LONDON -- He was known as the "Father of Family Medicine" for a life devoted to the well-being of countless London and area residents and for his work in creating a long-standing family medicine program at Western University.

Dr. Ian McWhinney died recently at age 85.
In 1989, he published the acclaimed A Textbook of Family Medicine.

"McWhinney inspired many family doctors to pursue teaching with a dedication to mentoring future generations of doctors," said the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

"His tireless efforts on behalf of family medicine and improved patient care resulted in many honours and awards, including induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada."

McWhinney was born in 1926 in Burnley, England, and studied at Cheltenham College from 1940 to 1944.

He subsequently served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the second World War before completing his studies.

According to the College of Family Physicians of Canada, he came to London in 1968 and became the first chair of family medicine in Canada at Western.

McWhinney received certification to practice family medicine in 1970 and became a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 1981.

The college established the Ian McWhinney Family Medicine Education Award to recognize an outstanding family medicine teacher in Canada. The award is presented annually to a family physician nominated for making unique and innovative contributions to family medicine education.

McWhinney, who died Sept. 28, leaves behind two daughters and three grandchildren.