May 31, 1949

Dr. L.L. Reford Succumbs to Long Illness

Neurosurgery Pioneer was a Philatelist and Wildlife Enthusiasts

Dr. Lewis L. Reford, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reford, died today at the Western Division of the General Hospital, in his 71st year, after a lengthy illness.

Educated in Montreal at private schools and McGill University, he graduated in arts in 1900 and in medicine in 1904. After interning for two years at the Montreal General Hospital, he spent five years on post graduate studies, first at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore under the late Dr. Harvey Cushing, and later at several surgical centers in Germany. On his return to Montreal in 1911, he was appointed to the surgical staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital.

In 1915, he married Jean McIntyre, the youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Duncan McIntyre, of Montreal.

During the First World War he served overseas from 1915 to 1919 in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, being an original officer of the No. 3 Canadian General Hospital (McGill).

Maintaining throughout his life his interest in neurosurgery, Dr. Reford was one of those first consulted by the late Dr. Archibald when it was proposed that a center for the study of neurology and neurosurgery be established in Montreal, and subsequently he was one of those whose generosity led to the building of the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University.

His continued interest in his university was shown by his close association with the McGill Rugby Football Club, the Red Birds Ski Club, and the unfailing efforts when the University and Graduates’ Society conducted campaigns for the raising of funds.

A great interest in a natural history led him, with his friend the late Dwight W. Brainerd, to build up a fine entomological collection. He was a supporter of the Province of Quebec Association for the Protection of Fish and Game; and as a member of the Atlantic Salmon Association, which was formed for the protection of Gaspé salmon, his knowledge of the habits and migration of those fish was invaluable.

Known as one of the foremost philatelists of this country, his interest in his famous collection of rare Canadian stamps never waned; and his wide knowledge of plants and flowers was manifested in his own beautiful gardens and in the development of the Montreal Botanical Garden in connection with which he was until recently a member of the board.

Possessing to an unusual degree the gift of friendship, Dr. Reford’s generosity and kindness endeared him to a vast circle of friends in all walks of life. He was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity and St. Paul’s Masonic Lodge; and belonged, among other organizations, to the Mount Royal, the University and the Kanawaki Golf Clubs.

Surviving him are his wife, one brother, R.W. Reford; two sisters, Mrs. Hartland B. MacDougall and Mrs. W. H. Clark-Kennedy; six nephews and three nieces; all of Montreal.

A funeral service will be held at two o’clock on Thursday in St. George’s Church, with internment in Mount Royal Cemetery.