Page 48 - Card Photo Flipbook-December 2022

46 1965-67, rather than continuing to a residency immediately, Bob spent two years as an MRC
For
Fellow doing hematology research. Bob now had more time to spend with the family. Helen typed
Bob’s thesis in the days before word processing was invented and didn’t complain (to Bob at least!)
when the whole thesis had to be fully retyped a number of times when the supervisor (Les Valberg -
who later became Dean at UWO Medical School) made numerous last minute recommendations for
changes. This led to another graduation in 1967 when Bob received his MSc (Med).
During this time Bob and Helen moved to their final Kingston home at RR#7 in the Armstrong
Subdivision located west out Bath Road and just over the Little Cataraqui Creek (swampier than a
creek). It was just south of a rail line and there was a farm to the west, which became Frontenac
Mall before they left in 1968. These houses were just across from Collins Bay penitentiary, but the
Cards felt safe as escapees wouldn’t want to hide out so close – or would they? This was now a
proper home with room for a large garden and a rink in the winter.
Within this small complex long standing friendships were developed, including Gus and Bernie
McGillivray and their large family. This complex attracted other Meds ‘64 types including Stan
Sandomirsky and Lin Frelick. Jan and Ernie McCrank (also Meds ’64) with their family became
lifelong friends. Sadly Ernie died just 5 months before Helen. It is believed Ernie came up with the
name “Swamp Houses”. The road is now called Armstrong Road, the houses no longer exist.
Bob secured a hematology fellowship in Boston for July of 1968. However, he first had to do one
more year of residency. This was done at KGH (1967-68) with on call necessary again. Helen and
Sharon again coped very well. During this time, in addition to her nursing education duties, she also
showed her continued gardening and crafting skills as per the following memories: