In Memoriam

Saint John, NB; Komenskeho University (Czechoslovakia), 1979; anesthesia. Died May 11, 2020, aged 66.

St. John’s; Yonsei University (South Korea), 1956; family medicine. Died May 10, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife, Suk-Gue, 5 children and 9 grandchildren. “After his training in South Korea and New York, he and Suk-Gue eventually moved to Old Perlican, Trinity Bay, in 1966 to start his Newfoundland career. In later years he often reflected that ‘it felt like he was going home.’ In 1968 he started to work in the Brookfield Cottage Hospital, New-Wes-Valley, Bonavista Bay, where he stayed for 25-plus years. While there, he established a lasting legacy of compassion, caring, and medical/surgical excellence, all accented with a clinical acumen that was unmatched. He was, by all accounts, an excellent mentor to the medical and nursing students and family practice residents who happened to venture into his orbit. Over the course of his 45-year medical career he achieved many great accomplishments, but a notable one was receiving the 1988 Canadian Family Physician of the Year Award, the first time that this prestigious award had been presented to a Newfoundland doctor. This award best represented his special relationship and commitment to his adopted country, province and outport home, in Brookfield.” VOCM Radio reported: “His commitment and care to the people of the area was so respected and appreciated that the Brookfield Hospital was renamed the Dr. Y.K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre in his honour in 2015.”

London, Ont.; University of Western Ontario (UWO), 1943; internal medicine, rheumatology; dean of medicine, UWO, 1965-78; founding board chair, London Intercommunity Health Centre; professor emeritus, Western University; member, Order of Canada. Died May 9, 2020, aged 99, due to complications following a broken hip. Survived by 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. “Because of World War II, the class of Meds ’44 was accelerated, with graduation in August 1943 (Meds 43B). Following a 9-month internship at the Montreal General Hospital, Doug joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve as a surgeon lieutenant. After the war, he completed his post-graduate training at the Montreal General Hospital, followed by 2 years of general practice at the Smith Clinic in Hawkesbury, Ont. From 1950-52, Doug did further post-graduate training at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and then returned to London to practise. His service as dean from 1965-78 was followed by the position of vice-president, health sciences, until 1984, and then service as vice-provost, health sciences, until 1987. At age 94, Doug decided to enhance his fitness level and joined a local gym. He valued physical fitness, and ran with Terry Fox when he went through London in 1980. Doug continued to participate in the Terry Fox Run for years, even though he was forced to walk in his final few years.”

Vancouver; University of Alberta, 1960; general practice. Died May 5, 2020, aged 84. Survived by his spouse, Joseph Gallentine, and their Westie, Rosco. “He went to medical school at the University of Alberta and did his residency at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. He began his GP practice of 42 years in North Burnaby, and was always devoted to all of his patients.”

Trois-Rivières, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1989; cardiology. Died May 4, 2020, aged 55.

Erin, Ont.; University of Saskatchewan, 1980; internal medicine, geriatric medicine. Died of brain cancer May 2, 2020, aged 64. Survived by her husband, W. John Snelgrove, and 2 children. “In spite of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 22 while in her second year at medical school, Christine, as was typical of her, persevered. She completed medical school and went on to specialize in internal medicine and sub-specialize in geriatric medicine. She had a very successful career in geriatric medicine, practising in Winnipeg, Kelowna, BC, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto and, finally, in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the William Osler Health System in Brampton and Etobicoke, Ont. Christine was a respected colleague and role model for many of her co-workers, and a beloved doctor for her elderly patients and their families. She loved and respected them in return. To say she is already deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and patients is an understatement.”

St. Albert, Alta.; University of Alberta, 1984; psychiatry. Died April 28, 2020, aged 61. Survived by his wife Anne, 3 stepdaughters and 3 grandchildren. “He was a kind, compassionate and dedicated psychiatrist, and worked for Alberta Health Services in Edmonton and the surrounding area for almost 35 years.”

St. John’s; Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1980; pediatrics. Died April 28, 2020, aged 66. “Debbie graduated from high school in 1972 and went to Dalhousie University to study science, with the ambition of getting into medical school. Being an intelligent woman, she ascertained (rightfully so) that, at the time, being accepted to med school as a female might be tricky, so she applied as D.H. Reid instead of Debbie, and it worked — she was accepted at Memorial and, after graduating, went on to pediatric training in London, Ont. When her training was complete it was back to St. John’s, where she spent her entire career in pediatric medicine and pediatric critical care, first at the original Janeway Hospital and then at the new Janeway. And how she loved her work at the hospital, how she loved the kids and their families. She would go to great lengths for ‘her kids,’ taking in movies and treats and books, anything to keep up their spirits. She adored them. Debbie died the way she wanted, privately and on her terms. She gave up chemo when it became apparent that she was sicker with it than without it. And she chose to die at home, in familiar surroundings. The hospital was not for her! She had spent all her adult life in the hospital, usually in the pediatric intensive care unit that she not only established but also ran — like the captain of a ship. And her ‘crew’ was intensely proud of her and loyal to her. [When she retired due to ill health], a plaque was placed at the Janeway. It read, in part: ‘In honour of Dr. Debbie Reid, Founder of Modern Pediatric Critical Care in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.’ ”

Montréal; Queen’s University, 1959; general surgery. Died April 28, 2020, aged 85. Survived by 3 children, his companion, Laida Boyadjian, and 4 grandchildren. “After attending medical school at Queen’s University, Andy went on to save many lives as a general surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital.”

Broadlands, Que.; Dalhousie University, 1955; general practice. Died April 27, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife Sandra, 2 daughters, their mother, Gladys Swan, and 2 grandchildren. “Matt was well known in the Campbellton, NB, area, where he practised as a doctor for more than 50 years.”

Orangeville, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1956; general surgery. Died April 25, 2020, aged 88. Survived by 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “In 1950, following in his father’s footsteps, he attended the University of Toronto, graduating from medical school in 1956 and from general surgery training in 1962. David practised general surgery from 1962 to 1997, and served as chief of staff at the Orangeville Hospital from 1983 to 1989. Known over his career for his quiet leadership and diplomacy, he believed strongly in community service and worked tirelessly in different roles to strengthen relationships within the health care field and between health care and other community services. David served on several local, provincial and national health care advisory committees, as well as the Dufferin County Board of Education and the Orangeville Planning Board. In the 1990s, he led the Dufferin Area Hospital’s Steering Committee on Alternative Health Care Delivery Systems, which was tasked with developing a blueprint for health care in the new millennium. He also chaired the Wellington-Dufferin District Health Council for 4 years, and went on to lead the Headwaters Area Linkage Committee, a group that convened the leadership of all area community services. Well into his 80s, David continued to help recruit young physicians to Dufferin County.”

Huntsville, Ont.; National University of Ireland, 1970; ophthalmology. Died April 20, 2020, aged 74. Survived by his wife Mary, 3 children and a granddaughter. “After an internship in Chicago, he did his residency in ophthalmology at McGill. He worked in Sudbury, Ont., before coming to Hamilton in 1990, and he served Hamilton and surrounding communities for more than 3 decades. He was an outstanding clinician, a gifted surgeon and, more than anything, a true gentleman who had compassion for his patients and a warmth that earned him a great many friends. All members of the Department of Ophthalmology, including physicians, nurses and technicians, will miss him dearly. He was a long-standing member of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine and St. Joseph’s Hospital, and was also a teacher in the residency training program in ophthalmology at McMaster University.”

Brentwood Bay, BC; University of the Orange Free State (South Africa), 1988; anesthesiology. Died April 19, 2020, aged 55.

Toronto; University of Oslo (Norway), 1962; endocrinology and metabolism. Died April 18, 2020, aged 83. Survived by 4 sons and 3 grandchildren. “Jan’s curiosity, ambition and sense of adventure led him to receive training, practise medicine and conduct research in several countries. This included time in Norway, Denmark, the Républic Démocratique du Congo, Canada, and several states in the US. Jan settled down in Ottawa, where he was hired as a professor at the University of Ottawa and served as a physician in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. During this time, he conducted research focused on diabetes and continued to see patients regularly. Jan genuinely cared for his patients, and was known to listen carefully and take the time needed to help address their challenges. His hard work was recognized when he received the Frederick G. Banting Award from the Canadian Diabetes Association in 1985.” Colleague Mark Silverman commented: “Jan Braaten was my mentor and the reason I became an endocrinologist. I am honoured to have known him, and I remain thankful for what he taught me as a physician, teacher, mentor and friend.”

Selkirk, Man.; Canadian army, WW II; University of Manitoba, 1953; family medicine; past president, College of Family Physicians of Canada. Died April 16, 2020, aged 101. Survived by 4 children, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. “Dad spent a large part of his medical career affiliated with both Misericordia and St. Boniface hospitals in Winnipeg. He was instrumental in founding the Department of Family Practice and residency program at St. Boniface Hospital, and served as president of the Manitoba College of Family Physicians. He was a wonderful teacher, and was responsible for instructing some of Canada’s finest family physicians. An award in his name is given to a member of the Manitoba College of Family Physicians who wishes to develop or improve his/her skills as a teacher and preceptor of medical trainees.” A former colleague wrote: “Dr. Murphy taught me that a family doctor is an important part of the community by example. I learned from him how to choose and chair a committee. His influence on my career was profound, and I am forever grateful.”

Montréal; Université de Montréal, 2010; public health, preventive medicine; faculty member, Department of Community Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke. Died because of COVID-19 infection April 15, 2020, aged 45. The CBC reported: “He was the first health care worker in Quebec to die because of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) expressed its ‘deepest condolences’ to Dao’s friends, colleagues and loved ones. ‘The medical community is mourning the loss of one our own, while also acknowledging all those who have passed away across the country and around the world,’ said CMA president Dr. Sandy Buchman.”

Toronto; University of Cape Town (South Africa), 1955; psychiatry. Died April 9, 2020, aged 87.

Trois-Rivières, Que.; Université de Sherbrooke, 1976; orthopedic surgery. Died April 8, 2020, aged 68. Survived by his wife, Cécile Provencher, 3 children and a grandchild.

Mount Pearl, NL; Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), 1972; general practice. Died April 8, 2020, aged 77. Survived by 2 children, their mother Peggy, and 4 grandchildren. “He was so proud to become a Canadian citizen in the late 1970s, and he loved Newfoundland. He often remarked, ‘Why would anyone want to go anywhere else!’ Our Dad had a long and successful medical career, which he truly loved. He worked at the Waterford Hospital in geriatric care for 33 years, held evening clinics at Mount Pearl Medical Centre for 30 years, and enjoyed working ‘overseas’ on Bell Island.”

Longueuil, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1958; orthopedic surgery. Died April 7, 2020, aged 88. Survived by his wife, Lise Simard, 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

Sainte-Thérèse, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1962; otolaryngology. Died April 7, 2020, aged 82. Survived by 3 sons, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Victoria; University of Calgary, 1965; general practice. Died April 1, 2020, aged 80, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease “which he courageously and meticulously dealt with for 20 years.” Survived by his wife Sharon, 3 children and 5 grandchildren. “Barry was a general practitioner in Victoria for 39 years at the Saanich Medical Clinic on Saanich Road. He loved delivering babies, any time, day or night. He counted them, over 1000 babies, and he knew the names of them all.”

North Vancouver; University of British Columbia (UBC), 1961; psychiatry. Died March 30, 2020, aged 87. Survived by 3 children and a granddaughter. “Born in Denmark, Paul came to Canada in 1950 and fell in love with the West Coast. He put himself through UBC medical school as a boilermaker in Kitimat, BC, during the summers, and with scholarships. Dr. T, as he was often called, had a private practice in West Vancouver for decades and helped thousands of people throughout his impressive career. He co-founded the Crisis Centre in 1969, a suicide prevention hotline, was a professor at UBC and assisted Aboriginal communities in southern British Columbia. In addition, he founded the Pacific Bipolar Foundation, educating and supporting families and individuals living with the disorder. Other positions included president of the BC Psychiatric Association, and president of medical staff and chief of psychiatry at the Lions Gate Hospital. He also led Community Psychiatric Services, a mental health outpatient program on the North Shore.”

Rimouski, Que.; University College Dublin (Ireland), 1969; general practice. Died March 26, 2020, aged 81. Survived by a son.

Montréal; Université Laval, 1965; otolaryngology. Died March 22, 2020, aged 80. Survived by 2 daughters, 2 grandchildren and his ex-wife, Norma Blouin.

Calgary; McGill University, 1954; general surgery. Died March 21, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife, Anne Poole, 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 5 stepchildren and 4 stepgrandchildren. “After finishing his training he returned to his native Eastern Townships in Quebec, where he became a much loved and respected surgeon in Sherbrooke. Despite his move to Calgary, where he gained first-hand knowledge of hockey’s ‘battle of Alberta,’ he remained a passionate fan of the Habs.”

Ottawa; University of Toronto (U of T), 1958; internal medicine, pulmonary medicine; past president, Canadian Medical Association (CMA), Ontario Medical Association and Federation of Medical Women of Canada; former chair, Canadian Forces Health Services Council; former associate secretary general, CMA. Died March 21, 2020, aged 86. Survived by her husband, Dr. Danilo Antonio Guzman (Tony), 2 children and 4 grandchildren. “Starting university at the age of 16, having skipped elementary school grades, Carole made an impact. She graduated from the U of T Medical School in 1958, long before it was common for women to do so. Along the way she played basketball for the university and led a university-wide fundraising effort to benefit refugees to Canada. Carole’s achievements continued throughout her working life as a physician, serving for much of her career as a high-level civilian doctor at the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa. She founded a number of clinics, including the first Canadian outpatient rehab program for patients with chronic lung disease, and was part of the first Canadian team to assess the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 1963. She also taught medicine at the University of Ottawa. Carole was the rock of her family, teaching generosity, modesty and compassion. She inspired her children and others with her intellect, her resolve, and her pattern of breaking glass ceilings. The world could use more Caroles, teaching compassion, generosity, and integrity while demonstrating inspirational achievement and fearless determination.” When she retired as the CMA’s associate secretary general in 1999, CMAJ reported: “Dr. Carole Guzman, a trailblazer for women physicians who has a passionate interest in the evolution of Canada's health care system, has served the CMA for 20 years. She began as a committee member in 1979 and became a board alternate in 1984 and a board member in 1988. She was president of the Ontario Medical Association in 1989, and 2 years later assumed the CMA presidency. Guzman was the second woman to head both of these organizations.”

Toronto; University of Toronto (U of T), 1962; neurosurgery. Died March 18, 2020, aged 82. Survived by 2 children and 5 grandchildren. “After medical school Robin continued his medical training, first as a junior intern at St. Michael’s Hospital, followed by 6 months in pathology at the Banting Institute and 6 months on a neurosurgery rotation at Toronto General Hospital before beginning an orthopedic residency at the Hospital for Sick Children. But while Robin plugged away in orthopedics, he continued to think about his previous rotation and eventually made the difficult and fateful decision to switch specialties, returning to U of T’s neurosurgery training program. In 1970, he became a fellow of the Royal College and a year later was appointed to the Department of Surgery at Sick Kids, training under Dr. E. Bruce Hendrick, the hospital’s first full-time neurosurgeon. Robin’s mandate at Sick Kids was to take clinical responsibility for the pediatric trauma and cerebrovascular programs, to assist with the development of the department’s (and Canada’s first) craniofacial team, and to structure the post-graduate educational program for the neurosurgical residents and fellows. He was a full professor at U of T and the inaugural holder of the Harold J. Hoffman/Shoppers Drug Mart Chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery at the university. At Sick Kids, he was neurosurgeon-in-chief from 1996 until his retirement in 2003. Robin also served as president of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery in 1992-93 and the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery in 1993-94.”

Salt Spring Island, BC; Queen’s University, 1951; general practice. Died March 12, 2020, aged 94. Survived by 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “Walton grew up in Hamilton and after completing the MD program at Queen’s University he ran a very busy doctor’s office in Burlington, Ont., for 32 years. He was assisted greatly by his wife Helen (deceased), who held a nursing degree.”

Longueuil, Que.; Université Laval, 1957; obstetrics and gynecology. Died March 7, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife, Danielle Rioux, 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Sherbrooke, Que.; Université de Sherbrooke, 1971; diagnostic radiology. Died March 6, 2020, aged 74. Survived by his wife, Christiane Lessard, a daughter and a granddaughter.

Gatineau, Que.; University of Ottawa, 1957; general practice. Died March 6, 2020, aged 89. Survived by 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

St. John’s; Queen’s University Belfast (Northern Ireland), 1950; internal medicine. Died March 6, 2020, aged 93. Survived by his wife Joan, a daughter and a grandson. A former hospital colleague wrote: “I have such wonderful memories of Dr. Ingram from when I worked at St. Clare’s. He was always so genuine in his encounters with all — just a lovely man to all.”

Sudbury, Ont.; University of Bristol (England), 1956; general pathology. Died Feb. 29, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife Stella, 4 children and 5 grandchildren. “Dr. Strong chose to move his family from Oxford, England, to Sudbury, Ont., in 1968, where he became the director of pathology at Memorial Hospital. He also oversaw the modernization of the blood services here and for northeastern Ontario and the construction of a dedicated Blood Transfusion Centre on Cedar Street, and he organized a world-class plasmapheresis program.”

Kelowna, BC; University of Toronto, 1952; pediatrics. Died Feb. 24, 2020, aged 93. Survived by his wife Elaine, 4 children and 6 grandchildren. “The family moved to Kelowna in 1954, and Cliff started practising medicine. In 1958 they moved back to Toronto for Cliff’s specialty training, and in 1961 the family returned to Kelowna. There, Cliff became the Okanagan Valley’s first pediatrician and built their new home, which they lived in for 57 years. A true Kelowna medical pioneer, he practised full time until 1992. After retirement he ran the continuing medical education program at the Kelowna General Hospital until 2006. In recognition of his contributions to medical education in the city, the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) medical school library at the Kelowna General Hospital was named after him in 2010. He also co-founded and developed the Okanagan Neurological Association, now known as the Starbright Children’s Development Centre. Cliff was instrumental in building an organization that today services special-needs children throughout the region. For his work in this area he was recognized in 2015 by the BC Association for Child Development and Intervention, which presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Okotoks, Alta.; University of Stellenbosch (South Africa), 1994; family medicine. Died Feb. 21, 2020, aged 49. Survived by his wife and daughters. The Rocky Mountain House Primary Care Network (PCN) in Alberta commented: “Dr. van Zyl came to the Rocky Medical Clinic from South Africa by way of Manitoba. With him he brought a passion for medicine and patient care that cannot be taught. As the chronic disease physician lead for the PCN, he pushed us and taught us the importance of patient-centred care and self-management. He engaged us by challenging our thinking process and he believed we were capable of great things. We developed a health journal for patients to track their health needs. We designed a chronic disease management program to support patients by teaching them how to manage their own health. He helped put the Rocky PCN on the map as a place for health care innovation and team development. Dr. van Zyl was also on the Board of Directors for a number of years, and he helped to develop the PCN into what it is today: a place for patients to come and get the best education and support regarding their health. The loss of Dr. van Zyl as a physician will be felt throughout the health care community, and his loss as a friend and mentor will be felt for a long time to come.”

Ottawa; Dalhousie University, 1957; pediatrics; past president, Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS). Died Feb. 18, 2020, aged 91. Survived by his wife Nicole, 4 children and 4 grandchildren. “After leaving medical school, he spent the next few years practising family medicine in Oromocto, NB, and then began a pediatric residency at the University of Michigan in 1962. After finishing his residency he entered private practice in Fredericton, where he provided both primary care and consultation services in pediatrics. From 1980 to 1985, he was a consultant pediatrician at Tawan Hospital in the United Arab Emirates, and after returning to Canada he was appointed coordinator of pediatric services at the Laurentian Hospital in Sudbury, Ont., where he also practised as a consultant pediatrician and served as chief of medical staff from 1986-98. While in Sudbury, he was involved with the development of the Northern Ontario Family Medicine Program. In 1999, Dr. Bergh relocated to Ottawa in a practice devoted to children with learning disabilities, specifically ADHD. In 2003 he wrote a book for parents to explain ADHD, and also received the Silver Jubilee Medal from the Queen for 50 years of medical practice. Besides serving as president of the CPS, he had chaired its practice, education and CME committees, and served as editor of the CPS News Bulletin from 1985-90. He retired in 2016 after almost 60 years of practising medicine.”

Winnipeg; University of Manitoba, 1961; family medicine; former Family Physician of the Year, Manitoba; professor emeritus, University of Manitoba. Died Feb. 17, 2020, aged 82. Survived by his wife Elizabeth, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “Gary spent the first decade of his career practising in the Transcona Medical Group and making house calls throughout Transcona and the surrounding area. In the early 1970s, with the support of the Grey Nuns, he and 3 colleagues were asked to develop a family physician training program. The Family Medical Centre at St. Boniface Hospital and the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Manitoba were born from this work, growing from just 2 residents in 1973 to 150 residents across 10 sites today. Gary taught for almost 3 decades and served as department head. After retiring from the university, Gary spent the last 10 years of his career with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre and the Workers’ Compensation Board.”

Victoria; University of Alberta, 1955; internal medicine. Died Feb. 16, 2020, aged 87.

South Delta, BC; Queen’s University, 1946; anesthesiology. Died Feb. 16, 2020, aged 96. Survived by 5 children, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. “Max was a Northern Ontario boy (Thessalon if you know the area), adventurous soul, debater (usually switching tack 180 degrees just to stir things up), jokester with a wicked sense of humour, lover of nature, raconteur and masterful sketcher, skier, horseback rider and occasional calf rounder-upper, anesthesiologist, and generous loving dad and family man. Max graduated from Queen’s just as the war ended. He was a member of the accelerated wartime class of Meds ’47, which completed 6 years of medical school in just 4 1/2 years. Initially a lumber company doctor in Kapuskasing, Ont., then a GP in Thunder Bay, Ont., he then (to quote him) ‘shoved off for an adventure out west.’ He was one of the first to train in anesthesia at the Vancouver General Hospital. There he stayed, enjoying working with his colleagues and the staff in Associated Anesthetic Services and the nurses and orderlies, and shepherding thousands of patients through their operations with skill and kindness. [As a colleague noted,] ‘Max was a marvellous colleague —- he never made you feel badly about asking for advice and was always eager to help. He was a superb anesthesiologist, and his sense of humour was unparalleled.’ Although maintaining his roots and ties to the east and his family, Max loved the west — especially the mountains, where he taught himself and then his kids to ski — and there were also the hikes, the trails for horseback riding, and the ocean for boating.”

Victoria; University of Newcastle upon Tyne (England), 1952; physical medicine and rehabilitation. Died Feb. 12, 2020, aged 90. “He was a dedicated physician who loved his vocation and always went the ‘extra mile’ for his patients. His career spanned over 60 years and 2 continents. Highlights included being the team doctor for the 1966 World Cup-winning English football team, helping to establish the original protocols for doping in sport, and serving on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and Olympic medical committees. He was a founding board member of both the international and North American arthroscopy associations. He treated the English water ski team, Wimbledon tennis players, visiting international cricket teams and Ryder Cup golfers. He was involved with international boxing, the Royal Ballet and Pinewood film studios. He also worked with the Hamilton Tiger Cats and many other professional athletes, both in England and Canada. He was truly a pioneer in the world of sports medicine.”

Thunder Bay, Ont.; University of Münster (West Germany), 1960; obstetrics and gynecology. Died Feb. 12, 2020, aged 84. Survived by his wife Verlie, 3 children and 8 grandchildren. “After medical school in Germany and specialty training in the US and Canada, the family moved to Thunder Bay in 1968. There, Heiko joined the Port Arthur Clinic and spent the next 52 years caring for patients in and around Thunder Bay. He practised out of the Port Arthur General Hospital and St. Joseph’s General Hospital, where he was chief of obstetrics and gynecology for several years. Over his career, Heiko delivered thousands of babies, including numerous New Year’s babies and a set of triplets. He practised obstetrics for so long that he delivered many grandchildren of his original patients. In 2018, Heiko was recognized by the Ontario Medical Association for over 50 years of outstanding service. Heiko lived for his work, dedicating his life to his practice and his patients. He always said that he never wanted to retire, and he remained steadfast in his resolve, as he never did.”

North York, Ont.; University College of Cork (Ireland), 1950; diagnostic radiology. Died Feb. 11, 2020, aged 93. Survived by his wife Janet, 5 children, 19 grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. “In 1967 Dr. Shea became the first chief of radiology in the newly founded Centenary Health Centre in Scarborough, Ont., providing radiological care to residents across the eastern half of the Greater Toronto Area for 29 years and playing a leading role in the advancement of care throughout the hospital by serving as the chair of its Medical Advisory Board and Credentials Committee. Dr. Shea was a central figure in the advancement of ground-breaking diagnostic tools in Canada, such as early adoption of ultrasound technology and pioneering imaging techniques.”

Sherbrooke, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1957; pediatrics. Died Feb. 11, 2020, aged 88. Survived by his wife, Nicole Hudon, 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

Westmount, Que.; McGill University, 1953; internal medicine, hematology. Died Feb. 9, 2020, aged 92. Survived by his wife Lois, 3 children and 5 grandchildren. “He was head of the Division of Hematology at the Montreal General Hospital for many years, and was committed to his patients and advancing his field.”

Fort Langley, BC; Dalhousie University, 1975; family medicine. Died Feb. 8, 2020, aged 70. Survived by his wife Melanie and 2 sons. “In 1979 Mark was offered a temporary locum position at the Fort Family Practice in Fort Langley. He came as a young, adventuresome and enthusiastic doctor, and within a short time was invited to join the practice permanently. It was a perfect fit for him. While managing his practice Mark also worked in the Emergency Department at Langley Memorial Hospital and helped establish its Department of Family Practice. His patients knew him to be straightforward and thorough, but above all they knew he cared for them on a personal level — they were his friends. Mark remained a committed and dedicated full-practice family doctor in Fort Langley for 40 years until his illness forced him to retire in 2019.”

New Westminster, BC; University of Alberta, 1952; general practice. Died Feb. 5, 2020, aged 95. “As a dedicated doctor, he spent his medical career in North Vancouver, working out of Lions Gate Hospital until his retirement in the early 1990s.”

Oshawa, Ont.; Cambridge University (England), 1952; diagnostic radiology. Died Feb. 5, 2020, aged 92.

Drummondville, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1950; internal medicine. Died Feb. 2, 2020, aged 97. Survived by a son and 2 grandchildren. “He was very devoted to his profession, and worked with Drummondville residents for more than 35 years.”

Edmonton; University of Alberta, 1964; urology. Died Jan. 23, 2020, aged 80. Survived by his wife Lindsay, 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. “Shaun worked as a urologist at the Misericordia Hospital, a role in which he took great pride. He also completed surgical rotations in Yellowknife throughout his career, building a relationship and love for the community there.”

Ottawa; University of Toronto, 1949; obstetrics and gynecology. Died Jan. 22, 2020, aged 93. Survived by 3 children and 8 grandchildren. “Besides running a thriving practice, Emily trained numerous residents and served on the council of the Canadian Medical Protective Association. She married cardiologist Frank Berkman [since deceased] in 1958. With 3 children born in 4 years, she skillfully juggled work and family life, in part by having her medical practice in her home and by delivering babies at the Civic Hospital, which was across the street from her home/practice. [After retiring in 1988] she helped found and was volunteer medical director at the Hospice of All Saints (Hospice Ottawa) and served on the provincial palliative care association.”

Kelowna, BC; University of Western Ontario, 1965; family medicine, anesthesia. Died of cancer Jan. 21, 2020, aged 85. Survived by 2 children and his partner, Ela Jackel. “In 1955 the family, sponsored by the Mennonite Church, immigrated to Canada from Germany and settled on a farm in Virgil, Ont. To support his family, Hans worked as a newspaper truck driver and then as a tool and die maker with General Motors. During this time he took courses at night to learn English, and his hard work saw him enter medical school. He became a family doctor, and then specialized in anesthesia, and practised in various towns in BC. In 1994, Hans returned to Toronto and began practising psychotherapy. He retired in 2005. As a young immigrant, his career was shaped by his mother’s words that ‘education will save your life.’ His passion for lifelong learning was evidenced when he became a student once more and, at age 82, achieved his dream of attaining a BA.”

Outremont, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1954; pediatrics. Died Jan. 21, 2020, aged 90. Survived by 4 sons and 9 grandchildren. “A retired professor in the Department of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montréal, he worked throughout his career in the neonatology unit at l’hôpital Sainte-Justine.”

Montréal; Cairo University (Egypt), 1961; obstetrics and gynecology. Died Jan. 19, 2020, aged 82. Survived by his wife, Samia Haddad, 3 children and 6 grandchildren. “Nagy moved to Lebanon in 1965 and worked as the medical director for the Middle East and Africa at Squibb Pharmaceuticals. In 1969 he moved his family to safety in Canada, and to pursue his dream of service as a practising physician. Nagy continued working at Squibb Canada while completing a fellowship in obstetrics and gynecology at McGill University. He started his private practice in Westmount, Que., in 1973, where he continued caring for his patients until his retirement in June 2018. As an associate professor of medicine, he was a long-standing and respected member of the McGill medical community, performing thousands of deliveries and countless ultrasounds and surgeries at the Royal Victoria and Queen Elizabeth hospitals. Bringing babies into the world was his greatest joy and accomplishment.”

Edmonton; University of Alberta, 1957; pediatrics. Died Jan. 17, 2020, aged 87. Survived by 4 children and 3 grandchildren. “He practised in Edmonton for many years and was loved by children and older patients alike.”

Edmonton; University of Leeds (England), 1944; Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), WW II; therapeutic radiology. Died Jan. 16, 2020, aged 97. Survived by 3 children and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “In 1970, Jim took up his positions as director of the Department of Radiotherapy at the Cross Cancer Institute and as professor of radiotherapy and oncology at the University of Alberta medical school. In 1986, he retired from a position as executive director of the Alberta Cancer Board, where he oversaw the establishment of the Alberta Cancer Foundation in 1984. Jim looked back on the years, during which the Cross grew to become a comprehensive treatment, research and teaching institution, with pride and satisfaction. His earlier career in the UK included 2 years with the RAMC, where he served in Greece and Egypt and rose to the rank of captain in the 4th Norfolk Battalion. Prior to coming to Canada he lived and worked in Edinburgh, where he was consultant radiotherapist at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.”

St. Albert, Alta.; University of Alberta, 1961; general practice. Died Jan. 15, 2020, aged 81. Survived by his wife Peggy, 4 children and 7 grandchildren. “Fin was a talented medical doctor who was known for his great sense of humour and kind heart. He practised in Red Deer, Edmonton and Wetaskiwin before founding the Grandin Medical Clinics in St. Albert and Morinville in 1966 with his long-time friend and partner, Dr. Ed Gramlich.”

Long Sault, Ont.; University of Ottawa, 1968; orthopedic surgery. Died Jan. 15, 2020, aged 76. Survived by his wife Reine, 5 children, 1 stepchild and 15 grandchildren. “He started his career as an orthopedic surgeon in Ottawa and Gatineau, Que., and retired from the medical profession after serving for 21 years as the medical officer of health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit in Cornwall.”

North York, Ont.; Witwatersrand University (South Africa), 1974; ophthalmology. Died Jan. 15, 2020, aged 68.

St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que.; Université Laval, 1959; otolaryngology. Died Jan. 13, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife, Claire Bolduc, 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

London, Ont.; University of Western Ontario, 1964; pediatrics, neonatology. Died Jan. 13, 2020, aged 80. Survived by his wife Lillian, 2 children and 1 grandchild. “Over the 55 years of his medical career he served in Montréal, Halifax, London, St. John’s, Regina and Stratford as a specialist in neonatology, and later in private practice. He was actively involved with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists.”

Repentigny, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1982; urology. Died Jan. 12, 2020, aged 61. Survived by 2 children.

Canmore, Alta.; University of British Columbia (UBC), 2014; family medicine. Died Jan. 11, 2020, aged 34, of injuries sustained in an avalanche in Banff National Park, Alberta. Survived by her husband, Adam Campbell. “Following her undergraduate years, Laura volunteered in South and Central America. She returned to Vancouver in 2010 to begin studies in the MD program at UBC. During medical school, Laura quickly fell in love with rural medicine and travelled across BC to provide essential care to rural communities. Laura additionally travelled to South Africa, where she volunteered her care in the impoverished townships of Soweto. After medical school, she was accepted into the prestigious residency program in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Calgary. Moving closer to the Rockies reawakened Laura’s deep love of the mountains. She quickly became a skilled ultramarathon runner, mountaineer and backcountry skier. During her residency, Laura continued to volunteer in rural communities in Canada and abroad, including an extended stay in a remote village in Guatemala. Two years into her anesthesiology residency, and after a difficult period of soul searching, Laura decided to switch her practice to family medicine, believing that this was the best way she could have a lasting impact on her patients’ lives. Laura finished her residency in 2017, and moved with Adam to Canmore to start her family medicine practice. Laura loved being a ‘family doc’ in a small town. She treated her patients with compassion and skill and, although her career was brief, it was widely and deeply felt.”

Grande Prairie, Alta.; Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), 1976; family medicine. Died Jan. 10, 2020, aged 68.

North York, Ont.; Agra University (India), 1959; internal medicine. Died Jan. 8, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife Vimla, 3 children and 3 grandchildren. “His life took him from the farming village he grew up in, where his father was the village schoolteacher, to a medical career in India and Canada. He overcame many obstacles and met many challenges along the way. He came to Canada to pursue further medical study in 1967, and the rest of the family joined him 2 years later. What was meant to be a temporary period of study in Canada then became a permanent residence. During his career he practised both at the Ontario Chest Clinic and in private practice.”

St. John’s; University of Cape Town (South Africa), 1972; orthopedic surgery. Died Jan. 8, 2020, aged 71. Survived by 3 children and his companion, Karen Stewart-Williams. “His life was dedicated to helping and healing his patients, touching lives in his home country of South Africa, in the UK and, for 37 years, as an orthopedic surgeon at the Janeway Children’s Hospital in St. John’s.”

Edmonton; graduated from medical school in Iran, 1989; obstetrics and gynecology. Died Jan. 8, 2020, aged 56, when Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down near Tehran, Iran. Survived by her husband. The Edmonton Journal reported: “More than 200 people paid their respects as they grappled with the deep loss to their community of Dr. Shekoufeh Choupannejad and her daughters Sara Saadat, 23, and Saba Saadat, 21, in Wednesday’s air crash in Iran. Choupannejad was an obstetrician and gynecologist at the Northgate Centre Medical Clinic in Edmonton and was always one of the first people to help in fundraising initiatives for the community. Close friend Shayesteh Majdnia, organizer of the vigil, said she would reach out to Choupannejad whenever she needed assistance in organizing initiatives for the Iranian community, such as raising funds to build schools in Iran after severe flooding in the spring of 2019. ‘Her heart, we are missing. We lost a big person, a big person in her heart,’ Majdnia said.” The Northgate Centre Medical Clinic stated: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our dearest physicians and her 2 daughters in a tragic plane crash on Jan. 8. She will be truly missed.” Global News reported: “Friends and family said that Dr. Choupannejad often helped new Iranian-Canadians in the city find health care options.”

Toronto; University of Toronto (U of T), Class of 2026; student, MD/PhD program. Died at age 23 on Jan. 8, 2020, when Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down near Tehran, Iran. U of T Medicine reported: “An MD/PhD student at the Faculty of Medicine, Asadi-Lari was in the second year of the 8-year program. After visiting family in Iran, he was travelling back to Toronto aboard Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 when it crashed. Also with him was his sister, Zevnab Asadi-Lari, who was a student at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Among his many accomplishments was helping to found the Canadian Association for Physician Innovators and Entrepreneurs (CAPIE). Reflecting on Asadi-Lari’s legacy, Dr. Alexandra Greenhill, board chair of CAPIE, said ‘his incredible mind, heart and energy will be missed. Being a truly gifted forward-thinker and systems-thinker, we know he would want us to focus on the future, on innovating and on contributing, so let’s remember him for all the can-do and must-do attitude he brought into the world.’ ” Dr. Patricia Houston, vice-dean of the MD program at the U of T, added: “Mohammad Asadi-Lari was a remarkable young man who touched many in his short life. He always gave much more than he ever expected in return. It is a great loss for all of us and for his family, who have lost 2 of their children.”

West Vancouver; University of Alberta, 1956; dermatology. Died Jan. 6, 2020, aged 87.

Vancouver; University of British Columbia (UBC), 1963; pediatrics; professor emeritus, UBC. Died Jan. 6, 2020, aged 82. Survived by 2 daughters. “After obtaining degrees in chemistry (where his work as a summer researcher contributed to the discovery of calcitonin) and medicine from UBC, George began his medical career working in England and Switzerland with Professor Charlotte Anderson. This began a lifelong career working with children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and celiac disease, focusing on both research and patient care. George would eventually become director of the Biochemical Diseases Service at the BC Children’s Hospital, a position he found immensely rewarding as it meant working with a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and other specialized professionals whose contributions he truly valued. Their work improved the lives of their patients and their families, which was of utmost importance to him. His leadership led to many new initiatives. These included the creation of adult clinics for CF and celiac patients after he realized that these patients were now surviving into adulthood. He was also behind the formation of a Special Products Distribution Centre and the Lactation Support Service and Milk Bank, both of which helped patients obtain the special nutrition products that they needed. George contributed to improving the lives of children beyond his home province through his research and his involvement in national and international health organizations. He was a dedicated and compassionate doctor.”

Surrey, BC; Delhi University (India), 1982; family medicine. Died Jan. 6, 2020, aged 60.

Chicoutimi, Que.; Université Laval, 1954; ophthalmology. Died Jan. 2, 2020, aged 92. Survived by his wife, Esther Tremblay, 4 children and 4 grandchildren.