Breadcrumbs
- Home
- Alumni
- MD Alumni
- MAA Matters
- MAA Matters | Winter 2026
- In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Lives well lived
Summer 2026
Class of 4T9
Dr. Eric WAKE passed away this past September at the age of 100. He spent most of his career specializing in hematology, paediatric hematology and hematopathology. He completed paediatric residencies in Rochester, Montreal and Boston, and a fellowship in hematology at Boston's Children's Hospital. He then worked at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto before moving the family to New York. He worked at a number of hospitals in NY and NJ and was for a while the director of the Greater New York Blood Program. He also taught and wrote a number of academic articles. He worked until he was in his 90s, serving most recently as part-time blood bank director at Metropolitan Hospital in NYC.
Class of 5T1
Dr. Samuel BOGOCH January 13, 1928 – September 3, 2022 (94). Samuel Bogoch of New York and Brookline, entered into rest on September 3, 2022.
Class of 5T4
Dr. Douglas BRODIE died on June 6, 2026, in his 98th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol (2023), Doug leaves his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After graduating in 1954, Doug opened his medical practice in Stouffville and served generations of families as a dedicated physician. Published obituary
Class of 5T6
Dr. Nancy IRONSIDE Born July 24, 1932, in Toronto. Died March 31, 2026, in Orillia. Nancy completed her MD at the University of Toronto in 1956 and later practised family medicine, anesthesia and ICU medicine in Orillia until her retirement in 2002. Published obituary
Class of 6T5
Dr. David HOFFMAN It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dr. David Hoffman announce his peaceful passing on October 24, 2025. David was born on July 20, 1940, in St. Catharines, Ontario. Following graduation from medical school at the University of Toronto, David and Barbara were married in 1963. After a brief period practicing family medicine in Thunder Bay, David returned to Toronto to specialize in orthopaedics. In 1973, they made their home once again in Thunder Bay, where they raised their family. David and Barbara shared a love of travel, and David enjoyed a long and distinguished medical career before retiring in 2018. He will be remembered for his quiet generosity, kindness, and lasting impact on his family, patients and community. Published obituary
Class of 6T8
Dr. Winston JONG (February 14, 1941 – August 13, 2025). It is with deep love and profound sadness that the family announces his passing at age 84. Winston graduated from the University of Toronto medical school in 1968 and went on to an illustrious career in obstetrics and gynaecology, delivering more than 10,000 babies. He had the honour of delivering the first baby at Credit Valley Hospital and later served as Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology and President of the Medical Staff Association. Following retirement from obstetrics, he continued helping families through fertility medicine until 2019. He will be remembered for his warmth, wit, gentlemanly grace, and dedication to patients and family.
Class of 7T4
Dr. Vera BRIL passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones. A professor of medicine in neurology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Bril was one of Canada’s most influential neuromuscular neurologists and an internationally recognized leader in diabetic neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory neuropathies and related disorders. As Division Director of Neurology and later Deputy Physician-in-Chief at Sinai Health and University Health Network, her vision shaped neurology and academic medicine in Toronto for decades. Dr. Bril’s influence extended through her research, mentorship, patient advocacy work and leadership. She will be remembered for her brilliance, generosity and unwavering commitment to patients and trainees. Published obituary
Class of 7T7
Dr. Man HO It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Man Fan Ho on June 12, 2026, at the age of 76. After earning a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University, he pursued medicine at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1977, and completed fellowship training in obstetrics and gynaecology in 1982. He worked at North York General Hospital for 35 years, serving as clinician, teacher, mentor, Acting Chief, and co-founder of the hospital’s genetics program. A devoted husband, father, golfer, traveler and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of clinical excellence and profound dedication to family. Published obituary
Dr. Peter JOHANNSSON passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on February 7, 2023, at age 74. Dr. Peter Johannsson was remembered for his exemplary commitment to his patients, community and hospital throughout an extensive and fulfilling medical career. Respected and beloved by colleagues and friends, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Memorial donations were directed to the PEC Memorial Hospital Back The Build Fund. Published obituary
Dr. Fredrick OLENIUK It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fredrick Harry Oleniuk on April 24, 2023, following a battle with cancer. After earning a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Saskatchewan, Fred attended the University of Toronto’s medical school where he met his future wife Carolyn. Following surgical training in Newfoundland and Saskatchewan, he established a distinguished general surgery practice in Saskatoon and served as U of T faculty. He was deeply devoted to family, volunteered internationally in Haiti and the Congo, and was active in community organizations throughout his life. Published obituary
Class of 7T8
Dr. Philip ELLISON died June 15, 2022, aged 69.
Dr. Traudl FLOCK November 24, 1950 – July 7, 2025. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Traudl “Lisa” Hedwig Elisabeth Flock, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, physician and friend. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Traudl devoted 40 years to family medicine and to serving her patients with wisdom, warmth and compassion. She is survived by her husband, Jack Dinsdale, their four children, and ten grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through medicine, mentorship, kindness and generosity. Published obituary
Class of 8T5
Dr. Robert SLADEK It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Sladek on March 3, 2026, at the age of 65. After earning degrees in engineering science and medicine, Rob became a world-renowned leader in human genetics and genomics. Following work at The Hospital for Sick Children, he joined McGill University and helped establish it as an international centre of excellence in genomics research. Remembered for his uncommon intellect, curiosity, kindness and humanity, he was also a devoted mentor, colleague and friend whose influence extended far beyond science. Published obituary
Class of 9T1
Dr. Lynn STRAATMAN It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Lynn Straatman on November 28, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. A Clinical Assistant Professor in Cardiology at the University of British Columbia with appointments in Pediatrics and Palliative Care, Lynn dedicated her career to compassionate patient care, innovation, equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as mentorship. She led groundbreaking initiatives in health equity and chronic disease transition care and earned numerous awards recognizing her leadership and advocacy. Her legacy is one of compassion, excellence and hope. Published obituary