In Memoriam

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

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.; Université de Montréal, 1953; general practice. Died April 24, 2020, aged 93. Survived by his wife, Armande Senay, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. “After medical school he began a long career as a general practitioner, and delivered more than 2000 babies at the hospital and also in homes. Accustomed to the long hours of medical practice at the time, when he usually worked between 70 and 90 hours per week, both in office and at home, he decided to take a ‘pre-retirement’ in 1992 by joining the CLSC staff at St-Laurent, where they were only asked to work 35 hours a week! He finally retired in 1996, after 43 years in practice.”

Alberton, PEI; University of Toronto, 1959; psychiatry. Died April 23, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife Sherri, 4 children and 4 grandchildren. “Ralph practised psychiatry for many years in Peterborough, Ont., before retiring in Alberton in 2008.”

Ottawa; Queen’s University, 1952; urology; past president, Canadian Urological Association. Died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis April 22, 2020, aged 92. Survived by 6 children and 7 grandchildren. “In early 1960, after 5 years of general practice in the small prairie town of Bengough, Sask., David moved to Montréal, where he completed his specialist residency in urology at the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1963. After practising in Vancouver for 2 years, David established a very successful practice as a urologic surgeon in Ottawa, where he was highly respected in the greater medical community and trained and mentored students in urology at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.”

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

Toronto; University of Toronto, 1963; dermatology, anatomical pathology; past president, Canadian Dermatology Association. Died due to progressive supranuclear palsy April 19, 2020, aged 81. Survived by 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “Despite her year-and-a-half fellowship at Harvard Medical School and 2 articles published in the New England Journal of Medicine, when she returned to Toronto she was rejected for positions in dermatology because they needed men to fill the many teaching positions coming available. At the time, women were expected to stay home and take care of their children, and the young couple had 3. In Boston she had sampled that existence, but [her husband] George insisted she get back to work before her catatonic state became terminal. She adored her work, and so she persevered in defiance of any sexist obstacle thrown in her path. Lynn became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in dermatology in 1971, and in anatomical pathology in 1972. She started lecturing at the University of Toronto in 1972, and was appointed associate professor in both medicine and pathology in 1984, and later was appointed professor. She was on staff at Sunnybrook Medical Centre, working in dermatology and pathology, from 1972 to 1981. In 1981 she joined the staff of Women’s College Hospital, where she served as chief of pathology until 1992. She followed that up as head of dermatology at Women’s College from 1993 to 2000. Throughout her career Lynn authored textbook chapters, conducted research studies and gave many lectures around the world, mostly on melanoma. She served on the Women’s College Hospital Board of Directors, the Women’s College Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, and as president of the Women's College Hospital Medical Staff Association during the amalgamation of Sunnybrook and Women’s College hospitals. In 2006, she was presented the Award of Merit from the Canadian Dermatology Association in recognition of her excellence in leadership, dermatology education and public health.”

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

Québec; Université Laval, 1965; psychiatry. Died April 18, 2020, aged 80. Survived by his wife, Nicole Fontaine, and 2 daughters. 

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

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

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

Vancouver; University of London (England), 1958; general practice. Died April 14, 2020, aged 87.

Burnaby, BC; Yonsei University (South Korea), 1959; general practice. Died April 13, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife, 4 children and 7 grandchildren. “He was born in Pyongyang, North Korea. He and his family escaped to South Korea when he was 13. He immigrated to Canada in 1965, where he practised medicine for over 40 years.”

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

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

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

Courtice, Ont.; Polish School of Medicine (Scotland), 1948; general practice. Died April 7, 2020, aged 97. Survived by 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. “Dr. Manitius earned her medical degree in Scotland and practised medicine in Scotland, Argentina and Canada. She was the first female physician in Durham Region of Ontario, and founded the Cardiac Rehabilitation Organization in 1970.”

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

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

Guelph, Ont.; Cambridge University (England), 1956; diagnostic radiology. Died April 6, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife Cheryl, 4 children, 5 stepchildren, 5 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren. “Shortly after arriving in Canada, Brian realized he was getting too involved in patients’ personal problems and would be better off at arm’s length. This meant radiology or pathology. He preferred the living to the dead . . . so radiology was the choice. He was accepted into the Toronto General Hospital program in 1958, and in 1962 he joined the Radiology Department in Galt, Ont., now part of Cambridge. During his career Brian was a pioneer in diagnostic ultrasound, which he brought to the Cambridge Hospital in 1975. This was the first non-teaching hospital in Canada to have ultrasound. His medical career included work in public and private practice in Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.”

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

Mississauga, Ont.; University of Toronto (U of T), 1950; diagnostic radiology. Died March 30, 2020, aged 93. Survived by her children and grandchildren. “After medical school Doreen went into family practice with a fellow classmate, and worked delivering the babies of the baby boom, working at hospitals throughout the Greater Toronto Area to get enough maternity beds to handle all her patients. When she had her second child she decided she needed a job where she got some sleep at night, and so she went to U of T to study radiology. She trained with some of the pioneers of the subject at Sunnybrook and other local hospitals. Later, the family moved to Ghana, West Africa, for 2 years to teach medicine. This was followed by 4 years in Uganda. For a time, Doreen was the only radiologist in the country! She loved living and working in Africa, making friends with the locals and people from other countries who were working in the countries we lived in.”

Taber, Alta.; University of Manitoba 1968; general surgery. Died March 30, 2020, aged 79. Survived by his wife Diana, 2 daughters and his grandchildren. “Norm earned a degree in agriculture before moving to medicine. He eventually trained in general surgery at the University of Manitoba and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.”

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

Toronto; McGill University, 1956; psychiatry. Died March 29, 2020, aged 89. Survived by his wife Barbara, 2 children and 1 grandchild. “He served as editor of the McGill Daily and was an associate professor at the Allan Memorial Institute in Montréal, and later chaired the psychiatry departments at both Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and McMaster University. He served as vice-provost of health sciences and full professor at the University of Toronto, and as a staff psychiatrist at St. Michael’s Hospital. He also had an 18-year tenure as editor of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, and served on the Ontario Review Board.”

Toronto; University of St. Andrews (Scotland), 1957; diagnostic radiology. Died March 28, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Evelyn, 1 child and his stepchildren. “After graduation he came to Canada for an internship at Montreal General Hospital. This was followed by a year as house officer at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bermuda. He then returned to Canada and took a 4-year residency in radiology at Toronto General Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital. He was awarded the McLaughlin Fellowship to further his training in Sweden, Italy and the United Kingdom, where he focused on current angiography and knee-joint arthrography. He was on staff of several University of Toronto hospitals, and served at St. Michael’s, the Humber Memorial (now Humber River) Hospital, where he was chief radiologist, and lastly for 15 years at Ontario’s Milton District Hospital.”

Guelph, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1963; general practice. Died March 26, 2020, aged 80. Survived by his wife Doreen, 3 children and 10 grandchildren. “Norm was born in the Belgian Congo in 1940 and raised on the mission field in Angola, Zambia and Southern Rhodesia. Following in his father’s footsteps, he graduated from the University of Toronto medical school and soon joined the mission field himself — he even met [his wife] at the Grenfell Mission in St. Anthony, Nfld. Years of service followed at the Murchison Mission Hospital in South Africa, working with the Zulu people. Norm and his family returned to Canada in 1974 and settled in Scarborough, Ont., where he began a long career as a rehabilitation physician at both the Riverdale Hospital (now BridgePoint Active Healthcare) and the Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital (now Sunnybrook Holland Centre). He retired in 2005.”

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

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

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

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

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

Verdun, Que.; Université Laval, 1964; diagnostic radiology. Died March 17, 2020, aged 87. Survived by 4 children and 8 grandchildren. “After medical school he specialized in radiology. From 1968 to 1997, he practised at the centre hospitalier de Verdun.”

Thornhill, Ont.; Istanbul University (Turkey), 1948; ophthalmology. Died March 14, 2020, aged 96. Survived by a son and 2 grandchildren. “Dr. Alaton, an ophthalmologist who came to Canada in 1958, felt enormous gratitude toward this country.”

Montréal; University of Zagreb (Croatia), 1971; general surgery. Died March 14, 2020, aged 72. Survived by his wife Marilène, 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters. “Dr. Poljicak has worked his entire career as a general surgeon and oncologist surgeon, first at Notre-Dame Hospital for almost 40 years (1982-2016), then at the CHUM. A medical graduate from Croatia, he studied surgery in Switzerland, France and Montréal, and was dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast diseases. He taught the next generation of doctors the importance of empathy in health care.”

Edmonton; University of Alberta (U of A), 1974; emergency medicine; past president, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. Died March 13, 2020, aged 71. Survived by his wife Lynn, 3 children and 2 grandsons. “David practised emergency medicine at the Misericordia Hospital until 2006. During that time he served as chief of emergency medicine and ambulatory care, and was associate clinical professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine at the U of A. He was a forefather in the development of the specialty of emergency medicine, and served his profession and Canadians in a manner that was exceedingly rare. He committed countless hours to causes that improved medical education, prehospital care and the advancement of his profession. David gave generously of his time and talents, and was a beloved mentor, educator and role model to scores of physicians, paramedics and nurses, many of whom in turn provided him exemplary care during his final years.”

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

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

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

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

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

Scarborough, Ont.; Queen’s University, 1957; orthopedic surgery. Died March 5, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Diana, 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

Belleville, Ont.; McGill University, 1952; pediatrics. Died March 3, 2020, aged 93. “When Edna graduated from McGill in 1952 she was 1 of 6 women in her graduating class. She followed this with post-graduate studies in Toronto, Montreal and Pittsburgh. She later settled in Hamilton, where she practised pediatric medicine for almost 50 years.”

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

Mississauga, Ont.; University of Toronto, 1958; ophthalmology. Died Feb. 27, 2020, aged 93.

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

North Hatley, Que.; Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), 1953; anesthesiology. Died of pancreatic cancer Feb. 21, 2020, aged 90. Survived by 4 children and 7 grandchildren. “Born in Waterford, Ireland, Ouida wished, from an early age, to be an anesthetist and to have 4 children. She succeeded in that, and in so much more. After training in medicine in Dublin, she immigrated to Canada in 1956 and met her husband, Enrique Ramón-Moliner, a neuroscientist. Together, they contributed to the exciting development of science and medicine in Quebec. They both joined the newly founded Faculty of Medicine in Sherbrooke (CHUS) in 1967, where she taught and worked until 1995. Ouida never really retired, and long after ceasing to practise medicine she continued to be a resource for the community, notably serving on the users’ committee of the CHUS well into her 80s and volunteering in many other ways. She was also a pioneer in environmentalism and tended to reduce, re-use, and recycle before it was commonplace, acting locally but thinking globally.”

Toronto; University of Toronto, 1956; family medicine. Died Feb. 21, 2020, aged 87. Survived by his wife Audrey, 2 children and 4 grandchildren. “After medical school, Jim had a busy family practice in Toronto at the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Avenue Road.”

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

Winnipeg; University of Manitoba, 2018; medical resident. Died Feb. 19, 2020, aged 33. Survived by his parents and a brother. “By all accounts he was a singularly gifted physician who in his short career was already able to make an enormous impact on both his colleagues and his patients. He cherished his colleagues and fellow med students very much, and indeed was happiest when he was in action as a doctor.”

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

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

Victoria; Dalhousie University, 1956; general practice. Died Feb. 16, 2020, aged 88. Survived by 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. “After medical school, Gord started his general practice in Blacks Harbour, NB. In the early ’70s his adventurous spirit led him to pack up his family of 6 and head for the West Coast. The journey was an undertaking that had many pitfalls, including 17 flat tires and a succession of calamities that provided fodder for future tales. Once in Vancouver, Gord took a position with the Department of National Health and Welfare. As part of a medical team, he attended to the needs of many remote communities in BC, often travelling on float planes, horseback and boats throughout the province. After 5 years working for the government, Gord returned to general practice, relocating the family in Stettler, Alta., before eventually settling in Sooke, BC. Gord was a beloved family doctor throughout his career. He had an attentive and kind bedside manner and took a genuine interest in each and every one of his patients. It was common for Dr. Dimock to make house calls after hours, and often long into the evenings.”

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

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

Montréal; Dalhousie University, 1948; internal medicine. Died Feb. 14, 2020, aged 96. Survived by his wife, Evelyne Bartfeld, and 2 stepchildren. “Born in Minsk, Belarus, he moved to Corner Brook, NL, with his family, and that's where he spent his formative years. After completing his studies at McGill and Dalhousie universities, he eventually settled in Montréal, where he practised medicine well into his 80s.”

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

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

Vancouver; University of Cape Town (South Africa), 1979; psychiatry. Died Feb. 11, 2020, aged 63.

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

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

West Vancouver; McGill University, 1960; general practice. Died Feb. 10, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Mary, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. “After medical school [he] settled in West Vancouver to start his practice. He spent many weekends skiing with friends and family at Whistler, BC, where he was a volunteer doctor for 25 years.”

Thunder Bay, Ont.; University of London (England), 1963; general practice. Died Feb. 9, 2020, aged 83. Survived by his wife, Nisha. “After immigrating to Canada his medical career took him to Ottawa, Churchill, Man., Rankin Inlet, NWT, Geraldton, Ont., and Manitouwadge, Ont. Affectionately known as ‘Dr. Bill,’ he loved the people he served in these under-serviced communities.”

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

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

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

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

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

Ladysmith, BC; McGill University, 1965; internal medicine. Died Jan. 30, 2020, aged 80.

Pointe-Claire, Que.; University of St. Joseph (Lebanon), 1970; anesthesiology. Died Jan. 28, 2020, aged 76.

Port Alberni, BC; University of Otago (New Zealand), 1944; general practice. Died Jan. 24, 2020, aged 98. Survived by 4 children and 6 grandchildren. “In 1946 Douglas volunteered for the Friends Ambulance Unit (sponsored by the Friends Service Committee) and travelled to China to offer his service as a physician. He spent 4 years there, serving various hospitals and remote villages while the conflicts of the Chinese Communist Revolution took place. . . . [The family] eventually settled in Port Alberni, where Douglas became a general practitioner and enthusiastic member of the Alberni Valley Outdoor Club. He enjoyed living in Port Alberni and was very committed to the community. Douglas will be remembered for his daily porridge, his unfailing ability to make lunch out of a drawer of old vegetables, for his constant kindness, and for the quiet wisdom of his presence.”

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

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

Oyama, BC; University of Western Ontario, 1965; anesthesiology. Died Jan. 21, 2020, aged 85. Survived by his wife, Gabriele Jackel, 2 children, 2 stepchildren, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. “As a young immigrant in Canada, Hans recalled his mother’s words that ‘education will save your life’ when home and country are gone, and took night classes while working to support his family. He became a medical doctor, practising anesthesia and psychotherapy. Hans’ passion for lifelong learning was powerfully evidenced when he became a student once more and, at age 82, achieved his dream of attaining a BA.”

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

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

Toronto; Dalhousie University, 1951; nuclear medicine. Died Jan. 20, 2020, aged 90. Survived by his wife Ruth, 2 children and 5 grandchildren. “He practised and did research in endocrinology and metabolism for over 20 years before retraining in nuclear medicine. In 1970 he and the family moved to Toronto, where he became the founding chief of medicine and nuclear medicine at the Etobicoke General Hospital and led a very successful lab for over 30 years. In 2010, the lab was renamed in his honour as the Dr. Douglas Wilansky Nuclear Medicine Service.”

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

Winnipeg; University of Manitoba, 1952; neurosurgery. Died Jan. 18, 2020, aged 91. Survived by his wife Bess, 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. “A surgeon and researcher for 4 decades, Norman touched the lives of thousands of Manitobans. The youngest in his class, Norman graduated from medical school with honours, and subsequent award-winning research in blood chemistry led to an MSc in medicine and physiology. Norman entered a neurosurgical residency at the Mayo Clinic, and in 1958 returned to Winnipeg to practise. Beyond his clinical work, Norman helped create a neurosurgical centre of excellence in the city. He considered his most important contribution to academic neurosurgery to be fostering integration of neurosurgery with other neurosciences, which led to ground-breaking new procedures and facilities. As head of neurosurgery at the Health Science Centre and St. Boniface Hospital, he brought the first CAT scan machine to Winnipeg. In 1994, Norman was invited to senior membership in the Society of Neurological Surgeons, the oldest neurosurgical professional society in the world. In later years, he led a national program for a neglected group of patients — the permanently brain injured. In retirement he continued to lecture at the University of Manitoba.” The Calgary Sun reported: “Norm Hill was on the receiving end of one of the most famous plays in Grey Cup history in 1948, one that resulted in the first touchdown of that game between the Stamps and the Ottawa Rough Riders. It happened when Stamps QB Keith Spaith completed a pass to Woody Strode on one side of the field, and Hill immediate flopped on the ground at the opposite side of the field. The Rough Riders didn’t even realize he was there and didn’t have time to react when the next play started, and Hill rose to his feet. With Hill left uncovered, Spaith delivered the ball right into his hands for the touchdown.”

Montréal; Semmelweis University (Hungary), 1950; anesthesiology. Died because of viral pneumonia Jan. 18, 2020, aged 95. Survived by a daughter and 3 grandchildren. “In the dangerous conditions of 1956, Lea and her husband Paul (since deceased) fled to Austria and obtained refugee status in Canada. They started their new lives in Montréal with very little, but Lea was soon working as a resident in pediatrics at Sainte-Justine Hospital. She later switched to specialize in anesthesiology, and worked at Hôpital Jean-Talon for 35 years, from 1962 until she retired in 1997. Lea loved her time spent with friends and family, but she was happiest and most in her element while she was at work. She thrived on the bustle of the operating room and the camaraderie of her colleagues. She enjoyed her patients and their families, who were almost exclusively also immigrants. Part of her job was to reassure and inform patients before their operations, and it was there that her skill as a doctor shined. Throughout her career, Lea held firm in both her decision to become an anesthesiologist and her belief in the fairness of the Québec health care system in which she worked.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Kingston, Ont.; Queen’s University, 1958; pediatrics; professor emeritus, Queen’s University. Died Jan. 4, 2020, aged 86. Survived by his wife Katherine, 4 children and 5 grandchildren. “At Queen’s University he was a member of the Golden Gaels football team, and played for 2 intercollegiate championship teams. After medical school he began a pediatric residency at Montreal Children’s Hospital, and after further training joined the Department of Pediatrics at Queen’s University in 1969, with developmental pediatrics being the focus of his career. He served as head of pediatrics at Queen’s from 1989 to 1997.”

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