In Memoriam

Oshawa, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1948; general surgery. Died Oct. 4, 2020, aged 95. Survived by his partner, Juanita Simmons, 3 sons, 1 stepson, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Saskatoon; National University of Mexico, 1996; neurology; professor, University of Saskatchewan. Died Oct. 2, 2020, aged 48. Survived by his wife Lizbeth and 2 children. The Neurology Division and Neurology Residency Program at the University of Saskatchewan stated: “José’s enthusiasm and knowledge of epilepsy, general neurology and research methodology inspired many students and residents to work with him. He mentored many residents, both clinically and for research. There were typically 3 to 4 residents at a time working on a variety of projects with him, essentially always leading to publication. He leaves a legacy of weekly formalized epilepsy rounds in which he would masterfully present challenging cases. He was always engaging with the audience, and brought the best out of the residents through careful questioning, without intimidation. His pioneering efforts for the people of Saskatchewan included developing remote electroencephalograph monitoring to allow better detection of seizures without having to come into hospital, and establishing an epilepsy brain bank to study the causes and develop better treatment for those with epilepsy. José’s passing is a major loss for the province of Saskatchewan, and will be felt nationally and internationally. We will miss our dear friend and colleague tremendously.”

Dundas, Ont.; University of Sydney (Australia), 1955; family medicine. Died Sept. 26, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife Cecilia and 2 children. “A family physician, Leslie practised medicine at his east Hamilton clinic for some 25 years. He was also an attending physician at Hamilton General and Hamilton Henderson hospitals.”

Saint John, NB; Université Laval, 1953; general surgery; former chief of surgery and chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, St. Joseph’s Hospital; former assistant professor, Dalhousie University; life member, New Brunswick Medical Society. Died Sept. 23, 2020, aged 92. Survived by 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. “Brian was a founding member and past president of the New Brunswick Surgical Society.”

Victoria, BC; Canadian Forces, WW II; University of Toronto, 1951; family medicine. Died Sept. 21, 2020, aged 98. Survived by 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. “Ted resided in Cranbrook, BC, from 1961-92, where he practised family medicine and obstetrics at the F.W. Green Clinic. He spent the latter years of his career as the regional medical adviser for Worksafe BC.”

Halifax; Dalhousie University, 1951; general practice. Died Sept. 21, 2020, aged 93. Survived by 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. “Caroline was a pioneer, as she was 1 of only 2 women in her medical class at Dalhousie. In a sense she was following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a nurse on the Western Front in WW 1. She worked in public health in Victoria and was involved in the then new vaccination program for polio. She also worked closely with the BC Haida community. In the 1960s and 1970s Caroline worked for the precursor to Health Canada on the regulation of prescription drugs, and for a time she was head of the Bureau of Pharmaceutical Advisory Services.”

St. John’s; Dalhousie University, 1967; diagnostic radiology; past president, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA, 1979-80); past chair, Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Board of Directors; past president, CMA (1992-93); honorary life member, CMA. Died Sept. 18, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Betty-Lou, 2 children and 2 grandsons. “After graduation Ron returned to the province he dearly loved and began his career as a radiologist at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s. During Ron’s 40-year tenure at St. Clare’s he served as president of both the NLMA and CMA. Ron was an adventurous soul whose extensive travel was driven by his interest in history and passion for polar exploration. Despite Ron’s worldwide adventures, which took him to all 7 continents, he spoke most fondly of his 1983 seal hunt voyage, where he was ship’s physician aboard the Lady Johnson II, captained by his dear friend Morrisey Johnson. Ron loved the sea, was an avid sailor, and spent many hours on Conception Bay in his boat, The Mighty Photon.” A colleague wrote: “Ron was a wonderful role model and mentor to all of the medical trainees lucky enough to have been guided under his watch. He accomplished this in a kind, caring and gregarious fashion that was a gift to us all. Not only was he a great radiologist and communicator and a true clinician’s clinician, but also and equally importantly he treated colleagues, nurses, other co-members of the health care team and patients with the greatest respect and compassion.” When he assumed the CMA presidency in 1992, he described to CMAJ his love for exploration and explorers, especially Sir Ernest Shackleton. “When Whelan arrived at Shackleton’s hut, which is only 900 km from the South Pole,” CMAJ reported, “he felt he was visiting a shrine. ‘I will never find words to describe the feeling of going into that hut and sitting in the same chair that Shackleton sat in over 70 years ago,’ he said. The words aren’t necessary, for a look at Whelan’s face describes perfectly the impact that experience had on him.”

Fredericton; Dalhousie University, 1995; family medicine. Died Sept. 18, 2020, aged 61. Survived by his wife, Karen Spragg, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “Michael’s career path began in forestry when he entered the forestry program at the University of New Brunswick, and graduated in 1982. This was a natural fit for him as he loved nature — trees, flowers, rocks, soil, the list goes on. He loved the smell of the earth and the soil between his fingers. Michael began a second career in medicine at Dalhousie University. He graduated in 1995 and began working in private family practice in the United States. Michael arrived in Fredericton during the fall of 2007 and accepted a position as director of the first hospitalist program at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. He diligently, persistently, passionately and successfully nurtured the program, as well as numerous medical students and residents. He enjoyed the challenge of providing the best care for his patients. He loved interacting with the team — nurses, doctors, pharmacists and all the support staff. As he would tell you, ‘This isn’t work — I am lucky to get to do this job every day.’ ”

Saskatoon; University of Saskatchewan, 1971; plastic surgery. Died Sept. 16, 2020, aged 75. Survived by his wife Judy, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “Bob devoted his life to the practice of medicine, both in general practice with a great team at the Queen Street Medical Group and as a solo practitioner in reconstructive and esthetic plastic surgery at the Medical Arts. For many years, Bob also served the province by holding monthly clinics in Prince Albert and Melfort. He was committed to teaching students, patients and residents, and loved serving his community. Bob was indebted to Dr. Les Chasmar for his tutelage and mentorship; together with Dr. Jim Zondervan, they built the first Surgi Centre in Saskatchewan.”

Toronto; University of Leiden (The Netherlands), 1958; psychiatry. Died of pancreatic cancer Sept. 11, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Irene, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. “After completing his residency in Toronto he came on staff at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in 1967. James loved his clinical and teaching work as a child psychiatrist. Over the course of his 40-year career at HSC, he worked with many different teams and departments. He shared his skill and wisdom with generations of medical students and residents. Jim always felt it an enormous privilege to be able to touch the lives of his patients and their families.”

Toronto; Hebrew University, Israel; internal medicine. Died Sept. 9, 2020, aged 91. Survived by his wife Lily, 4 children and 6 grandchildren. “Waldek was an esteemed physician who devoted his life to research and medicine, helping everyone who called on him for his expertise and brilliance as a diagnostician.”

Calgary; Dalhousie University, 1959; general practice. Died Sept. 6, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife Joan, 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “He started his medical practice as the town doctor in Shediac, NB. House calls were common in those days, and in the harsh winters plows were called so he could arrive to deliver babies. Sometimes grateful patients paid him with lobsters. In 1968, Malcolm temporarily moved his young family to Ontario, where he earned his diploma in public health from the University of Toronto. In 1969 he became the regional medical officer with NB Public Health, where he was instrumental in establishing a safe water system for the town of Shediac. In a later role, as regional medical director for CN Railway, Atlantic Canada, he established 1 of the first employee assistance programs in North America. Later, he felt especially proud of this accomplishment. He moved to Montréal in 1981 after being named chief medical officer for CN Railway and Air Canada, a role for which he was knighted by the Order of St. John. After a long tenure with CN, Malcolm returned to Moncton and settled into semi-retirement, providing medical and occupational health services to a number of companies and agencies, including the military, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local police.”

Regina; Queen’s University, 1945; Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, WW II; general surgery. Died Sept. 3, 2020, aged 98. Survived by 3 children and 5 grandchildren. “Murray had a long and distinguished career in medicine and surgery. He was a member of the medical staff at the Plains Health Centre, chief of surgery at the Pasqua Hospital, and had a long relationship with the Regina General Hospital (RGH) that began in 1945. In 1950 Murray completed post-graduate training at McGill University, where he earned his fellowship in general surgery. On returning to Regina, he joined the Department of Surgery at the RGH and Grey Nuns in 1954, and was elevated to senior member in 1956. He continued work with the Medical Arts Clinic and launched a specialist surgical practice that would continue until 1982. From 1963 to 1978 he served as head of the Department of Surgery at Grey Nuns. In 1978, he was successful in completing the examination for the certificate of special competence in pediatric general surgery. He continued to operate a solo surgical practice, specializing in general surgical practice and pediatric general surgery. Over his long career, Murray received recognition for years of service in organized medicine at the provincial and national levels. He was a past president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA), the Regina and District Medical Society, the Saskatchewan Surgical Society and the Western Division of the Canadian Association of Clinical Surgeons. He was also an active member of the SMA’s Board of Directors from 1968-80, chaired the SMA's Education Committee from 1968-74, and was an active member of the Canadian Medical Association's Council on Medical Education. He also served as chair of the Ethics Committee of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He received the SMA’s Award of Merit in 1979, along with a Leadership Award from the University of Saskatchewan, where he was an associate clinical professor. In 1993 Dr. Fraser was appointed to the unified medical staff of the Regina Health District, and focused his practice on pediatric surgery. After 62 years of dedicated service, Dr. Fraser retired from the RGH in 2007.”

Salt Spring Island, BC; University of Edinburgh (Scotland), 1948; Royal Air Force (RAF); ophthalmology; officer, Order of Canada. Died Sept. 2, 2020, aged 95. Survived by 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “He served as president of the British Medical Students Association, and was among the group of doctors who negotiated the terms of the health plan that subsequently led to the creation of the National Health Service in 1948. After being conscripted into the RAF Medical Corps, he served in Aden (Yemen). After returning to the United Kingdom he continued his training in ophthalmology in York, followed by positions in Edinburgh and Oxford. After immigrating to Medicine Hat, Alta., Stephen was soon recruited by the University of Saskatchewan and moved into a faculty position that enabled him to pursue his love of research. In 1963, he was appointed associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). In 1973 he became professor and head of the Department of Ophthalmology at UBC, and clinical department head at the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). He remained in this position until his official retirement in 1990. He remained active in glaucoma research well into his 80s. Stephen was key in the building of the UBC/VGH Eye Care Centre, the first free-standing eye care facility in Canada, after relentless fundraising efforts and negotiations with VGH and the BC Ministry of Health. It combined clinical care, surgery and training of medical students, residents and fellows under one roof. It also introduced new efficiencies in cataract surgery. The Eye Care Centre opened its doors in 1983 and was a model for other centres in Canada and worldwide. Stephen was recognized internationally for his work in glaucoma research. He made numerous major contributions, including the recognition of the ‘Drance hemorrhage.’ Along with Dr. Douglas Anderson of Miami, he designed and executed pioneering research that set the standard of care in glaucoma management. He published hundreds of papers and book chapters. Stephen mentored 39 clinical and postdoctoral trainees over a span of 30 years. The Drance Fellows came from 14 different countries, and many are now world-renowned figures in the field.”

West Vancouver; University of Manitoba, 1956; general practice. Died Sept. 1, 2020, aged 94. Survived by his wife Erika, 2 children and 2 grandchildren. “He has always been very passionate about practising medicine, but his vision of service went beyond his practice at Collingwood Medical Clinic: he also volunteered locally in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and travelled to less-developed countries such as Vietnam, St. Lucia, Albania and Uzbekistan. When extended family members needed medical advice or a second opinion, he was always ready to help.”

Québec; Université Laval, 1959; general surgery. Died Aug. 28, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife, Louise LeBlanc, 3 children, 3 grandchildren and a great-grandson. 

Grand-Sault, NB; Université Laval, 1987; family medicine. Died Aug. 28, 2020, aged 61. Survived by her husband, Mario Dufour, and 2 children. A patient wrote: “She was a kind and calm voice through some of our most difficult times.”

Coldwater, Ont.; Queen’s University, 1985; family practice. Died following a motorcycle accident Aug. 28, 2020, aged 62. Survived by 3 children, a stepchild, the children’s mothers, and 1 grandchild. “Dr. Ives was a dedicated and respected family doctor for the Town of Coldwater and surrounding area for over 30 years. Treating his patients with the care of a friend, Mike believed that practising medicine was an art, and that it should always be focused on the people, rather than simply the science.”

Sherbrooke, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1950; pediatrics; senior member, Canadian Medical Association. Died Aug. 23, 2020, aged 97. Survived by 2 children and 4 grandchildren. “From 1955 until the mid-1990s Dr. Panneton practised pediatrics at the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Sherbrooke. In 1980 he was appointed clinical teaching assistant in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Sherbrooke. In 1990, he was elected a senior member by the Canadian Medical Association.”

Vancouver; Formosa College of Medicine (Taiwan), 1950; public health. Died Aug. 23, 2020, aged 97. Survived by his wife Judy, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “He attended medical school in Shanghai, and went to Taiwan in 1949 to finish medical school. He specialized in tuberculosis and then completed his residency and internship in the US. He returned to Taiwan in 1958 to get married, and worked as an associate professor at the National Taiwan University School of Medicine. Later, he was appointed director of the Taiwan Tuberculosis Control Bureau. He received a master’s of public health from the University of Michigan, completed a fellowship with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe and Southeast Asia, and was a TB consultant for WHO in Samoa. He moved to Canada in 1972, and headed the Vancouver Willow Chest Clinic until his retirement in 1993. During his career, he travelled around the world to provide medical care. His integrity, work ethic, dedication, and compassion for his work and patients speak volumes about his character.”

Toronto; University of Toronto, 1962; neurology. Died Aug. 21, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife, Annamaria Eisler, a stepson and 2 grandsons. 

Waterloo, Ont.; Targu Mures University (Romania), 1953; family medicine. Died Aug. 21, 2020, aged 92. Survived by 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. “Charles was a very dedicated family physician who served his patients in Waterloo from 1974 to 2000.”

Winnipeg; Dacca Medical College (Bangladesh), 1960; general practice. Died Aug. 17, 2020, aged 83. Survived by a daughter and his grandchildren. “In 1975, the family moved to Canada. They settled in Treherne, Man., where Kiron worked as a family physician for 28 years. They moved to Winnipeg in 2006, where he practised in and owned a walk-in clinic known as Kildonan Crossing Medical Clinic. Kiron retired from medicine in 2010, after practising for 50 years.”

Vancouver; Université de Lausanne (Switzerland), 1952; internal medicine, cardiology. Died Aug. 15, 2020, aged 92. Survived by 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “The family moved to Vancouver in 1964. Eve worked at various hospitals in the city, primarily at Shaughnessy Hospital until its closure, where she headed the cardiology ward and established the first ‘non-smoking’ ward. In 1974 she opened her own cardiology practice. She was also a clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia.”.

Toronto; American University Lebanon (Lebanon), 1958; pathology. Died Aug. 15, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife, Dr. Norma Chalvardjian (Temple), and 2 children. “He immigrated to Canada in 1963 and was assistant scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Subsequently he was staff pathologist at St. Michael’s Hospital and associate professor of pathology at the University of Toronto. His hobby was flying Cessna 176s day or night, weather permitting.” A former colleague wrote: “I was a resident at St. Michael's Hospital in 1979 and remember Ara as a superb pathologist and excellent teacher.”

West Vancouver; University of Toronto, 1949; anesthesiology. Died Aug. 13, 2020, aged 93.

Sarnia, Ont.; University of South Africa, 1980; family medicine. Died Aug. 12, 2020, aged 74. Survived by his soulmate, Sheila Groombridge, 2 children, the children’s mother, Marlaine, a granddaughter, 2 stepchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. “A gentleman, healer and provider, he lived a remarkably diverse life that built the foundation for his career as a physician.”

Burlington, Ont.; School of Medicine of the Royal Colleges (Scotland), 1951; diagnostic radiology. Died Aug. 11, 2020, aged 92. Survived by his wife Raj, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. “After arriving in Canada, Prem became very highly recognized for his techniques in radiology, and ultimately he served as a respected doctor at the Hamilton General Hospital. He was an excellent mentor to the younger generation, demonstrating procedures that would leave them wide-eyed!”

The Villages, Florida; Queen’s University, 1969; family medicine. Died Aug. 10, 2020, aged 76. Survived by his wife Pixie, 3 children and 9 grandchildren. “After 2 years as an emergency physician, he joined Amherstview Medical in Ontario for 10 years as a family practitioner. Often on his visits to Kingston, Ont., people would stop him on the street, remembering him as that kind doctor that made house calls. In 1981 he transitioned to corporate medicine, working with DuPont and Conoco until his retirement as the chief medical officer in 2004.”

Toronto; McGill University, 1964; internal medicine. Died Aug. 10, 2020, aged 82. Survived by his wife Bonita, a son and a granddaughter. “After graduating from McGill and training at the Mayo Clinic, Sylvester found his way to Simcoe, Ont., where he would practise medicine for almost 40 years, taking care of his many patients.”

Red Deer, Alta.; University of Pretoria (South Africa), 1999; family medicine. Died after being attacked in his office by a patient on Aug. 10, 2020, aged 45. Survived by his wife Anelia and 2 daughters. CMA President Sandy Buchman commented: “Our profession was shaken to its core this week as our colleague, Dr. Walter Reynolds, was tragically murdered in his Red Deer clinic. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, clinic staff and patients as they mourn this inexplicable loss. The physician-patient relationship is built on a foundation of trust, and the attack on Dr. Reynolds is an unfathomable violation of that trust. Many of us treat our patients in similar settings, and I want to acknowledge how you may be feeling as you reflect on your own work and experiences.” Dr Christine Molnar, president of the Alberta Medical Association, noted: “A couple of days has not been enough time to feel that I can properly express my sorrow. When a few media outlets came to make respectful and sympathetic requests for more reaction, I said that while there are many questions for the days ahead, right now our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues for the loss of their loved one. We are mindful that this is a time of shock and deep grief. A time for sorrow. A time to reflect. Our colleague, Dr. Walter Reynolds, was a family physician devoted to his family, his patients and his calling. He will be sorely missed.”

Toronto; University of Toronto (U of T), 1951; general practice. Died Aug. 9, 2020, aged 93. Survived by 5 children and 10 grandchildren. “She was a member of the medical staff at the U of T Student Health Service for many years, and her dedication to the health of young women was rewarded with the establishment of a colposcopy unit in 1994, the first of its kind within a university health service in Canada. Mom was highly active in the Medical Alumni at U of T, and was instrumental in bringing back personal interviews at the medical school, thus ensuring caring, communicative graduates. She contributed to the research into the development of the human papillomavirus vaccine and, as if this were not enough, she maintained her own private practice.”

Brampton, Ont.; Queen’s University, 1956; psychiatry. Died Aug. 9, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife Joan, 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “Ken practised psychiatry in Brampton until his retirement in 1996. His well-crafted gift of being a quiet, compassionate listener was bestowed upon many patients, friends and family members, with sharp insights to help us all be better people.”

Windsor, Ont.; Royal Canadian Air Force, WW II; University of Western Ontario, 1950; general practice. Died Aug. 7, 2020, aged 96. Survived by his wife Jean, 2 daughters, 3 stepdaughters, 3 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. “Ed came home from the war determined to become a doctor and help people. At Western he was part of a special class of veterans known as Meds ’50. The students at ‘Anatomy Table One’ became lifelong best friends and golfing buddies. Though dispersed throughout Ontario, family vacations, regular golf games and parties kept them close. He practised medicine in Windsor as a family doctor, physician and surgeon for over 50 years. He was doctor to many generations of families. In fact, his grandchildren are sure he delivered half of Windsor! He established the Chronic Care Unit at Hôtel -Dieu Hospital, was chief of staff at Hôtel -Dieu, oversaw the transformation of the nurses’ residence into doctors’ offices, and served as president of Physicians Services Incorporated, an Ontario-wide precursor to government medicare. For his service, he was recognized as a life member by the Ontario Medical Association and by the Canadian Medical Association.”

Hampden, NL; family medicine. Alexandria University (Egypt), 1984; family medicine. Died Aug. 3, 2020, aged 61. Survived by his wife Eman and 2 children. “He served as a family doctor in Hampden for 16 years. He was a caring and loving man who put his patients first.”

Cardston, Alta.; University of Witwatersrand (South Africa), 1981; family medicine. Died Aug. 1, 2020, aged 65.

Midland, Ont.; Queen’s University, 1961; family medicine. Died July 31, 2020, aged 85. Survived by his wife Hazel, 5 children and 10 grandchildren. “He returned to Midland after doing his internship and residency in Michigan, and joined an established family practice with Dr. Ed Grise. Later Dr. Hollister King joined the practice. When they retired he practised with Dr. Bruno Golisky, Dr. Peter Cameron and Dr. John Moore. For 50 years, Bill worked tirelessly as a comprehensive family physician. He was a skilled clinician and educator who was dedicated to his patients, yet always so humble.”

Courtenay, BC; Royal Artillery; St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School (England), 1954; psychiatry. Died July 31, 2020, aged 92. Survived by his wife, Susan Ketchen, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. “After immigrating to Canada from the UK in 1969, Michael joined the new Foothills Hospital and the new medical school at the University of Calgary. He was appointed to the Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine in 1971, a relationship which continued until 1991 when he was appointed professor emeritus of psychiatry. During these years he was director of the Residency Training Program in Psychiatry, and also of Adolescent Treatment Programs, including Wood’s Christian Homes, and of the medical staff of Alberta Mental Health Services, Calgary Region. He also served on the medical school’s Admissions Committee and as an associate director in the Department of Psychiatry at Calgary General Hospital. He moved to Vancouver Island in 1988, and for 6 years was director of psychiatry at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox and consultant psychiatrist to BC Mental Health Services in the Comox Valley and North Vancouver Island, linking with the University of British Columbia as an honorary clinical professor of psychiatry. He retired to his beloved hobby farm in 1997.”

Victoria; University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands) 1969; anesthesiology. Died of cancer July 30, 2020, aged 74. Survived by 2 children and 5 grandchildren. “Loes first studied neurosurgery in Amsterdam, then worked at the Neurological Institute in London in 1973. In 1974 she became the first resident in the University of Calgary’s Residency Training Program in Neurosurgery at Foothills Hospital. She left in 1975 to do research, after which she transferred to anesthesiology. She loved anesthesiology and made many friends over the years among the doctors and nurses. During her 30-year career she worked in Red Deer, Alta., Calgary, Comox, BC, and Victoria. Serious back problems forced her to retire in 2016, but she missed practising anesthesia for the rest of her life.”

Ottawa; Karachi University (Pakistan), 1958; general practice. Died July 28, 2020, aged 85. Survived by 2 children and 2 grandchildren. “She trained in Pakistan, the US and Canada before her career as a general practitioner began in Ottawa. She was among the first women from India to practise medicine in North America. For decades her office was located in the Medical Arts Building in Ottawa, and in later years in Sandy Hill.”

Gaspé, Que.; Université Laval, 2009; family medicine. Died in a bicycle accident July 23, 2020, aged 40. Survived by her husband, Louis-Vincent Lemelin, and 3 children. “Sporty, talented, ambitious, Frédérique strove for excellence in everything she did. Being around her allowed us to follow in her wake.”

Sylvan Lake, Alberta.; University of the Free State (South Africa), 1985; family medicine. Died July 22, 2020, aged 58. Survived by his wife Susan and 2 children. “Joe was a family physician who graduated from medical school in South Africa in 1985. He moved to Sylvan Lake in August of 2000, where he served the community in a full-spectrum family practice. Joe delivered numerous babies, did hospital work in Red Deer Regional Hospital and cared for patients from cradle to grave. He was a compassionate and skilled physician who deeply cared about people and had an unshakable love for life.” A patient wrote: “I loved my relationship with [this] doctor — open, honest, collaborative health care. He will be missed in the office and in my heart.”

Nanaimo, BC; University of Glasgow (Scotland), 1952; general practice. Died July 20, 2020, aged 94. Survived by 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. “Dad trained in Scotland and opened his private medical practice in the town of his birth, Princes Town, Trinidad. There, as the town’s only doctor for many years, he was on call 24/7 and dealt with snake and scorpion bites, minor surgeries, delivering babies, and so on. Sometimes patients even expected him to look after their ailing livestock! Dad knew that basic public health — clean water, and sanitation — was a key factor in people’s medical outcomes. He believed in food self-sufficiency, and wrote countless letters and petitioned the Trinidad government to be less reliant on imported American products, which were destroying local farmers’ livelihoods. Dad’s political activities led to him being blacklisted and harassed by the Trinidad government. He and the family immigrated to Nanaimo in 1971, part of a diaspora of Trinidadian leaders and influencers who fell afoul of the government. In Nanaimo, Dad practised at the Medical Arts Centre for many years.”

Port Coquitlam, BC; Queen’s University Belfast (Northern Ireland), 1949; general practice. Died July 18, 2020, aged 93.

West Vancouver; University of Glasgow, 1958; Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF); general practice. Died July 18, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Mary, 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. “Colin came to Canada to serve as a flight lieutenant in the RCAF from 1959 to 1965. He served at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, where he researched acceleration and gravitational physiology for aircrew flying Voodoo jets. He moved the family to Comox, BC, for a time to serve as medical director of the base hospital, Canadian Forces Base Comox, then to Toronto to earn his degree in public health and occupational health medicine at the University of Toronto. Colin found ultimate fulfillment in pioneering programs in this burgeoning field, first with Bell Telephone and finally with BC Telephone, where he enjoyed many years of award-winning excellence as the medical director.”

Winnipeg; University of Manitoba, 1953; internal medicine, cardiology. Died July 18, 2020, aged 91. Survived by 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “In 1958 he returned home as head, Section of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg, a position he held for 24 years. In 1981, he joined the Great-West Life Assurance Company and served as vice-president and chief medical director for 29 years, while continuing part-time private practice in cardiology at the Winnipeg Clinic. He retired at age 87. Throughout his rewarding 50-year career he felt truly blessed to care for many patients from birth into adulthood. He also served as a physician for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the 1976 Canadian Olympic Team. In 2015, he joined his father when inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. As a world-renowned researcher in cardiology and exercise physiology, he published more than 200 scientific papers, including 2 editorials in Circulation, and he also authored several book chapters and 1 book, and chaired sessions at American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and Canadian Cardiovascular Society meetings, and at the first 2 World Congresses of Pediatric Cardiology.”

Surrey, BC; University of Saskatchewan, 1967; general practice. Died July 18, 2020, aged 80. Survived by his wife, Dr. Jean Mercer, 2 children and 2 grandchildren. “A major contributor to the growth of the medical community in White Rock, BC, since 1969, Stan was 1 of the original 6 doctors at the Hilltop Medical Clinic, where he spent 35 years in practice after an internship at the Royal Columbian. Stan assisted in the births of many of current White Rock-area citizens. He also served on the board of the Peace Arch Hospital Society. At 6-foot 10 inches tall, he was always quick to duck under the doorway and immediately take a seat in order not to frighten his younger patients. He was a gentle giant with a quick medical mind and a heart of gold.”

Burlington, Ont.; Université Laval, 1955; psychiatry; professor emeritus, McMaster University. Died July 17, 2020, aged 90. Survived by 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. “Dr. Lemieux was an assistant professor of psychiatry at McGill and served as superintendent of L’hôpital des Laurentides before moving to Ontario in 1971 to become medical director at the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital.”

Canmore, Alta.; University of Saskatchewan, 1977; infectious diseases. Died July 17, 2020, aged 68. Survived by his wife Prudence, 2 children and a grandson. “After medical school Geoff pursued post-graduate education in New Zealand and at the universities of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Minnesota, McGill and Tufts. His work had a global focus and he enjoyed outreach opportunities in Fiji, Singapore, Hong Kong and Uganda. Throughout a career spanning 4 decades as an infectious disease physician and professor at the University of Alberta, Geoff was dedicated to providing his patients with kind and compassionate care. He was an advocate for vulnerable and often stigmatized patients beginning in the early days of HIV/AIDS. He co-founded the Northern Alberta HIV Program and established the first modern Infection Prevention and Control Program in Alberta. Data and fact driven, Geoff also was a founding member of the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program, where he ensured the collection and use of quality surveillance data to guide patient care and health policy to prevent hospital acquired infections.”

Ottawa; Université de Montpellier (France), 1956; general practice; officer, Order of Canada. Died July 17, 2020, aged 92. Survived by 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. “During his career he was medical director at St-Anne’s, the Queen Mary Veteran’s and the Royal Victoria hospitals before serving as CEO of the Montreal General Hospital (1972-88). He also served as associate dean, professional affairs, in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University (1975-97), and subsequently as executive director of the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges. Harvey was a staunch defender of the socialized Canadian health care system. He set up the first community health clinic (CLSC) in Quebec, and was the only Anglophone member on the Rochon Commission (1987), which reshaped Quebec health care. His accolades were many, including the Order of Canada (1995) and 2 Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medals (2002, 2012). A proud Francophile, he was dedicated to promoting and protecting health services for Franco-Ontarians. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Hôpital Montfort in Ottawa (1998-2011), Harvey fought to ensure the hospital’s survival by expanding the institution’s academic and research profiles. Harvey was a talented, passionate and righteous man who was known for a wicked dry sense of humour and an incredibly sharp mind, which he retained to the end. His life accomplishments bridged 2 cultures, both professionally and personally.”

Edmonton; University of Liverpool (England), 1966; general practice. Died July 16, 2020, aged 77.

Charlottetown; Al Fateh University (Libya), 1992; ophthalmology. Died July 15, 2020, aged 52. Survived by his family. “As an ophthalmologist, he cared for people in their most vulnerable conditions with the utmost compassion and love. As a member of the community, he was a catalyst for monumental change. He helped build 1 of the first mosques on PEI, allowing the many generations after him to practise their faith proudly.”

Vancouver; University of London (England), 1961; anesthesiology. Died July 15, 2020, aged 84. Survived by his wife Marijke, 2 children and 4 grandchildren. “In 1966, John and his young bride immigrated to Canada and worked for 7 adventurous years in rural medicine on BC’s Sunshine Coast. In 1973 he came to Vancouver to practise anesthesia, first at St. Paul’s Hospital and then at the Royal Columbian Hospital. He developed an interest in chronic pain treatment midway through his career, which led him to co-found the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nerve Block Clinic in the Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge hospitals. During his career he was a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia, served for 2 years as chair of the BC Anesthesia Society, 3 years as a council member of the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, and chief of anesthesia at the Royal Columbian Hospital. John retired from anesthesia in 1997 and continued on with chronic pain treatment until 2002. He was described by his patients and colleagues as a gentleman, dedicated physician and great mentor.”

Calgary; Shiraz University (Iran), 1988; family medicine. Died July 14, 2020, aged 59.

Beamsville, Ont.; University of Western Ontario, 1956; anesthesiology. Died July 13, 2020, aged 88. Survived by 3 children and 2 grandchildren. “Harry was a valued member of the St. Joseph’s anesthesia department in Hamilton for over 35 years.”

St. John’s; Dalhousie University, 1966; radiation oncology. Died July 13, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife Mely, 5 children and 9 grandchildren. “In 1950, at the age of 13, Kim moved to Canada from China, with very few English skills, to join his grandfather at the John Lee Laundry, an old-fashioned hand laundry on Gower Street in St. John’s. He completed all 11 grades in 8 years at Bishop Feild College in St. John’s. Through hard work and dedication, he was able to put himself through medical school at Dalhousie University. He was best known for his passion and commitment as a radiation oncologist in Newfoundland and Labrador for nearly 35 years, where he provided cancer care to thousands of people until his retirement in 2007. Kim was instrumental in the development of the Newfoundland Cancer Clinic (currently known as the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre) and its outreach program throughout the province. He would typically perform several clinics per year across the island in Corner Brook, Grand Falls, Burin and Gander. His involvement in teaching at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) medical school resulted in his appointed as clinical assistant professor of radiotherapy at MUN in 1973 and as a clinical associate professor of radiation oncology in 1983.”

Armstrong, BC; University of British Columbia, 1968; general surgery. Died July 11, 2020, aged 88. Survived by his wife Judy, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “His surgical career spanned 3 decades, on both sides of the continent.”

Sherbrooke, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1958; cardiology; Died July 11, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife, Marie-Paule Couture, 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. “A cardiologist, Dr. Dumais was professor emeritus in the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Sherbrooke, where he had also served as vice-dean of pre-doctoral medical studies.”

Drumheller, Alta.; University of London (England), 1949; general practice, GP anesthesia; Royal Marines. Died July 10, 2020, aged 95. Survived by his wife Mary, 5 children, 1 stepchild, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. “Dad was born in Birmingham, England, but always emphasized his Scottish ancestry. He was schooled at Wycliffe in Wales, where he made life-long friends. He studied medicine, his much-loved profession, at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, England, and served as a Royal Marine in various places before eventually settling into family practice in Woodford Green, UK. In 1966 the family decided to immigrate to Canada, and settled in Drumheller, where Dad practised medicine from 1966 until his retirement in 2013.” In 2003 the Drumheller Mail reported: “Dr. Miller [had a legendary reputation] as [Drumheller’s] Santa Claus. One story he related in 2003, when the David Thompson Health Authority honoured him, concerned a house call he was making to a woman in the community. Her grandchildren came to the door, and Dr. Miller greeted them in his legendary fashion: ‘Hello, Sunshine, Hello, Bright Eyes.’ The astonished child turned around and bleated, ‘That’s what Santa called us at Christmas!’ He hung up his Santa Claus uniform about half dozen years ago.”

Calgary; Queen’s University, 1977; family medicine. Died July 10, 2020, aged 67.

Cowansville, Que.; Queen’s University, 1959; obstetrics and gynecology. Died July 8, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Shirl, 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. “Bob was a longtime member of the McGill University teaching staff and served on the Council of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists at the Montreal General Hospital. He was an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and oncology, as well as director of gynecologic oncology, at McGill. He was also a charter member of the Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada, an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and an honorary member of the Canadian Medical Association.”

Vernon, BC; University of British Columbia (UBC), 1969; family medicine. Died July 7, 2020, aged 77. Survived by 3 children and 5 grandchildren. “Sharon was the first female family doctor in Vernon, and was highly valued, respected and beloved by a large community of people who benefited from her care and expertise. In 2007, she was awarded the Wallace Wilson Leadership Award by the UBC Medical Alumni Association ‘in recognition of her outstanding leadership and service to the profession.’ ”

Newmarket, Ont.; University of London (England), 1950; anesthesiology. Died July 7, 2020, aged 94. Survived by 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. “He trained in London and Toronto before settling in Newmarket in 1955, where he practised general medicine. After fellowship training he practised anesthesia full time until 1990. His deep commitment to his life’s work in medicine was apparent to those who knew him.” 

Calgary; University of Alberta, 1974; general surgery. Died July 3, 2020, aged 75. Survived by his wife Bernice, 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. “Gary devoted over 40 years to his medical career as a general surgeon at the Holy Cross and Rockyview hospitals.”

Edmonton. University of Alberta, 1948; general practice. Died July 3, 2020, aged 95. Survived by 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. “John was a physician and surgeon for 20 years (1949-1969), with a practice on 118th Avenue in Edmonton. For 16 years (1969-1985), he was medical director of the Edmonton General Hospital.”

Victoria; University of Glasgow (Scotland), 1959; orthopedic surgery. Died July 3, 2020, aged 85. Survived by his wife Carmel, 3 sons and 4 grandchildren. “John and his young family immigrated to Canada in 1970. They first arrived in Merritt, BC, where John worked at the Nicola Valley General Hospital while training to re-certify in orthopedics. They relocated to Vancouver and then to Victoria, where John established a successful practice in orthopedic surgery. During his career, John treated and touched the lives of thousands of residents of Victoria and southern Vancouver Island.”

Toronto; Washington University School of Medicine (US), 1956; pediatric surgery. Died July 2, 2020, aged 89. Survived by 4 children and 8 grandchildren. “Dr. Filler was a distinguished pediatric surgeon, first at Harvard Medical School and then in Toronto, where he served an unprecedented 18-year term as surgeon-in-chief at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC). At the University of Toronto he became professor of surgery and pediatrics, and professor emeritus. Dr. Filler was an active member in more than a dozen prestigious Canadian and international medical societies, and has published more than 170 scientific articles and 80 book chapters. He held a 6-year governorship in the American College of Surgeons, and was elected president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association in 1991. He is known for his many contributions to the surgical treatment of infants and children, and is recognized as an expert in the separation of Siamese twins. In 1979 he performed an innovative operation at HSC on Herbie Quinones from New York. The publicity from this operation helped establish the Herbie Fund at Sick Kids to help children with serious health problems from around the world. In 1995 he initiated a telemedicine program at Sick Kids, the first in Ontario. He was a founding member of the Canadian Society of Telehealth in 1998, and served as its president from 2000 to 2002. In 2006, the Ministry of Health started the Ontario Telemedicine Network, a province-wide telemedicine network that encompasses more than 600 sites. Dr. Filler served as the first chair of its board until 2009. Earlier, he was awarded the Bronze Star by the US army for his treatment of Vietnamese children during his 1-year tour of duty as a military surgeon during the Vietnam War. In his career he received many awards, including the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the Variety Club’s Sir James Carreras Award, and the Alumni Achievement Award from the Washington University School of Medicine. As well, Sick Kids has established an endowed chair in pediatric surgery in his name.”

Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que.; University of Madrid (Spain), 1955; general surgery. Died July 1, 2020, aged 91. Survived by his wife Lucille, 6 children, 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. “Originally from China, Dr. Tchang started his medical studies at Aurora University in Shanghai. He finished his studies in Madrid and finalized his surgical training in Montréal. He worked for more than 30 years as a surgeon at the Lakeshore General Hospital, in Pointe-Claire, Que., and was also a medical director at the Montreal Chinese Hospital.”

Ont.; University of Toronto, 1968; psychiatry. Died June 30, 2020, aged 77. Survived by his wife Julia, 5 children and 3 grandchildren. “Wilson believed strongly in serving his community. He was a thoughtful, kind, patient, gentle, compassionate and dedicated psychiatrist who gave back to the community as a volunteer and doctor for 46 years.”

Edmonton; University of Nairobi (Kenya), 1973; general practice. Died June 27, 2020, aged 71.

Oshawa, Ont.; University of Zaragoza (Spain), 1952; general pathology. Died June 25, 2020, aged 91. Survived by his wife Ruth, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “After graduating in pathology from the Winnipeg General Hospital he worked at Hammersmith Hospital in London, England, the Jewish General in Montréal and Trenton Memorial Hospital in Ontario before moving to Oshawa. Gel was a pathologist at the Oshawa General Hospital for 30 years, retiring in 1999.”

Brooks, Alta.; University of Athens (Greece), 1953; internal medicine. Died June 25, 2020, aged 94. Survived by his wife, Iris. “After medical school Dennis served in the Greek Army as a second lieutenant in the medical corps for 3 years. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and completed a 2-year internship at the Reddy Memorial Hospital in Montréal before moving to the US, where he completed 5 years of residency in internal medicine at 4 university-affiliated hospitals. Dennis returned to Canada in 1964 and practised internal medicine in Brooks until his retirement.”

Longueuil, Que.; University of Ottawa, 1959; anesthesiology. Died June 24, 2020, aged 92. Survived by his wife, Marthe Olivier, 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.

Vancouver; University of Edinburgh (Scotland), 1970; pediatrics. Died June 23, 2020, aged 73. Survived by his wife Morag, 2 children and 6 grandchildren. “Mike, who specialized in the care of premature babies, immigrated to Canada in 1981. In 1983 he established the Neonatal Follow-Up Program at the BC Children’s Hospital, and in 2002 he was recognized for outstanding services to the children of British Columbia, receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.”

Que.; Université de Montréal, 1980; psychiatry; professor, Université de Montréal; life member, Canadian Psychiatric Association; honorary member, Canadian Medical Association; distinguished fellow, American Psychiatric Association. Died June 23, 2020, aged 66. Survived by his spouse, Suzie Lamontagne, and 2 children. “During his career, Claude served as secretary of the Association of Quebec Psychiatrists (AMPQ), then of the Federation of Medical Specialists of Québec (FMSQ) and, finally, as president of the Assembly of Chiefs in Psychiatry of the Island of Montreal. He was also an examiner for the Collège des médecins du Québec and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada . . . and treated many military personnel at the Operational Stress Disorder Clinic of Canada. He had also served as president of the American Psychiatric Association of Eastern Canada.”

Sherbrooke, Que.; Université Claude-Bernard (France), 1976; neurology. Died June 23, 2020, aged 69. Survived by 3 daughters and their father, Wadih-Pierre Saad.

St. John’s; University of London (England), 1964; obstetrics and gynecology; professor emeritus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Died June 22, 2020, aged 81. Survived by his wife Susan, 7 children and 14 grandchildren. “He leaves a great legacy of bringing thousands of children into the world, as well as creating MaterCare International, which provides safe motherhood for women in developing countries.”

Ottawa; Oxford University (England), 1955; obstetrics and gynecology. Died June 20, 2020, aged 89. Survived by 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “He emigrated to Canada in 1956, first serving as an intern in St. John’s and then as a resident in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montréal. He joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1960 as a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, with postings in Iserlohn, West Germany, and Whitehorse. Following a period of teaching and research at the University of Alberta, the family settled in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., where Michael felt privileged to practise medicine for more than 50 years.” 

Lethbridge, Alta.; Victoria University of Manchester (England), 1961; general practice. Died June 17, 2020, aged 82. Survived by his wife, Dr. Edna Pratt, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. “After working in the UK for 5 years, they immigrated to Rivers, Man., in 1967. They moved to Lethbridge in 1969, where Michael worked at the Campbell Clinic as a GP anesthetist and GP before moving to the Bigelow Fowler Clinic.”

Athabasca, Alta.; University of London (England), 1964; general practice. Died June 16, 2020, aged 81. Survived by 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 3 stepchildren and 6 step-grandchildren. “Brian was born and raised in Wales, and he went to medical school in London, England, before coming to Canada to practise as a general practitioner. He arrived in Athabasca with his small family in 1972, and continued to practise there until he retired in 2014.”

Spruce Grove, Alta.; University of London (England), 1946; general practice. Died June 15, 2020, aged 99. Survived by his wife Myrtle, 4 children, 4 stepchildren, 20 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. “After medical school and spending 5 years in the British army, he moved to Ponoka, Alta., where he joined his brother in medical practice. He then moved with his family to Grande Prairie, Alta., in 1953 and served the community in many ways, as both a doctor and member of the Legislative Assembly.”

Miramichi, NB; Dalhousie University, 1971; family medicine; life member, New Brunswick Medical Society. Died June 14, 2020, aged 75. Survived by his wife Heather, 4 children and a grandson.

Etobicoke, Ont.; McGill University, 1962; psychiatry. Died of Lewy body dementia June 10, 2020, aged 82. Survived by his wife Paddy, 2 children and 5 grandchildren. “Stuart had a life-long interest in government and politics, and in 1965 sought the Liberal nomination for the Montréal federal riding of Mount Royal. He eventually withdrew his nomination in favour of a then unknown Pierre Trudeau. In 1967, Stuart left Montréal for Hamilton, where he became a professor of psychiatry at the new McMaster University medical school and helped to design its innovative, problem-based curriculum. Always attracted to public policy and protection of the environment, Stuart ran as a Liberal in the 1975 Ontario provincial election for the riding of Hamilton West. He soon became leader of the Official Opposition, serving alongside Premier William Davis and NDP leader Stephen Lewis. Stuart led the Ontario Liberal Party through 2 elections (1978 and 1981) before retiring from politics. From 1982 to 1987, he served as the chair of the Science Council of Canada and, from 1995 to 2002, as chair of the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy. Stuart’s contribution in the field of education included serving as chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Guelph-Humber. He also headed the Smith Commission — an inquiry into the state of post-secondary education across the country — in 1991.”

Squamish, BC; University of British Columbia, 1960; general practice. Died June 10, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife Lynn, 3 children and 3 grandchildren. “After graduation from medical school, Ernie went into general practice on Victoria Drive in Vancouver. He continued to practise medicine in Vancouver until 1988, when he and Lynn relocated to Whistler, BC, where they ran a busy 1-man practice. In 1999 they moved themselves and the practice to Squamish, BC. Ernie retired from medicine in 2007, but remained an active volunteer in the community.”

Renforth, NB; McGill University, 1950; internal medicine; assistant professor, Dalhousie University; life member, New Brunswick Medical Society; past president, New Brunswick Lung Association. Died June 10, 2020, aged 94. Survived by 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. “He set up a full-time rural practice after medical school, but moved to post-graduate training in general internal medicine in 1955. Ed began his internal medicine practice in Saint John, NB, in 1958, with a primary interest in respiratory disease. He was on the attending staff at Saint John General Hospital and was a consultant at the Provincial and St. Joseph’s hospitals. During his career he served as chief of the Division of Respiratory Medicine, director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit, director of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic and charge physician on the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Team.”

Ottawa; University of Western Ontario, 1963; aviation medicine. Died June 9, 2020, aged 91. Survived by his wife Merle, 3 children and 6 grandchildren. “Dr. Blizzard developed a unique career that combined his love of medicine and aviation. After obtaining his wings in the Canadian Armed Forces (meaning he successfully completed training on the Tutor jet), he undertook additional studies at the Royal College of Physicians of London, becoming a specialist in aviation medicine and serving as a senior medical officer with the Canadian Forces for over 16 years. One of his proudest moments was contributing to an international humanitarian mission. He was the first doctor on site for the first airlift of Vietnamese refugees from Uganda to Canada. Upon retiring from the military he worked for the Department of Civil Aviation Medicine, and went on to help develop standards for civil aviation medical examiners. He served terms as president of the International Civil Aviation Medical Association and the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine, and was on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Advisory Group on Aerospace Research and Development. He was a member and selector of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine (membership limited to 250 people worldwide). Dr. Blizzard received the prestigious Harry Jerome award in 2008, honouring his work in the field of health sciences. His work has also been recognized in the land of his birth with the Trinidad Icon Award.”

Sudbury, Ont.; Université Laval, 1958; family medicine. Died June 9, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife, Reine-Aimée. “Dr. Lafond spent his entire career as a family physician in Sudbury. Upon retirement, he continued his contribution to the medical system by providing operating room assistance for several years.”

Ottawa; University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), 1950; general practice. Died June 8, 2019, aged 92. Survived by 2 children, 4 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Comox, BC; University of Colorado (US), 1998; family medicine. Died of brain cancer June 8, 2020, aged 57. Survived by her husband, Andy Brown, and 3 children. “[After medical school] she moved to Pocatello, Idaho, to finish her residency. She was doing all this while breastfeeding the first of her 3 children. The family would spend 8 years in Pocatello before ultimately deciding to move to Comox in 2006.”

Moncton, NB; University of Bogota (Colombia), 1986; radiation oncology. Died June 1, 2020, aged 56.

Corner Brook, NL; Dalhousie University 1961; general practice; past president, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA). Died May 31, 2020, aged 84. Survived by his wife Nancy, 2 children and 5 grandchildren. “Following a year at the cottage hospital in Port aux Basques, NL, Gerald moved to his home town of Corner Brook, where he worked as a much loved general practitioner for 37 years. While successfully managing his busy practice, he also was on active staff in the Department of Family Practice at Western Memorial Hospital from 1962 to 1999. He also served as the hospital’s chief of staff from 1982 to 1988. Gerald was a very active member of the NLMA from 1961 to 2010, working on many advisory committees and serving as president in 1981-82. He was awarded honorary membership in the Canadian Medical Association in 2016 for his many years of service.”

Sudbury, Ont.; University of Glasgow (Scotland), 1976; child and adolescent psychiatry. Died May 31, 2020, aged 67. Survived by his wife Sadie, 3 children and 9 grandchildren. “Douglas was a strong advocate for mental health during his 37 years of practice as a psychiatrist who worked with children, seniors and the First Nations community of M’Chigeeng. He was well known to many individuals through his work with adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

Regina; University of Edinburgh (Scotland), 1969; family medicine. Died May 31, 2020, aged 75. Survived by his wife Erna, 3 children and 5 grandchildren. “In 1972 he began working as a family physician in Regina, and he practised medicine locally for 32 years. Following that, he worked for the Ministry of Health for 12 years as a medical consultant.”

Sherwood Park, Alta.; University of Alberta, 1954; family medicine. Died May 30, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife Sophia (Ollie), 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. “Mel was nothing short of a miracle. In Grade 2 a life-threatening, year-long infection damaged his left lung for life, and the experience made him want to become a doctor. He trained as a physician and surgeon, and started work in McLennan, Alta., before opening up a family practice in Edmonton with his wife (and favourite nurse) in the early ’60s. Later, when there was a need for a new kind of comfort medicine, palliative care, he signed up to help pioneer it. That’s why the Palliative Care Hospice at the Edmonton General Hospital bears his name. He always thought it was weird to be alive and have something named after him. ‘It’s bad luck,’ he said, but it wasn’t. He lived another 24 years.”

Windsor, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1963; family medicine. Died May 28, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife, Mary Jane.

Calgary; University of Calgary, 1977; psychiatry. Died May 28, 2020, aged 67.

Kingston, Ont.; University of Glasgow (Scotland), 1951; physical medicine and rehabilitation; professor emeritus, Queen’s University. Died May 27, 2020, aged 91. Survived by 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. “He was recruited by Queen’s in 1966 to establish the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He was the founding professor and head of that department, and founding director of the Regional Rehabilitation Centre for Eastern Ontario. During this time, he initiated and established teaching programs at Queen’s in occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Throughout his career he was involved in numerous committees locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, and served as a member of the World Health Organization’s Expert Advisory Panel on Rehabilitation, and of the National Research Council of Canada. He was invited as a visiting professor, lecturer and keynote speaker by numerous universities and hospitals across Canada and the United States, and numerous other countries. His publications include 1 book, 19 journal articles, and over 50 briefs and monographs. He was a leader in vocational rehabilitation services and strongly believed in and advocated for giving people with disabilities support in returning to independence and community living. ‘People with disabilities need a hand up, not a handout,’ was his common refrain.”

Edmonton; Harvard University (US), 1979; pediatrics. Died May 27, 2020, aged 66. Survived by her husband, David Laughton, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. “Debbi came to Edmonton with her Canadian husband in 1987, and was one of the first developmental pediatricians in Canada and the first in Northern Alberta. She devoted her career to alleviating the shortages that exist in medical resources available to support children with developmental and emotional-behavioural differences, and their families. She provided leadership for the creation of innovative clinical programs based in Edmonton, and of new local and countrywide educational programs in developmental pediatrics at all stages of a physician’s career. Considered by her colleagues to be a superb clinician and medical educator, she was recognized in 2019 by the Canadian Paediatric Society with a life membership for ‘outstanding work in the areas of developmental disabilities and child mental health.’ ”

Burnaby, BC; University of British Columbia (UBC), 1956; internal medicine, cardiology; professor emeritus, UBC. Died May 27, 2020, aged 88. Survived by 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. “Dwight was born in Shanghai, and during WW II he spent 2 years in a Japanese concentration camp. His parents sent him to the US, and then to Canada, after the war. He had a fulfilling career as a cardiologist at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver until he retired. He was proud to have led the design and building of the first Intensive Care Unit in Canada, where he was the director for many years. He was equally proud to have been asked to serve as chief of staff at the hospital, and was also honoured to be named a Master of the American College of Cardiology, which is a rare honour and marked one of the few times it has been bestowed on a cardiologist outside the United States. Dwight also did significant volunteer work, including service as president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and he taught medical school students from UBC for most of his career.”

McGill University, 1968; nuclear medicine. Died May 26, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife, Suzanne d’Apollonia, 3 children and 10 grandchildren.