Today@Dal

The Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie University are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. William “Stuart” Huestis, neurosurgeon and former professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Dalhousie University, on May 23, 2022, at the age of 89.

Born in Saint John, NB, Dr. Huestis grew up in Chance Harbour NB, and graduated from Dalhousie Medical School in Halifax in 1956. After a year as a general practitioner, he began his residency in Neurosurgery, and received his fellowship of Neurosurgery in Canada in 1961 and two years later in the American College of Surgeons. He was awarded the McLaughlin Travelling Fellowship in 1964 and spent time in Neuro centres in Europe and North America before returning to Halifax where he worked for over 30 years.

Dr. Huestis was a Professor and Head of Department of Neurosurgery Dalhousie University from 1974-1982 and was instrumental in setting up the Neuro Pediatric Unit at the IWK. He had many accolades, but what he aspired to was providing the best care for his patients. Apart from being skilled technically, he had a caring bedside manner and was always available to referring family doctors.

Health issues forced Dr. Huestis to retire early and he relocated to Kenville, NS, where he spent his time gardening, golfing, and travelling to Florida during the winter months, but he always longed for his days in the operating room.

Dr. Huestis was a respected leader and inspiration to many. He will be profoundly missed.

For the full obituary, click here.