Dr. Gordon Bicum, MD served Elstow and area for 43 years. He was
born in Ontario in 1894. He served as an MD in both World Wars. In
1924 he set up his medical practice in Elstow, where he served
until his death.
In 1967, Canada's Centennial, every community planned a
centennial project. Sunday June 25th, 1967, was the day chosen by
the Elstow community to honour Dr. Gordon Bicum. Two miles west of
Elstow, nestled in a grove of trees, a roadside park was to be
officially opened and dedicated to Dr. Bicum and designated an
official historic site by the province. Plans had been made to have
the dedication service recorded so it could be replayed for "Doc"
who was fighting a losing battle with cancer.
Unfortunately the dedication service became a memorial service
when Dr. Bicum passed away the day before on June 24th, 1967. 450
people were at the dedication service to pay tribute to Dr. Bicum.
The very first baby he delivered, now a grown woman, introduced the
government dignitaries present. A representative from the
Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons unveiled a cairn
recording Dr. Bicum's 43 years of service to Elstow and area.
Members of Dr. Bicum's family had traveled from Ontario for the
dedication and were awed at the respect shown by the people. Many
members of the community took the time to speak words of praise
about Dr. Bicum. One person said "Dr. Bicum was an exception, for
remarks of warmth, praise and appreciation were always commonplace
wherever and whenever his name was mentioned." Another reminded the
crowd that during the last few years Dr. Bicum had faithfully
served his patients and disregarded his own physical condition.They
honoured the memory of a humble physician and great man. They hoped
that this park and this cairn will serve as a reminder to all who
pass by that, "he who is greatest shall be as one who serves!"
