Dr. John Acker (1939-2025)
It is with great sadness that the family announce the peaceful sailing away of Dr. John Christopher Acker on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
John was born on January 29, 1939 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of Dr. J. C. Acker, Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Dorothy (née Scriven).
He is survived by his wife Rosalee (née Richard); his five children: Jennifer (Freddy) Claro, Christopher Acker, Stephanie (the late Peter) Hoellwarth, Heidi (Kevin) White, and Wendi (Thumper) McDonald; ten wonderful grandchildren: Brandon and Tristan Claro, Jessica (Devan) Kelly and Jenny Acker, Emilee and Sarah Hoellwarth, Jack and Nicholas White, and Oliver and Evelyn McDonald; one great-grandchild, Myles Kelly, as well as his nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by one sister, Jean (Allan) Frederick and is survived by two sisters-in-law, Patricia (Donald) Farmer and Susan (Barrie) Baker.
John grew up in Halifax and attended Dalhousie University, where he received his B.Sc. in 1960, followed by his M.D. in 1965.
After medical school, John practiced family medicine in Fredericton, N.B., for four years until his “genetic urge” convinced him to return to Halifax where he obtained his Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery in 1974.
Following this, John and his family spent six months in Berne, Switzerland and Woking, England, completing a postgraduate fellowship. They then settled in Saint John, N.B. where he spent the next 40 years practicing orthopaedic surgery.
John was the pioneer for arthroscopic surgery in New Brunswick and is credited with performing the province’s first total knee replacement. John also founded the first Sports Medicine Clinic in New Brunswick and was a founding member of the Canadian Sports Medicine Society.
In addition to John’s career as a surgeon, he also held a variety of roles and memberships within local and national organizations including: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, The Canadian Orthopaedic Association, The New Brunswick Orthopaedic Association, The N.B. Medical Society, The N.B. College of Physicians and Surgeons, The Atlantic Provinces Orthopaedic Society, Yabsley Orthopaedic Club (founding member), Saint John Environmental Committee (Chairman), The Saint John Horticultural Society, Lily Lake Pavillion (Board Member), and the Cherry Brook Zoo.
In his retirement, John was also an Associate Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University, tutoring medical students in musculoskeletal anatomy.
Throughout his life, John was also known as an avid sailor, holding memberships at the R.K.Y.C. and R.Y.C. He sailed his “yacht” all over the Saint John and Kennebecasis Rivers as well as the Bay of Fundy and the coast of Maine. He also circumnavigated mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. John explored several of the Caribbean Islands aboard Stopp Knot, a co-owned vessel berthed in St. Lucia and the British Virgin Islands.
John loved his little piece of heaven on Mather’s Island. He was one of the founders of the Mathers Island Company and served as president. He built a beautiful camp there to share with his family.
Those who knew John also knew his love of music which he described as his “relaxant”. As a keen musician himself, he was a founding member of “The Cool Chicks and Ugly Doc-lings”. He also played with “The Down East Fiddlers”, performing for the residents and staff of various nursing and assisted-living homes in southern New Brunswick. In retirement, John also pursued his love of sharing music by becoming a campus D. J., hosting a weekly Folk & Blues program on the UNBSJ radio station, CFMH.
John will be sadly missed by his family and many friends as he has “sailed away for good”.
Dr. Norman Lister (1952-2025)
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dr. Norman Lister announces his passing on May 14, 2025.
Raised in the quiet community of Upper Mills, New Brunswick, with his parents, the late Kenneth and Mary Lister and siblings, Norman developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from an early age. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply walking in the woods, he found peace and purpose in nature—a grounding force throughout his life.
Norman dedicated nearly 50 years to practicing medicine, serving the people of St. Stephen and surrounding areas with tireless commitment and compassion. He didn’t just treat his patients—he truly felt their joys and sorrows, carrying their happiness and hardships with him long after the day was done. Known for his genuine care, quick wit and unwavering dedication, he was a beloved physician to generations of families. Patients often spoke of his deep empathy, humility, and the rare comfort he brought into exam rooms. For many, he was more than a doctor—he was a confidant, a steady presence, and a friend.
Outside of medicine, Norman’s curiosity about the world was insatiable. He loved gardening, studying animals, plants, and the stars—always eager to understand how things worked and to share what he knew. He had a gift for teaching, offering up random but fascinating facts that made everyone around him feel a little smarter. He was, without a doubt, the most intelligent person many of us ever knew.
He found joy in the simple and meaningful: talking with his patients long after appointments ended, cooking huge meals for his family or spending time with his beloved pets. In younger years, he treasured time at the camp with friends and more recently, he was never more than a phone call away—showing up at his children’s homes in the middle of the night to check on a sick grandchild, always ready with calm reassurance and expert care.
Norman was a man of quiet strength, deeply rooted values, and boundless generosity. He loved his community fiercely and found meaning in the everyday acts of service that defined his life and career. He will be remembered not only for the lives he saved but for the lives he touched—with kindness, dedication, and deep respect for every person who walked through his door.
He gave his life to caring for others and his spirit will live on in the community he so dearly loved. His family believes he is now finally enjoying retirement, casting lines into calm waters with his dog Nikki by his side.
The family would like to say “Thank you” to the nurses at the Charlotte County Hospital, St Stephen, New Brunswick and to the staff at EMP for all the love and care they have shown him.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy, his five children; Jeffrey, Susan (Robert), Mackenzie (Clinton), Nate (Brooke), and Bronwyn (Spencer). His legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren; Ryan, Emery, Lane, Mae, Baker, Lawson, Ashen, Atlas, and Milo, who brought him great joy and pride, siblings; Gene Lister and Janet Caldwell, father-in-law; Roger Stewart, several sisters and brother-in-law, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Norman was predeceased by is brothers; Gregory Lister and Gordon Lister and mother-in-law; Doris Stewart.
Dr. David Dodge (1967-2025)
Dr. David Maxwell Dodge, of Moncton, N.B. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on the morning of June 11th, 2025, after a brave two-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
He was born July 14, 1967, to Joan & Jehu Dodge in St. John’s Newfoundland.
As a young man, David attended high school in Gander Newfoundland and went on to attend Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology in 1990. He then entered the University’s medical school and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in 1995. Dave chose to specialize in Anesthesiology, completing his residency at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 2000.
Dr. Dodge spent the entirety of his career as an Anesthesiologist and an ICU physician at the Moncton Hospital starting in 2000, until his illness in June of 2023. Loved by his colleagues and patients, David was known not just for his skills in the O.R. but also for his wicked sense of humor, and wonderful bedside manner. He was immensely proud when his daughter, Amy was accepted to Dalhousie Medical School, Class of 2028.
While at MUN, David met another medical student, Susan Skanes the love of his life, future spouse, mother of his children, and partner in crime. David and Susan were married for 30 years, celebrating that milestone on June 3rd just days before his passing. David and Susan were blessed with three children, Michael, Amy and Anna who were his pride and joy. Dave also loved his many pets including four cherished Bernese Mountain Dogs, a unique and special Pug, a gentle Pit Bull cross, multiple cats, bunnies, reptiles and other various critters. He passed his love of animals to his son Michael who is pursuing a career as a veterinary technician.
Dave was a big supporter of his children’s athletic endeavours, whether it was coaching from the sidelines, cheering from the stands or as a team benefactor. He was a big fan of the Bernice MacNaughton High School (BMHS) football team where Michael played for four years. Dave coached both his daughters’ soccer teams throughout their years playing Codiac Soccer, BMHS junior varsity and varsity teams, and was actively involved in his daughter Amy’s high school and provincial basketball teams. Dave became a huge rugby fan, and was immensely proud when his daughter Anna played for the University of Ottawa Women’s Rugby team for 5 years.
Dave was an avid athlete from a young age starting on the slopes of Marble Mountain Ski Hill where he fearlessly conquered many runs. He loved volleyball and played for many years with both high school and club teams. He represented Newfoundland as a member of the Canada Games Volleyball team in 1985. His success in volleyball was a contributing factor in Dave being named Athlete of the Year at Gander Collegiate in 1985. As an adult, Dave was an avid cyclist and runner. He competed in many marathons and triathlons, including the famous Ironman in 1993, and the Tough Mudder Bike Race in May 2023, just a month before his diagnosis. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys football fan and never gave up hope of them winning another Superbowl.
Dave was a lover of fine wine and good scotch. He tried his best at golf and always enjoyed a good round with friends. In later years, his favorite thing to do was to travel and explore the world with Susan, particularly to Antigua, which was a special place for them.
David is survived by his wife Susan Skanes and children Michael, Amy and Anna. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including his mother Joan Dodge, siblings Jeff (Catherine), Stephen (Sandra) and Jennifer (Tamila), Sister-in-law Melissa Skanes (Stephen Power), brother-in-law Mark Skanes, 12 nieces & nephews and a great-niece. David is predeceased by his father Jehu Dodge.
Dr. Rick Chisholm (1956-2025)
With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Dr. Richard “Rick” Chisholm on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Hospice Fredericton in New Brunswick. He was 69 years old.
Born on May 14, 1956, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Rick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and physician. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nanette (Barnhill); his children, Frances (Denis) Beaudin and Thomas John (Stefania) Chisholm, and his cherished grandchildren, Iris, Beatrice, Valentina, and Santiago. He is also lovingly remembered by his parents, Francine and Harold Chisholm, and his brothers, Don (Linda), Michael (Marie), Stephen, and John (Jennifer).
Rick earned his medical degree from Dalhousie University and began his career as a general practitioner in Chatham, N.B. After four years of practice, he returned to Dalhousie for postgraduate training in anesthesiology. He went on to have a distinguished 33-year career at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton.
Beyond his clinical work, Rick was a passionate advocate for his profession and his patients. He volunteered with the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS) for over three decades, serving on numerous boards and committees. From 2010 to 2012, he held the role of President of the CAS and he was honoured to receive both the CAS Outstanding Volunteer Award and the Emeritus Award in 2023.
Rick loved the mountains—Whistler held a special place in his heart—and found joy in biking, skiing, and running. He loved to travel, but above all, Rick’s greatest joy was his family. He was a proud and devoted grandfather who delighted in every moment spent with his grandchildren.
