour.
Howard is survived by his four children, Susan, Michael, David and Carolyn. As per his wishes his ashes will be returned to the Thompson River near one of his favorite fishing spots.