As a unique service for CMA members and their families, the CMA regularly publishes notices of deceased members.
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Niloff, Paul H.
December 3, 2020 MoreBoynton Beach, Florida; McGill University, 1943; captain, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps (RCAMC), WW II; general surgery. Died Dec. 3, 2020, aged 99. Survived by his wife Petty, 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. “Paul graduated from medical school at age 22, and after graduation saw active service in the RCAMC in WW II. After the war he finished his education, and eventually became an associate professor of surgery at McGill. Paul’s career saw him quickly become a leader, first as chief of surgery at Reddy Memorial Hospital in Montréal, and later as chief of staff at Palm Beach Regional Hospital in Florida. A true Renaissance man, one day Paul might be found doing house calls, and the next he'd be in the lab doing cutting-edge research. He wrote dozens of renowned research papers, and the development of the Niloff Bile Duct Tube helped countless patients. Paul retained his brilliant medical mind to the end, and published his last paper at age 91.”
Higgins, Gordon K.
November 28, 2020 MoreCalgary; Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), WW II; Dalhousie University, 1951; internal medicine. Died Nov. 28, 2020, aged 98. Survived by 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. “He completed his post-graduate studies after serving with the RCAF in WW II, and was in private practice in Calgary from 1954-75. Dr. Higgins held numerous positions in the Alberta medical community, and also served as an elected trustee of the Calgary Public School Board from 1963-70. Dr. Gordon K Higgins Jr. High School opened in Calgary in 1977.”
Steciuk, William P. (Dr. Bill)
November 23, 2020 MoreLondon, Ont.; University of Western Ontario, 1975; family medicine. Died Nov. 23, 2020, aged 73. Survived by his wife Sharon, 3 children and 3 grandchildren. “In 1976 they moved to Exeter, Ont., where Dr. Bill served as a family doctor to the community and surrounding area until his final months. Bill had great respect for his patients, and his warmth, empathy and caring nature were certainly on display throughout his career. Bill made regular house calls in the community, delivered hundreds of babies in the Exeter Hospital and, after retiring from his large practice in 2004, he continued serving his patients in the local nursing home until very recently. Early on, he would bring his favorite yellow Labrador, Sam, to do nursing home rounds with him. Bill would smile and say, ‘They seem to enjoy the dog more than me!’ ”
Maybee, Thomas K.
November 23, 2020 MoreQualicum Beach, BC; University of Alberta, 1959; internal medicine. Died Nov. 23, 2020, aged 90.
Bertrand, Robert A.
November 23, 2020 MoreMontréal; Université de Montréal, 1958; otolaryngology. Died Nov. 23, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife, Claude Lambert, 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “He founded the Vestibular Investigation Laboratory at the Notre-Dame Hospital in Montréal in 1964. In 1974 he introduced the impedancemetry technique in the province of Quebec. From a surgical point of view, he performed trans-labyrinthic procedures for neuromas. In 1976, he presented the first course promoting hearing conservation programs in Quebec, and devoted himself to this field. Dr. Bertrand and his research and findings became pivotal resources in occupation-related hearing loss. Following his retirement from clinical practice, he continued as a consultant, advising on workplace hearing conservation. To the end of his life, he remained passionate about research and science in these fields.”
Bedi, Bhupinder S.
November 23, 2020 MoreWinnipeg; Dayanand Medical College (India), 1975; family medicine. Died Nov. 23, 2020, aged 72. Survived by his wife Seeta and his children, Dr. Jasbir Bedi and Dr. Prabhjot Bedi. “He established his initial family practice in Lockport, Man., in 1989. It was an honour for him to serve this community for many years, as well as the community of Selkirk, where he worked as a hospitalist. He moved his practice to the Jefferson Medical Centre in 2005, only retiring 3 years ago. It was his dedication to the medical field which inspired both of his children to pursue careers in medicine.”
Woodruff, Frederick W.
November 22, 2020 MoreSt. John’s; British army, WW II; University of Newcastle upon Tyne (England), 1953; general practice. Died Nov. 22, 2020, aged 97. Survived by his wife Mary, 4 children and 5 grandchildren. “In 1963 he emigrated from the UK to Twillingate, NL, where he served as a physician until his retirement.” The Chronicle-Herald in Halifax reported: “He became a beloved family doctor to many in the New World Island region and elsewhere.”
Roberts, Paul W.
November 22, 2020 MoreThornhill, Ont.; University of Toronto (U of T), 1947; family medicine; professor emeritus, U of T; honorary consul of Ecuador (Toronto). Died Nov. 22, 2020, aged 97. Survived by his wife Lois, 3 children and 5 grandchildren. “This wet-behind-the-ears doctor [went to Quito, Ecuador, in 1949], pulling bodies out of an earthquake site, stopping his car just before the road fell away into a great gap left by the quake. And telling stories in a way that stirred listeners to give multiplied thousands to build a hospital for Ecuador’s poor. . . . Paul had a ‘can-do’ confidence that, with God's help, he could pull off whatever needed to be done, whether it was driving an ambulance up a steep riverbank on 2 skinny planks, and around hairpin mountain turns. Or rigging up a litter and helping to carry a desperately ill woman missionary 6 hours through the jungle night to a safe delivery at Hospital Vozandes. This confidence carried through when he returned to Canada where, in 1968, he was enlisted to help open Toronto’s new university hospital, Sunnybrook; in almost every department he was a key player on the team. When he retired, he was acting chief of family medicine and full professor at the U of T.”
King, Harbin H.
November 16, 2020 MoreVernon, BC; University of Santo Tomas (Philippines), 1959; otolaryngology. Died Nov. 16, 2020, aged 89. Survived by 3 children and 6 grandchildren. “In 1968 Harbin moved with his wife and children to Vernon to establish his medical practice as the first ENT specialist in the region. He was responsible for procuring ENT surgical equipment and supplies for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, and was continuously on call for almost 30 years as the sole ENT specialist for Vernon and surrounding communities until his retirement in 1996. Following retirement from private practice, he continued to assist his surgical colleagues in the operating room for an additional 5 years. Some of Harbin’s fondest memories were those spent with his medical colleagues, and he treasured the lifelong friendships he formed during his 30-plus years of service to the Vernon community. He was also the photographer for the Vernon Doctor’s Hockey Tournament for many years.”
Spragge, James W. (Bill)
November 16, 2020 MoreSurrey, BC; University of Toronto, 1957; diagnostic radiology. Died Nov. 16, 2020, aged 87. Survived by 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. “Bill started a family medicine practice in Oshawa, Ont., in 1958, and joked about how he was often paid in home-made wine (reportedly, not very good), eggs and chickens. In 1970, Bill and his family relocated to Montréal, where he attended McGill University and completed a residency in radiology. He completed his fellowship in New York City at the Hospital for Special Surgery, and served as a member of the medical support staff for the Canadian team during the 1976 Olympics in Montréal. Bill and his family relocated to Kamloops, BC, in 1979 so he could work at the Royal Inland Hospital, and he practised there until 2005.”
Peat, Christine J.
November 12, 2020 MoreThunder Bay, Ont.; Queen’s University, 1981; family medicine. Died Nov. 12, 2020, aged 65, “after battling Type 1 diabetes for 57 years.” Survived by her husband, Fraser Coull, and a stepdaughter. “On graduating she was determined that her patients would get her undivided attention, with this question asked after each appointment: ‘Is there anything else I can help you with today?’ Christine’s career started with the Spence Clinic in Thunder Bay, but when Fraser was transferred to Vancouver they packed up and she took a position at the Downtown East Side Clinic (skid row). This was truly a challenge, as she never saw a well patient. Christine treated each patient she saw with respect and afforded them the quality care which she felt they deserved. Christine also did locums at the Burnaby, BC, Women’s Penitentiary. When they moved back to Thunder Bay, Christine was the first physician at the Ogden East End Health Centre. She then moved on to the Spence Clinic and, after a stroke, she finished her career at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. Christine’s patients always came first. She did not care where they came from or who they were. Their care and well-being were the only things that mattered.”
Simoneau, Jocelyne
November 10, 2020 MoreLéry, QC; Université de Montréal, 1971; anatomical pathology. Died Nov. 10, 2020, aged 75. Survived by a son and 2 grandchildren. “She spent over 40 years practising her specialty, mainly at the centre hospitalier du Suroît. Her thoroughness, professionalism and integrity have been unanimously emphasized by her colleagues throughout her career.”
Tremblay, Paul-Émile
November 7, 2020 MoreAlma, PQ; Université Laval, 1955; orthopedic surgery. Died Nov. 7, 2020, aged 91. Survived by 6 children, 6 grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Grahame, James W. (Wilson, Wiz)
November 6, 2020 MoreVictoria; Queen’s University Belfast (Northern Ireland), 1963; urology. Died Nov. 6, 2020, aged 81. Survived by his wife Jane, 6 children and 6 grandchildren. “Wilson immigrated to Canada in 1965 and undertook a urology residency in Winnipeg. . . . After a triple bypass in 1993, he fully embraced his new lease on life, retired his urology practice and moved to Maple Bay on Vancouver Island, before eventually settling in Oak Bay, Victoria.”
Lepage, Jean-Marc
October 28, 2020 MoreGreenfield Park, PQ; Université de Montréal, 1965; obstetrics. Died Oct. 28, 2020, aged 81. Survived by his wife, Linda Luckie, 3 children, the mother of his children, Micheline Fontaine, 2 stepchildren and 7 grandchildren. “He was passionate about his work as an obstetrician, and practised for more than 50 years.”
Hill, J. Gilbert
October 25, 2020 MoreOttawa; McGill University, 1956; clinical biochemistry; PhD. Died Oct. 25, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife Ardeth and 3 children. “In 1965, Gilbert began his career as a clinical biochemist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He was a pioneer in laboratory automation and became biochemist-in-chief. He simultaneously rose through the academic ranks at the University of Toronto, in what is now the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. His professional leadership was recognized with a lifetime honorary membership in the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists in 2011. Gilbert retired from Sick Kids in 1995 and took on a second career in medical informatics, with a focus on electronic health records and standardization of laboratory measurements.”
Hambley, Edward J. (John)
October 23, 2020 MorePeterborough, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1960; urology. Died Oct. 23, 2020, aged 84. Survived by 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. “A Peterborough resident for 50 years, he will be remembered as a urologist and as an avid recreational skier, cyclist, curler and bridge player.”
Trebell, Joanne R.
October 18, 2020 MoreNorth Vancouver; University of British Columbia, 1986; family medicine. Died Oct. 18, 2020, aged 62.
Jeffery, John R.
October 16, 2020 MoreHampton, NB; McGill University, 1968; internal medicine, nephrology. Died Oct. 16, 2020, aged 78. Survived by his wife Heather, 2 children and 2 granddaughters. “After graduating from McGill he pursued further education in internal medicine, nephrology and kidney transplantation. John worked as head of the Manitoba Kidney Transplant Program at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre (HSC) and the University of Manitoba (U of M) for almost 30 years. During this time, he served terms as president of the Canadian Transplant Society, chair of the Kidney Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board, chair of the Canadian Organ Replacement Register and head of the Section of Nephrology at the HSC. He co-authored over 100 scientific papers. In 1987 he became professor of medicine at the U of M. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his services, and during his career more than 1000 kidney transplant patients came under his care.”
Owatz, Todd S.
October 15, 2020 MoreRossland, BC; University of Saskatchewan, 1996; general surgery. Died Oct. 15, 2020, aged 49. Survived by his wife Sandra and 2 children. “After completing his general surgery residency in 2001, Todd spent his first year in Moose Jaw, Sask., before moving his practice to Trail, BC, in 2002. His tendency to avoid the limelight and his drive for perfection and efficiency were qualities he always possessed. As a surgeon in training, he often spent hours practising his sutures at home in an attempt to outperform his mentors. He dedicated himself to becoming the best he could be for each patient, and spent his free time researching the latest techniques and passing those skills on to future medical students and surgeons.”
Davis, Albert J. (Bert)
October 15, 2020 MoreSt. John’s; Dalhousie University, 1955; pediatrics. Died Oct. 15, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife, Heidi McKeown Davis, 4 children, 3 stepchildren, 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. A career outline published by Memorial University of Newfoundland stated: “Dr. Davis joined the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial in 1969, the year its first students were admitted, and he was 1 of only 3 full-time pediatric faculty when the medical school opened its doors. Diabetes was 1 of his sub-specialty areas, and he had the opportunity to start a diabetes clinic in St. John’s and to establish a team to do treatment and follow-up. He also established the Neonatal Transport Service for the province, as well as the provincial neonatal screening program for congenital hypothyroidism — the third to be established in Canada. Dr. Davis also launched a provincial screening program for hereditary amino acid disorders. Pediatric residents were a part of the Faculty of Medicine from its beginning, and accreditation of the pediatric residency program wasn’t long in coming. Dr. Davis witnessed numerous changes over the years, from the days when the medical school was housed in temporary buildings on the south campus and pediatric services were provided by the old Janeway Hospital in Pleasantville. He was a strong advocate of the Janeway’s move to the Health Sciences Centre, and said one of the most important benefits of this move was to bring obstetrics and the children’s hospital together.”
Zamel, Noe
October 7, 2020 MoreNorth York, Ont.; Federal University of Brazil, 1958; medical scientist. Died Oct. 7, 2020, aged 85.
Davison, Ross B.
October 4, 2020 MoreBedford, NS; Dalhousie University, 1967; family medicine. Died Oct. 4, 2020, aged 82. Survived by his wife Jane, 4 children and 8 grandchildren. “After medical school, Ross returned to his hometown of Kensington, PEI, where he carried out his family practice career for 34 years. He served as coroner for Prince County for several years, and was affiliated with the Prince County Hospital, where he served on a number of boards and committees. He also served as a member of the board of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.”
Paul, William W. (Bill)
October 4, 2020 MoreOshawa, 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.
Hébert, Louis
October 3, 2020 MoreMagog, PQ; Université de Montréal, 1961; plastic surgery. Died Oct. 3, 2020, aged 85. Survived by his wife Céline, 3 children and 6 grandchildren. “He practised as a plastic surgeon for 33 years at the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke hospitals.”
Téllez-Zenteno, José F.
October 2, 2020 MoreSaskatoon; 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.”
Blend, Ralph
September 28, 2020 MoreEast York, Ont.; University of London (England), 1959; diagnostic radiology. Died from lymphoma-related complications Sept. 28, 2020, aged 85. Survived by his wife Kathy and 2 children. “Ralph was invited to come and fill a position at the Toronto General Hospital in 1968, and after a year there he accepted a position at the Princess Margaret Hospital, also in Toronto. He had a wonderful career there at a time of amazing innovations in imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging) and remained until his retirement.”
Chan, Shiu Fai (Fai)
September 27, 2020 MorePort Alberni, BC; National Defence Medical Centre (Taiwan), 1959; internal medicine. Died Sept. 27, 2020, aged 87. Survived by 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. “Fai started practising in Port Alberni in 1969. He became the first resident internist at the West Coast General. The need for an Intensive Care Unit was soon clear, so Fai and the nurses organized classes to train staff, with doctors and nurses learning together. Fai took call whenever he was in town, which was more than 300 nights a year, and was noted for turning up at 3 a.m. in suit and tie. When the call got to be too much, he retired. The hospital, nursing and medical staffs threw him a party for the century!”
Paul, Leslie
September 26, 2020 MoreDundas, 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.”
Dyckhoff, Pauline R.
September 23, 2020 MoreBurlington, Ont.; Victoria University of Manchester (England), 1953; anesthesiology. Died Sept. 23, 2020, aged 91. “Pauline left her family in England and came to Canada to study medicine in Montréal. She then relocated to Ontario, where she had a very successful career. She was the first female anesthetist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, where she worked until her retirement at age 70. She was a pioneer in her day.”
Higgins, R. Brian
September 23, 2020 MoreSaint 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.”
Sheppard, Edward J. (Ted)
September 21, 2020 MoreVictoria, 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.”
Scott, Caroline P.
September 21, 2020 MoreHalifax; 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.”
Whelan, Ronald F.
September 18, 2020 MoreSt. 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.”
Hayter, Michael
September 18, 2020 MoreFredericton; 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.’ ”
Tokaryk, Robert A.
September 16, 2020 MoreSaskatoon; 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.”
VanLeeuwen, James J. (Jim)
September 11, 2020 MoreToronto; 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.”
Presser, Baldomero G.
September 10, 2020 MoreMontréal; University of Chile, 1965; psychiatry. Died Sept. 10, 2020, aged 80.
Pruzanski, Waldemar (Waldek)
September 9, 2020 MoreToronto; 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.”
Stephen, Malcolm T. (Buck)
September 6, 2020 MoreCalgary; 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.”
Wood, William S.
September 4, 2020 MoreVancouver; McGill University, 1951; anatomical pathology. Died Sept. 4, 2020, aged 93.
Fraser, Murray M.
September 3, 2020 MoreRegina; 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.”
Drance, Stephen M.
September 2, 2020 MoreSalt 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.”
Pieron, Arnold P.
September 1, 2020 MoreSurrey, BC; University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands), 1962; orthopedic surgery. Died Sept. 1, 2020, aged 84. Survived by his wife Henriette, 4 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. “Paul started his medical training in Amsterdam and then immigrated to Canada, where he specialized in orthopedics in Winnipeg. He moved his family back to the Netherlands to do a PhD in Leiden. In 1973 the family returned to Canada, where he had a thriving practice as an orthopedic surgeon in Regina. He completed the final 10 years of his career back in the Netherlands, and then retired in Surrey.”
Voth, Abraham R.
September 1, 2020 MoreWest 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.”
Poliquin, Robert W.
August 28, 2020 MoreQuébec; 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.
Lavoie-Dufour, Line
August 28, 2020 MoreGrand-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.”
Ives, Michael G.
August 28, 2020 MoreColdwater, 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.”
Panneton, André L.
August 23, 2020 MoreSherbrooke, 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.”
Chao, Chuan-Wei (CW)
August 23, 2020 MoreVancouver; 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.”
Goldman, Marvin B.
August 21, 2020 MoreToronto; University of Toronto, 1962; neurology. Died Aug. 21, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife, Annamaria Eisler, a stepson and 2 grandsons.
Cretiu, Charles
August 21, 2020 MoreWaterloo, 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.”
Mallick, Kiron C. (Doc)
August 17, 2020 MoreWinnipeg; 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.”
McPherson, George D. (Duncan)
August 15, 2020 MoreVancouver; University of Western Ontario, 1956; orthopedic surgery; past president, British Columbia Medical Association. Died Aug. 15, 2020, aged 88. Survived by his wife Carol, 4 children, 4 grandchildren, and his former wife, Catherine. “His interest in research led him to the University of Lund in Malmo, Sweden, where he became a graduate medical research fellow, presented his thesis, and received a PhD. Much later, in 2015, he was honoured as a Doctor Jubilaris at Lund. His son Hugh, also an orthopedic surgeon, wife Carol and daughter Alexandra attended as guests. In Sweden, Duncan formed many life-long friendships. Duncan had previously received a Master of Science degree from the University of British Columbia, and chose to settle in Vancouver to practise orthopedics. Later in his career, he became interested in automotive medicine and accident reconstruction, which led to forensic orthopedics. He had a passion for cars and was drawn to the study of accident reconstruction. He would want to be remembered for his participation in bringing the seat-belt law to British Columbia. He had worked tirelessly with both provincial and federal governments to make this happen.”
Rotem, Chava E.
August 15, 2020 MoreVancouver; 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.”.
Chalvardjian, Ara
August 15, 2020 MoreToronto; 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.”
Burgess, Lois D.
August 13, 2020 MoreWest Vancouver; University of Toronto, 1949; anesthesiology. Died Aug. 13, 2020, aged 93.
Schlebusch, Gert H.
August 12, 2020 MoreSarnia, 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.”
Kapur, Prem L.
August 11, 2020 MoreBurlington, 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!”
Wilder, Richard J.
August 10, 2020 MoreThe 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.”
Chiu, Sylvester Shin-Yat
August 10, 2020 MoreToronto; 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.”
Reynolds, Walter J.
August 10, 2020 MoreRed 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.”
Davis, Ruth M.
August 9, 2020 MoreToronto; 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.”
Braham, J. Kenneth
August 9, 2020 MoreBrampton, 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.”
Roemmele, Edward A.
August 7, 2020 MoreWindsor, 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.”
Wasef, Mourkus
August 3, 2020 MoreHampden, 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.”
James, David N. (Dave)
August 2, 2020 MoreCampbell River, BC; University of London (St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School, England), 1982; general surgery. Died Aug. 2, 2020, aged 63, following an accident. Survived by his father John and 5 siblings. An obituary submitted by his brother, Dr. Richard James, stated: “Dave’s family immigrated to Vancouver in 1973, as his father John had joined a family practice at Oakridge, but Dave stayed behind to attend his father’s alma mater in London, (where his mother and sister also nursed). After qualification he worked in England before being accepted into the surgical residency program at the University of British Columbia, enabling him to fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon. This also allowed him to rejoin the rest of his immediate family in BC. He worked hard and played hard during his residency years, but couldn’t wait to branch out into the real world. After doing some locums on Vancouver Island he jumped at a chance to work in South Africa. There he gained valuable experience in hospitals large and small, enabling him to have the confidence to manage any surgical challenge. While in Cape Town he was made aware of a general surgery vacancy at Campbell River. Since he had already fallen in love with the island lifestyle during an earlier locum at Port McNeill, this was not a difficult decision, and thankfully his application was successful. He started work there in 1995, built many great relationships with colleagues and patients, and became a highly respected member of the community. He travelled to the north island for surgical consultations monthly. He also participated in a busy call schedule at Campbell River Hospital, where he was renowned for his compassion, great bedside manner and surgical expertise. There was still time for him to participate in volunteer work in Guatemala, where he performed surgery on the disadvantaged as part of a medical team. This work reminded him of his time in South Africa. Dave was always aware of how privileged we are here in the developed world.” A colleague wrote: “He will be sadly missed by all of Campbell River.”
Bester, Daniel J.
August 1, 2020 MoreCardston, Alta.; University of Witwatersrand (South Africa), 1981; family medicine. Died Aug. 1, 2020, aged 65.
Kettle, William
July 31, 2020 MoreMidland, 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.”
Entwisle, Michael
July 31, 2020 MoreCourtenay, 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.”
Jackson, Louise M. (Loes)
July 30, 2020 MoreVictoria; 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.”
Matuk, Naeema B.
July 28, 2020 MoreOttawa; 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.”
Stinson, Dora A.
July 25, 2020 MoreHalifax; University of Western Ontario, 1963; pediatrics; associate professor, Dalhousie University; honorary member, Canadian Medical Association. Died July 25, 2020, aged 75. Survived by her husband, Rev. Ted Thompson, and 2 stepchildren. “After medical school she was a research fellow in neonatology at the University of Pittsburgh and Magee Women’s Hospital. After 15 years in Pittsburgh, Dora came to Halifax and joined the staff at the Grace Maternity Hospital, and at the time of her death she was an active neonatologist at the IWK Hospital in Halifax. At the local, national and international levels, Dr. Stinson was actively involved in every aspect of neonatal medicine for many years, in research and administration, and directly in clinical treatment of children. Thousands of children and their families have known her skills and wonderful caring ways.”
Bélanger Ducharme, Frédérique
July 23, 2020 MoreGaspé, 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.”
Myburgh, Johannes L. (Joe)
July 22, 2020 MoreSylvan 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.”
Dubé, Joseph M.
July 20, 2020 MoreNanaimo, 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.”
Sinclair, Olive M.
July 18, 2020 MorePort Coquitlam, BC; Queen’s University Belfast (Northern Ireland), 1949; general practice. Died July 18, 2020, aged 93.
Hardie, Colin D.
July 18, 2020 MoreWest 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.”
Cumming, Gordon R.
July 18, 2020 MoreWinnipeg; 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.”
Briggs, Stanley B.
July 18, 2020 MoreSurrey, 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.”
Lemieux, Marcel
July 17, 2020 MoreBurlington, 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.”
Taylor, Geoffrey D.
July 17, 2020 MoreCanmore, 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.”
Barkun, Harvey
July 17, 2020 MoreOttawa; 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.”
Webster, Bernard J.
July 16, 2020 MoreEdmonton; University of Liverpool (England), 1966; general practice. Died July 16, 2020, aged 77.
Price, Donald K.
July 15, 2020 MoreBrampton, Ont.; University of Cambridge (England), 1956; anesthesiology. Died July 15, 2020, aged 89. Survived by a son and 3 grandchildren. “Donald grew up in England, and after finishing medical school he moved to Canada and worked at the Toronto East General Hospital. He continued a very successful career, being a part of many organizations and sitting on numerous boards and committees.”
Sefau, Suleiman O.
July 15, 2020 MoreCharlottetown; 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.”
Crosby, John J.
July 15, 2020 MoreVancouver; 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.”
Hamidi, Bijan
July 14, 2020 MoreCalgary; Shiraz University (Iran), 1988; family medicine. Died July 14, 2020, aged 59.
Andry, Harold P. (Harry)
July 13, 2020 MoreBeamsville, 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.”
Hong, Kim E.
July 13, 2020 MoreSt. 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.”
Cumberlidge, Malcolm C.
July 11, 2020 MoreArmstrong, 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.”
Dumais, Bertrand
July 11, 2020 MoreSherbrooke, 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.”
Miller, David D.
July 10, 2020 MoreDrumheller, 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.”
Hedges, Bruce M.
July 10, 2020 MoreCalgary; Queen’s University, 1977; family medicine. Died July 10, 2020, aged 67.
Seymour, Robert J.
July 8, 2020 MoreCowansville, 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.”
Dougan, Helen S. (Sharon)
July 7, 2020 MoreVernon, 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.’ ”
Greaves, Patrick C.
July 7, 2020 MoreNewmarket, 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.”
Selman, William G. (Gary)
July 3, 2020 MoreCalgary; 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.”
Lipinski, John J.
July 3, 2020 MoreEdmonton. 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.”
Calder, Herbert J.
July 3, 2020 MoreVictoria; 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.”