Dr. Ernest Reynolds Ambrose, D.D.S. (May 12, 1926 - June 1, 2011)
It is with deep sadness that the family of Ernest (Ernie) Ambrose, age 85 years, announces his passing on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Oliver Lodge in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Ernest was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (nee Douglas) and eldest son, Douglas. Ernest is survived by his second wife, Norma (nee Douglas-Watt); Ernest and Patricia’s children: Linda (the late Jon Fyshe), Brian, Kevin (Valaria Koren), Susan (John Lyon), Stephen, Janet (Richard Lecoupe); his beloved grandchildren: Alona (Mark), Benjamin, Joshua, Jared, Ashleigh, Julianna, Evangelina and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Ambrose received his dental degree from McGill in 1950. For 27 years, McGill dentistry students had the privilege of receiving their education under the tutelage of this renowned Professor and Dean. Dr. Ambrose began his career as Demonstrator in the Operative Department from 1950 until 1957, when he took on the position of Lecturer, later to become Chairman of the Department in 1958. He served as Dean of Dentistry at McGill from 1970 to 1977, before taking the position of Dean at the College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan, which he occupied until 1985. Dr. Ambrose was appointed Professor Emeritus of Restorative and Prosthodontic Dentistry in 1993.
Dr. Ambrose had a hand in teaching many of the dentists in Canada and he taught, at one time or another, most of the dentists in Saskatchewan. His enthusiasm and love for operative dentistry is recognized by his peers internationally. As a teacher of restorative and prosthetic dentistry, he was absolutely committed and tireless in his pursuit of conveying knowledge - both didactic and clinical. Students came to appreciate the excellent clinical training they received under his leadership. He knew each of them well and was always available to answer their questions and concerns. For decades, he imparted his zest for practical dentistry and high standards of professional ethics to hundreds of young people, all of whom were well guided by his dedication, compassion and his common sense approach. “A dental problem is not just a tooth connected to a wallet! Between the two, there is a person.” Dr. Ernest R. Ambrose told his students. He received the Master Teacher Award in 1993 from the University of Saskatchewan and there is a scholarship and a professorship in his name at the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University.
Ernie was a devoted father and husband, compassionate dentist and teacher. He was an avid fisherman and introduced his children and grandchildren to the love of fishing. His family fondly remember many happy times around the Montreal dinner table, summers at Lake Diefenbaker in the “condo” and on the houseboat. He will be dearly missed. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 4th, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home (east on 8th Street, turn right before rail crossing). Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Oliver Lodge’s “Angels of Care”, (1405 Faulkner Cres., Saskatoon, Sk. S7L 3R5 (306) 382-4111) or the Canadian Diabetes Association (104 -2301 Avenue C North, Saskatoon, Sk. S7L 5Z5). Family and friends may send online condolences from the website www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Arrangements entrusted to HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME.