Dr. Craig Anthony McKinley 1964 - 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013 by: Kate Adams
Dr. Craig McKinley, a surgeon at the North Bay General Hospital,(L) practices hand signals 19 meters down in the Atlantic outside of the Aquarius Underwater Lab. File Photo.Craig Anthony McKinley: July 14, 1964-February 18th, 2013
It is with great sadness that the McKinley Clan announces the sudden passing of Craig.
In his time on earth Craig managed to live a tremendously rich life while also contributing greatly to his community, his patients and the medical profession.
His accomplishments and contributions will not be forgotten. In fact, February 2013 is the tenth anniversary of his having performed the world’s first telerobotic surgery at the North Bay General Hospital.
His desire to ensure that patients in all parts of the province received first rate medical care, and his pioneering laparoscopic surgical techniques are only some of the ways that demonstrate his vision to make the world a better place to live in.
In his personal life he was an avid sports enthusiast, funny, generous and the proud father of Samantha (Sammi) and Jessica (Jessi) McKinley.
A highlight of Craig’s career was to be certified as an Aquanaut and he worked for NASA in Aquarius, which is The World’s Only Undersea Laboratory where he engaged in virtual reality surgical training in microgravity. He was involved in NASA’s NEEMO 7 project, which tested remote health care procedures so as to be able to assist astronauts with medical emergencies on The International Space Station, the Moon or Mars. However, despite this truly remarkable experience, those who knew him would agree that the true, bright shining stars in his universe were his daughters.
He was ‘one of a kind’ and will be missed.
There will be a cremation and Craig’s ashes will be taken home to the East Coast.
In the interim, the family will receive visitors at Craig’s residence Saturday between 1:00 and 3:00 pm.
The McKinley family has asked that in lieu of flowers, any condolences be sent to their address: 5 Shibu Court, Fredericton, NB E3A 4T6. Online condolences can be sent to www.Martynfh.com and donations to The Canadian Mental Health Association would be greatly appreciated.
