Obituary of Dr. Blake Barlow

Dr. Blake Barlow passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance surrounded by family on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late Janet (Sheldrick) Barlow (2015), also predeceased by a son David Barlow (2009). Loving father of Howard Barlow and Debora (David) Pigden of San Diego. Grandfather of Sarah (Dan) Sousa, Kimberly (Nick) Lauzon and great grandfather of Ryan and Natalie Sousa. Loving brother of Beth (Dana) Porter and a sister-in-law Marie Barlow. Uncle of Dr. Peter Sheldrick and Gordon Barlow. Predeceased by brothers; Douglas, Murray and Keith Barlow.

Dr. Robert Blake Barlow was born on the 10th of December, 1925 to his parents, Dr. Henry Summers Barlow and the former Alice Smith in Merlin Ontario. He attended Merlin Public School, Central Public School, McKeough Public School and Chatham Collegiate Institute. In 1944, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force to train as a pilot. Before he was to be deployed to Japan, World War II ended.

Dr. Barlow enrolled in the ‘ex-service class of medicine’ at the University of Western Ontario. He graduated M.D. in 1950, and completed an internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, in 1951. He opened his general practice at 143 Thames Street, Chatham, where he remained until his retirement from primary care in 1972.

During his medical career, Dr. Barlow was a delegate to the Ontario Medical Association, and he served as President of the Kent County Medical Society for a term. He remained very active in the medical community for a number of years. He developed the first doctors’ answering service in Chatham, was the President of Windsor Medical Services, and was the first member on the College of Physicians and Surgeons’ Medical Review Committee. He was the medical adviser to Homecare and several other government agencies and large businesses in Chatham. He served as a Chatham City Councilor for three terms.

In recognition of his dedication to the medical profession and local community, Dr. Barlow was honoured with the Glenn Sawyer Service Award in 1989.

In his spare time, Dr. Barlow enjoyed playing golf and bridge, as well as gardening.

For more details of his life and accomplishments refer to www.ckphysiciantribute.ca

Cremation has taken place. As per Dr. Blake’s wishes, in lieu of donations or flowers, please take a close friend to lunch. There will be no funeral home visitation or service.