Lives well lived
CLASS OF 4T2
Dr. Harold Henry FIREMAN, at age 100, on May 24, 2020, in Ottawa. For more than four years, Harold was a medical advisor to the Canadian Air Force, stationed mostly in Newfoundland. During the Second World War, Ottawa offered the Dutch royal family a safe haven. One of Harold’s proudest moments was at Ottawa Civic Hospital when he was chosen to be the “intern in attendance” at the birth of Princess Margriet of Holland. Later at Ottawa Civic, he co-founded an arthritis clinic and enjoyed a long career in internal medicine. Harold retired when he was 88. Family's Memorial
CLASS OF JANUARY 4T3
Dr. Louis MYERS, on August 27, 2021. After training abroad, Lou established an ophthalmology practice in Toronto and later became Chief of Ophthalmology at Doctors Hospital, taking great satisfaction in serving the hospital’s diverse downtown population. Committed to community through involvement in synagogue life and Jewish education, he was the Board Chair of United Synagogue Day School. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 4T5
Dr. Harold KALANT, at age 97, on July 6, 2021, in Toronto. He served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps from 1943 to 1947. Then, he earned a PhD in pathological chemistry at U of T and did postdoctoral studies at the University of Cambridge in England. Harold was a pioneer in the field of alcohol and drug addiction; his research helped shape our understanding of addiction and contributed to effective treatment plans. He served as an addiction consultant to numerous organizations including the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Canadian Senate, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the World Health Organization. After becoming an emeritus professor (pharmacology) in 1989, Harold continued to teach until last year. “Full retirement” never occurred to him although he did take time to enjoy his cottage on Georgian Bay. Family's memorial
Dr. Donald Campbell ROSS, at age 101, on October 4, 2021. Following service in the Canadian Army Medical Corps, Don specialized in pediatrics and later in child psychiatry, which, at the time, was a new specialty. Early on, Don and his wife, Rhoda, a nurse, lost their infant son Graeme to an undiagnosed neurological disorder. After Graeme’s death at seven months, Don and Rhoda diagnosed him with Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which is caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency. This led to an investigation into the soy formula Graeme was on and ultimately, to a formula correction that spared innumerable families from a similar tragedy. Don practised at the Hospital for Sick Children, then moved to Philadelphia where he worked at the Children’s Hospital for 21 years. He then practised at Wayne State University Hospital in Detroit and also conducted a private practice in Windsor, Ontario. After retiring from private practice at the age of 94, he moved to Boston where many of Don and Rhoda’s five surviving children, 20 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren live. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 4T7
Dr. Murray W. ENKIN, at age 97, on June 6, 2021, in Victoria. In 1955, Murray, an obstetrician, moved to Hamilton where he eventually became Chief of Obstetrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital. When McMaster University opened its medical school, Murray joined the faculty and shifted to the academic study of childbirth. He was an early adopter of what were then controversial practices: childbirth education, delivery in the labour room, fathers present at births, and rooming in. He became involved in movements to transform maternity care worldwide. However, in Hamilton and in Oxford, England, Murray was known as a pioneer of evidence-based medicine, although he later questioned the dominance of statistical evidence over personal narratives. As he got older, he became interested in death and dying and coined the word “tokothanatology,” the study of the similarities between birth and death. After retiring, Murray moved to Victoria. Family's memorial
Dr. John FRY, at age 97, on August 15, 2021. Jack graduated from U of T’s first obstetrics and gynecology class, and then practised in Windsor, Ontario, for most of his career. At Windsor Regional Hospital – Metropolitan Campus, he was Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 10 years, and Chief of Staff for two years. Jack received the Glen Sawyer Award for writing Essex County Medical Society 1914–1989, 75 Years of Dedication. He loved the music of the Big Band Era and was in great demand as a jitterbug partner. Family's memorial
Dr. Harry REISS, at age 94, on June 24, 2019. After completing residencies in general medicine and psychiatry, Harry trained in psychoanalysis at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force in St. John’s, Newfoundland, then practised psychiatry in Manhattan, New York City, for almost 60 years. His office was a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which he often frequented. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 4T8
Dr. Margaret Isobella NORMAND, née HUNTER, at age 98, on August 10, 2021, in Toronto. Pursuing a pediatrics specialty, Maggie interned in London, England; New York City; and Vancouver. She practised at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society, retiring as the Medical Director in 1986. Maggie and her husband, Alastair, were ardent sailors. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 4T9
Dr. Katherine CROSS, at age 95, on October 1, 2021, in Bracebridge, Ontario. Family’s memorial Family's memorial
Dr. Jagdis Kaur SIDDOO, at age 94, on April 24, 2019. Jackie was the first person of Indo-Canadian descent to graduate from a Canadian medical school. She was followed soon after by her sister, Dr. Sarjit Kaur Siddoo (Class of 5T0). Jackie specialized in hematology. In 1958, Jackie along with her parents and sister established the charitable Kapoor Singh Canadian Hospital in Aur, India. Jackie spent most of her career providing free medical services at the hospital. Passionate about philosophy, Jackie wrote the book Listening is the Guru: Conversations with J. Krishnamurti. In 1976, Jackie and her sister started a school in Victoria to educate her niece and other children; it was based on Krishnamurti’s philosophy. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T1
Dr. Philip Harold Melville, at age 93, on June 3, 2021, in Toronto. In 1957, Phil started practising psychiatry; during his career, he worked in Toronto, England, and northern Ontario. Phil also wrote several novels, and dabbled in playwriting and other art forms. Family's memorial
Dr. William S. MONK, at age 93, on August 12, 2021, in Bracebridge, Ontario. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T2
Dr. Donald BROWN, at age 94, on December 2, 2019. During the Second World War, Donald served as a navigator for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Later, he enjoyed a long career as a radiologist in several Greater Toronto Area hospitals. Family's memorial
Dr. Audrey Noreen BISHOP, née CROCKER, at age 92, on May 7, 2021. A family physician, she joined Northwestern General Hospital when it opened and continued practising, in one form or another, for more than 68 years. Audrey delivered generations of babies for some families. She retired in March 2021. Family's memorial
Dr. William G. IVES, at age 94, on September 17, 2021. Bill was a family physician in Stayner, Ontario. He practised alongside his father, Dr. Ray Ives (Class of 2T2), for 20 years. After Ray’s death, Bill practised for an additional 40 years. For more than 30 years, he made international medical trips, most notably to isolated communities in Ecuador. His years of service were recognized by a number of awards, including the 1985 Nobel Prize for Peace for his work as a member of an international physicians group. Bill was also a founding member of the Clearview Community Theatre group. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T3
Dr. John Walter DAWSON, at age 92, on March 13, 2021, in Calgary. In 1959, after completing an internal medicine residency at Toronto General Hospital and U of T’s Banting Institute, John moved to Calgary. He was the first Head of Medicine at Foothills Hospital, which opened in 1966. When the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine started in 1967, John was the first Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs. Later, he was the Director of Continuing Medical Education and a professor. In 1989, he left Foothills to become involved with the new Calgary Geriatric Program. In 2003, after more than 50 years in medicine, he retired. Family's memorial
Dr. Maurice Raymond Lord DUBOULAY, at age 95, on October 22, 2021, in Toronto. Maurice had a busy general practice and tended to the long-term care residents at Tendercare Living Centre in Scarborough, Ontario. As well, he assisted in surgery at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. Family's memorial
Dr. James William MEAKIN, at age 90, on December 21, 2020. Family's memorial
Dr. Hugh Aird RICHMOND, at age 92, on August 13, 2021, in Chandler, Arizona. Hugh interned at Toronto General Hospital and did his residency at several Toronto hospitals. Certified in general surgery and urology, he joined the staff of Oshawa General Hospital and Whitby Psychiatric Hospital in Ontario. In 1974, he moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, where he practised at Hoemako Hospital and Casa Grande Regional Medical Center. He retired in 1987. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T4
Dr. A. Norman LOFCHY, at age 92, on July 14, 2021, in Toronto, Ontario. Norman completed 2 years of internship including a year of Internal Medicine at Toronto General Hospital. He joined the Albany Medical Clinic in 1956 as one of the early partners where he practiced as a family physician until his retirement in 2010 at the age of 81. He was a much-respected physician, mentor and role model to his 3 physician children (Jodi 8T4, Neal 8T6, Beth 9T1) and patients and colleagues alike. Norm took great pleasure in his numerous interests including sailing, skiing, wine tasting, bridge, travel and was an inveterate life long learner. Family’s memorial
CLASS OF 5T5
Dr. Harvey COOPERSMITH, on March 27, 2021. Family's memorial
Dr. Terrence Wilson FOX, at age 93, on October 23, 2021, in Uxbridge, Ontario. For most of his career, Terry worked as an internal medicine specialist at Scarborough General Hospital. He retired in 1994. Family's memorial
Dr. Marilyn Jeanne SONLEY, at age 89, on July 9, 2021, in Toronto. For two years after graduating, Marilyn was a rotating intern at Toronto General Hospital. Then, from 1959 to 1960, she was a resident and teaching fellow in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. On returning to Toronto, she became a pioneering pediatric oncologist. She led the creation of the childhood cancer divisions at Princess Margaret Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children, helping them become world-renowned centres of excellence. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T6
Dr. Bernard BRONSTEIN, at age 89, on November 11, 2020, in Las Vegas. After completing an internship in Washington D.C., Bernard moved to the West Coast to train as a surgeon. Later, he earned a law degree without taking time off from his medical practice. Multilingual, Bernard could speak French, Latin, Ancient Greek, and Yiddish. He enjoyed big band and country-and-western music, magic, and hockey. Family's memorial
Dr. Beverley Elaine PEARSON MURPHY, at age 91, on April 27, 2020. Although her parents only went as far as Grade 5, they strongly encouraged Bev to pursue her education. She did so with gusto! After earning her medical degree, she completed a master’s degree in experimental medicine at McGill University followed by her residency. She earned a PhD in investigative medicine, which resulted in a patent and launched an endocrinology research career that spanned over 40 years. Bev received numerous awards, notably the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and the Distinguished Investigator Award from the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression. A professor at McGill University in the departments of medicine (1975), obstetrics-gynecology (1979), and psychiatry (1985), Bev became a professor emerita in 2001. She continued to conduct research and see patients into her 80s. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T7
Dr. Harvey STANCER, at age 95, on September 16, 2021, in Santa Barbara, California. Before entering medical school, Harvey earned a PhD in biochemistry. He chose psychiatry as his specialty, saying he “couldn’t stand the sight of blood.” In 1962, Harvey practised at the Toronto Psychiatric Hospital and had a major role in planning the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry’s Research Wing, where he conducted research. As a tribute to his research career, U of T’s Department of Psychiatry established the annual Harvey Stancer Research Day. At the end of his medical career, Harvey moved to Santa Barbara to be nearer to his family. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T8
Dr. John David FEARON, at age 87, on August 7, 2021, in Alliston, Ontario. John was a family physician in Newmarket, Ontario, for 50 years. In addition to his private practice, he was Chief of Staff at York County Hospital (now Southlake Regional Health Centre) and coroner for the York Region. Family's memorial
Dr. Lorenzo MARCOLIN, on July 4, 2020. Family's memorial
Dr. Isadore YABLON, at age 87, on February 21, 2021, in Portland, Oregon. Red, an orthopedic surgeon, moved to Boston where he was a prominent surgeon and trained a generation of orthopedic surgeons at Boston University. When the Yom Kippur War broke out in Israel in October 1973, Red volunteered at the front as a surgeon. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 5T9
Dr. Donald Dean CURTIS, at age 89, on October 18, 2021, in Peterborough, Ontario. Don was a family practitioner at the Peterborough Clinic for over 40 years, including 15 years as Chief of Staff at Peterborough Civic Hospital. “Doc Don” also practised industrial medicine at Canadian General Electric. A community leader, he was a YMCA board member for more than 30 years and chaired the city’s Recreation Committee. Don helped found the Canadian Canoe Museum and served as Chair of its board. Family's memorial
Dr. Marlyn LIVERMORE (COLLINS), at age 87, on July 13, 2021, in London, Ontario. Marlyn worked at the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital in St. Thomas, Ontario. Family's memorial
Dr. Walter WOYCHUK, at age 90, on March 19, 2021. After graduating, Walter was hired by the mining company INCO Limited and moved to Sudbury, Ontario. Later, Walter became the Chief Executive Medical Director of INCO Metals’ Ontario Division and wrote INCO’s first health and safety manual. In 1973, he founded Sudbury’s first doctors’ competitive hockey team; it was called the Sudbury Hardocs. At age 65, Walter retired from his position with the Ministry of Labour, but did locums until he was 87. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T0
Dr.Robert Bogden BABCHUK, at age 87, on December 15, 2020, in Regina. In 1963, Bob began his medical practice at the Broadway Medical Clinic in Regina, where he remained until 1999, when he retired to Sunset Cove, Saskatchewan. Bob was passionate about hockey and involved in numerous capacities, from coaching to managing. In recent years, he liked nothing more than going to the rink to watch his grandsons play. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T1
Dr. Bruce W. MERRICK, at age 84, on August 8, 2021, in Toronto. For 60 years, Bruce was a family physician in Weston and Etobicoke, which are now part of Toronto. He often said that he had the best job in the world. Most at home in the wilderness, Bruce enjoyed mountain climbing, canoeing, and hiking. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T2
Dr. John Gary ASHBY, at age 83, on August 25, 2021, in Toronto. John was a neurosurgeon. He was a member of the Rosedale United Church choir and the Toronto Choral Association. Family's memorial
Dr. Basil William JOHNSTON, at age 83, on July 12, 2021, in Peterborough, Ontario. A long-time orthopedic surgeon in Peterborough, Basil was the Chief of Medical Staff at Peterborough Civic Hospital and St. Joseph’s General Hospital. He was also President of the Ontario Medical Association. Family's memorial
Dr. William Charles VAUGHAN, at age 84, on September 10, 2021. After graduating, Bill did a residency in radiology at U of T. He practised in Hamilton, initially with his father, Dr. Charles Vaughan (Class of 3T5), then with Wentworth X-ray and Hamilton Health Sciences. In the winter, Bill enjoyed conquering the slopes with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T3
Dr. Jaan Olav ROOS, at age 83, on August 3, 2021, in Toronto. Specializing in respirology, Jaan did a fellowship at Karolinska Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden. He worked for the Ontario Ministry of Labour in occupational medicine. Then in 1994, he became a family physician and coroner in Haliburton, Ontario. Jaan had a lifelong passion for competition and racing. It began with running, which led to cross-country skiing, which led to competitive race-walking. He set a world Masters record for the 50 kilometre racewalk, which stood for several years. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T4
Dr. Thomas Perry CORKUM, at age 81, on March 25, 2021. Tom was an obstetrician and gynecologist in Halifax; he practised for nearly 50 years. Family's memorial
Dr. John Ross NEWALL, at age 82, on May 15, 2021. For almost 50 years, John was an orthopedic surgeon at William Osler Health System (previously Peel Memorial Hospital in Brampton, Ontario). He was Chief of Surgery and an active member of the Pennal Club (a society formed in memory of his father-in-law to share best practices in orthopedics). He founded and led a world-class back clinic specializing in spinal injuries. When he wasn’t skiing at Alpine Ski Club, golfing at Mad River Golf Course, or cutting the lawn on his tractor in Creemore, Ontario, John was building complex, intricate model ships and airplanes. Family's memorial
Dr. Harold WALKER, at age 83, on July 3, 2020, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Specializing in radiology, Hank first practised at a private radiology clinic in Toronto and taught physics to radiology students. In 1979, he started working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Glace Bay and later joined Glace Bay Hospital, where he practised until retiring in March 2020. Hank was President of the Nova Scotia Medical Association. Music was an important part of his life, having begun playing violin at the age of four. Family's memorial
Dr. Edward Michael YAMKA, at age 80, on May 14, 2020. Ed practised in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, and Vancouver before training in anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Then he became an anesthesiologist at Toronto General Hospital, finishing his medical career at Etobicoke General Hospital as Chief of Anesthesiology. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T5
Dr. Ann Lindsey HAAG, at age 82, on July 30, 2021, in Rochester, New York. Ann practised internal medicine in Rochester for over 25 years. She was a founding member of the Medical Women’s Association of Rochester. Ann’s passions included the Rochester Scottish Dancing Society, for which she both danced and taught. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T6
Dr. Alvin G. KELLY, at age 80, on August 6, 2021. Alvin co-founded Brameast Family Health Organization in Brampton, Ontario. He practised medicine for 51 years, concentrating on palliative care. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 6T7
Dr. Peter Murray RICHARDSON, on March 29, 2021, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Born in Bramshott Military Camp in Hampshire, England, his family moved to Toronto at the end of the Second World War. Peter completed a residency in neurosurgery in Toronto. He swam for U of T for eight years; during that time, he was Captain and held several national records. Following residency and postgraduate training in Australia and Malaysia, he worked as a clinical neurosurgeon and basic neuroscience researcher (spinal cord and peripheral nerves) at Montreal General Hospital. In 1999, Peter moved back to England where he practised neurosurgery in London and managed a large international neuroscience basic research lab. In 2015, he retired and moved to Edinburgh where he enjoyed the Solway coast and Southerness Golf Course.
CLASS OF 6T9
Dr. Robert SNIHURA, at age 77, on August 7, 2021. Bob specialized in internal medicine, starting his career at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, where he was on staff for over 20 years. Then he transitioned to a career as Chief Medical Director at Crown Life, Canada Life, and the Royal Bank of Canada. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 7T0
Dr. Kenneth Wilfred SNIDERMAN, at age 76, on April 29, 2021. Ken specialized in diagnostic radiology. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 7T1
Dr. Arnold Patrick LANG, at age 74, on October 6, 2020, in Toronto. Arnie became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Pathology in 1977. He worked at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto; Trillium Health Centre, Mississauga; and Humber River Regional Hospital, Toronto. Arnie retired in 2010. Family's memorial
Dr. Duncan Robert Alan McINNES, at age 75, on July 28, 2021, in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. After completing a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at McGill University, Rob practised in Montreal as the Director of a fertility clinic. After working at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, California, he practised at Boston Regional Medical Center until 1998. Rob then worked as a fertility specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital until retiring in 2016 at the age of 70. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 7T2
Dr. Francis Wayne QUAN, on August 9, 2021, in Ottawa. Wayne moved to Ottawa for his psychiatry residency and decided to stay in Canada’s capital. He was a founding member of the Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottawa and its Managing Editor from 1976 to 1983. After a stroke in 2019, Wayne made the difficult decision to close his practice. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 7T5
Dr. John Allan James CHRISTENSEN, at age 77, on January 23, 2021, in Vancouver. A native of Wondai, Australia, John dropped out of school to work on the oil rigs in central Australia. After graduating from U of T Medicine, now the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, he specialized in psychiatry. In 1985, he founded the Vancouver Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Society. Then in 1994, John suffered a riding accident that rendered him quadriplegic. Determined to live a full, meaningful life, he returned to practice and worked up until just before his death. Family's memorial
Dr. Maurice DRUCK, on October 14, 2021, in Mississauga, Ontario. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 7T7
Dr. John Richard BUTTON, at age 68, on June 15, 2020, in London, Ontario. John interned at Victoria Hospital in London, and then joined his father’s family practice in Ridgetown, Ontario. John was Chief of Family Practice at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham, Ontario, and President of the Kent County Medical Society. John retired on December 31, 2011. A tireless community volunteer, he became Kiwanis Governor of Eastern Canada and the Caribbean, and later, President of Kiwanis International. With Kiwanis, John travelled around the globe building support for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorder and the elimination of maternal neonatal tetanus. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 8T2
Dr. Lawrence Y. LO, at age 66, on April 1, 2020. Lawrence was a family practitioner in Newport Beach, California, and affiliated with Hoag Hospital. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 9T8
Dr. Farah Jane NASSER-SHARIF, at age 47, on May 11, 2021. Farah trained as an internal medicine specialist at U of T, and then practised in Port Perry, Ontario. Her main interest was heart disease and cardiovascular risk reduction. She enjoyed sailing, travel, and music. Family's memorial
CLASS OF 0T3
Dr. Annabella Isabella ZAWADA, at age 43, on October 21, 2021. Bella did her residency in north-western Ontario before joining a clinic in Terrace Bay, Ontario. She was an emergency physician, the Lead Physician, and the Chief of Staff at McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay. She was also an associate professor at Lakehead University School of Medicine in Thunder Bay, Ontario. After moving back to Thunder Bay, Bella initiated the Umbrella Medical Clinic in Thunder Bay, which specializes in sexual health. https://www.tbnewswatch.com/obituaries/dr-annabella-isabella-zawada-4709560
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MAA Matters accepts death notices and obituaries, which may be edited. Email here. Digital submissions preferred, or send submissions by mail to: MAA Matters, Medical Alumni Association, 1 King's College Circle, MSB Rm 3249, Toronto ON M5S 1A8. Photos will be returned if requested.