The announcement of a long time citizens passing, appeared in the Memorials section of Friday’s Daily News classified ads. Dr. Lawrence Mitchell Greene, had passed away suddenly on November 23rd at the age of 92, bringing to a close a long and illustrious career in the service of Prince Rupert.
From R. G. Larges’, two volume; Gateway to Alaska collection about Prince Rupert, we can trace his impact on Prince Rupert and the North Coast. Dr. Greene arrived in Prince Rupert in 1949, relocating to Prince Rupert to take over the local medical practice of Dr. C. H. Hankinson. Founder of the Greene Clinic, he had a long a respected career in medicine, always in the forefront of local medical affairs, a constant proponent for improvement to the health care system of Prince Rupert. He was recognized in 1996 by the Canadian Medical Association for his distinguished medical career. The world renowned Doctors without Borders, also recognized his involvement with their organization listing him on page 34 of their 2004 annual report.
He was heavily involved in local political affairs as well, from the fifties on through the decades. From terms on Prince Rupert City council, to social causes, his was a name synonymous with Prince Rupert in those prosperous and growing years of the sixties and seventies. He was quite involved in the local Chamber of Commerce and had an avid interest preserving the Heritage of the city, serving for a time as the Chairman of the local Heritage Committee. For his many contributions to the life of Prince Rupert he was named a Freeman of the City.
An interesting fact from the Large books, is his involvement in the development of the Prince Rupert Airport. It was back in 1955 that Dr. Greene and J. T. Harvey served on a committee to prepare a presentation to the Federal Government. Their efforts in Ottawa resulted in the Federal Government approving the construction of the Digby Island Airport back in 1961. A much needed and vital transportation link for the north coast.
Another advertisement in the Daily News, reminded many Prince Rupert residents of Dr. Greene’s business success as a long time owner of Philpott Evitt. In respect of his contributions to Prince Rupert, that store is closing its doors on Monday for four and a half hours.
His Memorial Service takes place Monday, November 28th at 11 am at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and in keeping with his desire to improve the city he shaped, memorial donations are being directed towards the North Coast Health Improvement Society.
He was one of the pillars of Prince Rupert in the last half century, someone who made a difference in this North coast city. One hopes the Daily News will put together a suitable retrospective befitting his achievements and the impact he had in the area he chose to live, work and gave much of his time to build.
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