Dr. Noland Mackenzie Canter Jr., died peacefully on Thursday, December 23, 2010, surrounded by his family. Dr. Canter, the eldest son of Dr. Noland M. Canter and Mary Virginia Yancey Canter, was born December 1, 1922, at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C, and grew up in Harrisonburg. He graduated in 1940 from Harrisonburg High School, and in 1945 from Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. In 1947, he completed his medical training at Medical College of Virginia, now part of Virginia Commonwealth University, and then began his radiology residency there.
In the early months of the Korean conflict, Dr. Canter was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and began active duty on August 1, 1949. Captain Canter was assigned to Fort Lee in Virginia before being dispatched to Korea. He was stationed at the 805th Evacuation Hospital at Pusan where he served for eleven months.
After military service, he completed his radiology residency at MCV and in June 1952 returned to Harrisonburg to practice radiology with his father at Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH) and in their private practice. Dr. Canter was a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, a member of the American Medical Association, Medical Society of Virginia, Radiological Society of North America, Mid-Shenandoah Radiology Society and the American College of Radiology. He served twice as president of the Virginia Radiological Society.
He had numerous leadership positions over the years at RMH. He was instrumental in beginning the training program there for radiological technicians and in expanding RMH's cancer treatment program, including the start-up of its tumor board. He was active in the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Canter was an Eagle Scout and for many years was a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Harrisonburg Rotary Club as well as many other community and civic organizations. He grew up in Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees and boards. He later joined First Presbyterian Church, where he was ordained an Elder. He was on the board of directors of Fort Harrison, Dayton, and president of the local chapter of Sons of the American Revolution. He was a direct lineal descendant of John Lewis, the founder of Staunton, originally named Fort Lewis.
Dr. Canter served several terms as a member of the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College and was honored with the designation Trustee Emeritus.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Eleanor Folk Canter, and their children: Noland Mackenzie Canter III and wife, Rhoda W. Canter; Jane Canter Francis and husband, David S. Francis; Ann Canter Nickels and husband, the Rev. William W. Nickels III.
Grandchildren: Mary W. Canter, Eleanor B. Canter, Spencer M. Francis, Lee K. Francis, W. Laird Nickels, and Neale C. Nickels.
One great grandchild: Lane Margaret Francis.
Brothers: Harry Yancey Canter and Dr. Hall Gibbons Canter.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 27, at 2:30 p.m. at Meredith Chapel, Sunnyside Retirement Community, following a private graveside service at Woodbine Cemetery, Harrisonburg. The Rev. William W. Nickels and the Rev. Paul O'Gorek will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sunnyside Fellowship Fund, 600 University Blvd., Harrisonburg, VA, 22801; the RMH Foundation for the Hahn Cancer Center, 2010 Health Campus Dr., Harrisonburg, VA, 22801; or the Harrisonburg chapter of the American Cancer Society, 1920 Medical Ave., Harrisonburg, VA, 22801.
Arrangements are by Lindsey Funeral Home, Harrisonburg and online condolences may be sent to the Canter family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 31, 2010
Patti Gibson
I will miss Noland at Sunnyside. I use to scratch his back for him and he loved it. I regret the last time I seen him he motioned for me to come and scratch his back, but I was to busy and told him I would come back later and do it. I never got to do that. Mrs. Canter may you have God's peace at this time. Noland will be greatly missed at Sunnyside.
December 28, 2010
Phillip and Christina Updike
Eleanor and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is our great pleasure to have known Dr.Canter. We extend our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Phillip and Christina Updike
Massanutten Village
December 28, 2010
Sherri Gregory
What fond memories I have of working in the Radiology department with Dr. "Mac"! His true character was displayed when I arrived one morning to work with a foot injury. Dr. Canter brought a wheelchair and insisted on taking me for an X ray, diagnosed my avulsion fracture and then suggested the course of treatment, even providing an Ace bandage. He always took care of his Radiology "family". I offer my sincere condolences and pray that God will provide peace and comfort.
December 27, 2010
Robin Catron
Even though I never had the privelige to work with Dr. Canter, I knew him because he would always come visit the Radiology dept. He was always pleasant and had something funny to say. I will miss those visits. May you find comfort in all his wonderful memories. He was a wonderful person who did so much for us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
December 27, 2010
Sharon Botkin
I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Canter's passing. I have very fond memories of working with him..they still make me laugh. He tried to be gruff..but he wasn't! We will miss him. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
December 27, 2010
Rebecca Simmons
Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember his sense of humor. He was a good man. May God give you peace and comfort
Rebecca Simmons (Raymond's Daughter)
December 27, 2010
Eunice Wiens
Mrs. Canter & Family,
Dr. Canter will be greatly missed. He was such an encouragement to many during his regular attendance at tumor board meetings for many years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very kind person. My thoughts are with you during this very sad time.
December 26, 2010
Dear Eleanor and Family,
Please accept Jack's and my condolences on your loss. We were privileged to know you and Mac through our beloved Mary V. and Charlotte, our next door neighbors for many years. As indeed, both you and Mac are beloved by all who know you. His sweet smile was so endearing. We will hold his memory dear. God bless you and the children.
Inez & Jack Ramsey
Las Vegas, NV
December 25, 2010
Joseph Gardner
Dr. Noland M. Canter (Mac) was a good man, a good doctor, a good friend, and a generous Christian to all people. He will be missed, but his good deeds will be remembered. Good bye, Mac. You did good.
December 25, 2010
Steve Long
Dr. Canter was one of the most influential men in my life. He was a friend in High School, encouraged me to go into medicine, helped me get into Randolph-Macon College and Kappa Alpha, helped me get into MCV and has been a friend for decades. He was a monument to me and others. God bless him and Mrs. Canter. What a monument that has crossed over the line to keep doing great things! Servant-Leader, Mac Canter.
December 24, 2010
Andree Gitchell
Dr. Canter had an absolutely precious sense of humor; I missed him when he retired from the hospital. I can only imagine how much you miss him now. May your memories give you comfort. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
December 24, 2010
Debra Jones
So sorry to hear of Dr. Canter's passing at this time. He lived a long life and remember the precious time you had with him. Even the little time I spent with him at work, I have fond memories of him. God be with you at this time.
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