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Dr. Charles O. Townley, an orthopedic surgeon known worldwide for dedicating his life to helping people regain mobility by developing artificial joints, passed quietly Friday, December 22, 2006 in his home in Port Huron, Michigan. He was 89. Dr. Townley was preceded in death by his former wife, Naomi I. Townley, and leaves behind seven children; Jeffrey C. and Peggy Townley, Mark S. and Kathryn Townley, Susan M. and Thomas Derrick, Jon C. and Jodie Townley, Jill D. and Scot Mezger, Kim I. McNamara, and Julie R. Morton, and seven grandchildren, Heather Townley, Stacey Townley, Stephanie Cannavino, Melissa and Eric Mezger, Matthew Derrick, Claire and Joseph Morton, and Daniel Townley. He is also mourned by dear, lifelong friends and caretakers, Marjorie Ange, Laurie Charron, and Gene and Beverly Smith and their daughters, Colleen & Dove Smith. Dr. Townley moved his family to Port Huron in the 1950s after graduating from Ohio State College of Medicine and completing his residence training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was responsible for the development of Port Huron Little League Baseball and worked for many years as a coach and mentor. He also served as team physician for the former Port Huron Flags hockey organization as well as local high school sports teams for many years. A world-renowned orthopedic surgeon who dramatically changed the world of orthopedic medicine, Dr. Townley retired from a long career at Port Huron Hospital and private practice in 2003. He pioneered new methods of joint replacement, performing the country’s first total hip replacement in 1960, and was well known for many improvements in knee replacement techniques. He developed Townley Anatomic Total Knee, the world’s first anatomically oriented artificial total knee, in 1972. He was past president of the St. Clair County Medical Society and a member of countless medical societies and organizations. Published in over 26 scientific journals, Dr. Townley was a highly sought after speaker at medical society meetings all over the world. The professional accomplishments of which he was most proud included co-founding the Knee Society and receiving the highest honor bestowed upon only an elite few in his profession, the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Joint Implant and Research Foundation. Through his vision and the commitment of his own personal funds, Dr. Townley founded BioPro Inc. in 1987. Based in Port Huron, BioPro is a company dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and worldwide distribution of Dr. Townley’s implant design principles. To this day, there are thousands of patients each year who receive his implants and who can attribute their pain free quality of life to his vision. Dr. Townley will long be remembered for his countless contributions to orthopedic medicine and the community. He will be sadly missed by his family, countless professional associates, and friends within Port Huron and throughout the country. More Information:
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Dr. Charles O. Townley Dies at 89: Philanthropist Tirelessly Pursued Orthopedic Joint Research And Education.