Dr Michael G. Bendall, 1946–2024

Dr Michael G. Bendall passed away on 16 January 2024, with his wife Celeste and little dog Coco at his side, while “Adagio for Strings” played in the background. He was at the Wind River Hospice House, surrounded by love. He left us too soon, a result of ALS.

He leaves his wife, Celeste Sundquist-Bendall; son, Charlie Bendall; granddaughter, Hayden Smith Bendall; and stepson, Sam Carson. Family members in South Africa include his nephews, Bradd Bendall and Kevin Bendall; great-nieces, Chelsea and Britney; and great-nephew, Tommy.

Michael was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Iris May and Ernest Gordon Bendall. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, John.

Michael had a passion for the natural world and enjoyed wildlife safaris in Africa, birding, camping, sailing, and boating. It was a delight to walk with Michael and listen to him identify birds by their songs, while pointing out interesting plants and flowers. To Michael, it was all interesting.

Michael was a compassionate, dedicated physician who strived to do his best and improve the lives of his many patients. His efforts improved the obstetric and gynecological care available in the North. A practising physician for 43 years, Michael spent his early years in Iqaluit, Northwest Territories (then known as Frobisher Bay). He traveled by Ski-Doo to make house calls to the Inuit Elders in the communities, and he learned some Inuktitut to better serve his patients. He provided care to the Inuit on Baffin Island and traveled to medical visits in the remote villages in the High Arctic.

In 1980, he filled the position of community-based obstetrician/gynecologist in Whitehorse, Yukon. For 6 years, he was the only specialist providing these services for women and girls, working with the utmost dedication, understanding, and skill. He put the needs of his patients ahead of his personal life.

Michael was available 24 hours a day, every day, in case of an emergency. This meant being within 20 minutes of the Whitehorse General Hospital at all times—day, night, weekends, and holidays. Michael provided this service in addition to looking after the daily routines of surgeries and patient visits to the clinic. Over his career, he delivered many thousands of babies and not infrequently saved the lives of those babies and their mothers.

In the early 1980s, Michael initiated the first ultrasound service in Yukon. With the help of a generous donation from the local rotary club, Whitehorse General Hospital was able to purchase the territory’s first ultrasound machine. Michael performed all obstetric and gynecological ultrasounds for several years.

He was also on the board of the Friends of McIntyre Creek, a grassroots volunteer organization with the mandate to attain park status to maintain the integrity of the last linear game corridor in Whitehorse and to permanently protect this gem of a wetland.

Michael supported global relief organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Operation Smile, and the Canadian Red Cross.

He also enjoyed music and frequently attended the Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival, Jazz on the Wing, and many other concerts.

In addition to his medical qualifications, Michael held a degree in horticulture.

His friends will miss engaging with him in thoughtful discussions. No topic was out of bounds, and his quick wit and sparkling humor kept things from getting too heavy. He loved to try to solve the problems of the world!

Michael was a recipient of a Yukon 125 commemorative medal, awarded in recognition of his professional and community contributions. His work and leadership helped make a better place for all Yukoners. He will be remembered for his sacrifice and commitment to his community and to Canadians as a whole. His absence will be felt by many for years to come.

Thank you to Drs Jamie Wilkie, Alex Kmet, Alex Coholen, and Sally Macdonald. A special thank you to the outstanding staff at the hospice, who cared for him in his last days with the utmost professionalism, sensitivity, and kindness. We feel truly privileged to have received such high-quality care.

At Michael’s request, there will be no service or celebration of life.
—Celeste Sundquist-Bendall
Whitehorse, YT

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