In Memoriam

Class of 5T0

Dr. Joseph LEVENTHAL, on Saturday, February 4, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family. Joey, with distinction, served his country in World War II. He was a physician, artist, comedian — a true renaissance man. Many thanks to Dr. Christa Sinclair Mills, and caregivers Mylene, Rowena and Loida.

Class of 5T2

Dr. Henry BLOCK, peacefully on February 16, 2023 at Diamond House in Warman, SK. Henry was born on February 3, 1926 in Orenburg, Russia. He worked as Chief of Pathology at Saskatoon City Hospital and was well respected within the community. "Chips" is survived by his church family, with numerous brothers and sisters in Christ that he came to know over his many years of faithful dedication and service to God through the Camp Oshkidee ministry he helped found. He was a peaceful man of deep conviction; he walked by faith and lived a life of obedient service to God and to others.

Dr. Ronald R. (Ron) TASKER, peacefully on April 19, 2023, near his home of 50 years in Toronto, following a long and productive life. In medical school, Ron won the 1950 Saddington Medal in Pathology, and the 1952 Cody Silver Medal. Ron studied neurosurgery and neurophysiology under the mentorship of Dr. E. Harry Botterell, and as a postdoctoral McLaughlin Traveling Fellow (1959-1961) in the U.S. and Europe. Ron joined the Division of Neurosurgery at Toronto General Hospital (TGH) in 1961, and was distinguished as a Markle Scholar (1961-1966). He travelled the world training neurosurgeons in the field of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, and later became head of neurosurgery at TGH from 1979 to 1988. Ron taught in the now-Temerty Faculty of Medicine for more than 40 years, becoming full professor in 1978, and was honoured with the title of Professor Emeritus of Neurosurgery in 2005, along with Officer of the Order of Canada. Published obituary.

Class of 5T3

Dr. Richard (Dick) KIMOFF, peacefully on April 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Dick established a general practice in Sherbrooke, QC after graduating from medical school. Twelve busy years later, wanting to make more time for his family, he moved to Montreal to train in radiology, which he then practiced into his early 80s. Dick was highly regarded by his patients as a dedicated, compassionate physician and by his colleagues as an approachable and astute consultant. He was also a man of great personal faith, who played a lifelong leadership role in his church. He influenced many lives both through his teaching of scripture and by the example he set in living a life of faith. However, Dick's greatest love in life was his family and he will be forever remembered as a devoted husband and caring father who never failed to give unconditional love, support and encouragement to those he loved so much.

Class of 5T5

Dr. James (Jim) Bucklin BASSINGTHWAIGHTE, quietly at his home in Seattle, Washington, on February 2, 2022, at age 92. Jim was born in Toronto, Canada and attended the University of Toronto through medical school. In 1955, he married Joan, began his family and practiced rural medicine. He then continued training in London, UK, moving into research after returning to North America. He pursued a PhD in cardiovascular physiology at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and joined their faculty after completing a residency in medicine and cardiology. Ten years later he moved to Seattle to join the University of Washington Department of Bioengineering. Jim modeled curiosity, connecting ideas and observation with hard work. He loved tennis and traveling. Dinner tables were filled with guests and lively discussions. May we emulate his strengths and learn from his life fully lived. Published obituary.

Dr. Donald Irwin MATHESON peacefully, with family by his side, on May 17, 2023, at the age of 92. Donald was a respected anesthesiologist and professor of anesthesia for 35 years at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General). He continued to practice medicine part-time until the age of 76. He was a longtime member of Kew Beach United Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. Upon retirement, he joined the Wyevale United Church where he was also invited to conduct readings. Don enjoyed reading in his study overlooking Georgian Bay, especially philosophy, and listening to classical music. He was a car enthusiast and an NFL football fanatic who rarely missed a televised game. We will remember his quick wit, his intelligence and thoughtfulness. Special thanks to the caregivers at the Villa in Midland and the staff at Georgian Bay General Hospital. Published obituary.

Class of 5T7

Dr. Beverly Ann LEWIS-HARRIS was born on April 12, 1933, in Ottawa and grew up in Westfort, Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario. She passed peacefully in her 91st year on May 16, 2023, in Toronto. Beverly attended Francis Street Public School and Fort William Collegiate prior to moving to Toronto to attend the University of Toronto where she excelled. After medical school she completed her residency, becoming a pathologist. She retired after 40 years, and following retirement she studied art history at U of T. Beverly and her husband Peter John Harris (predeceased) had multiple interests — in particular they enjoyed jazz, attending jazz festivals throughout North America and befriending several jazz musicians. Other interests included art, film, nostalgia, sports cars and cats. Published obituary.

Dr. Gordon WARME, on June 1, 2023, at the age of 90, exactly one year after retiring and giving up his medical license. Gordon was born and raised in Toronto to German/Austrian immigrant parents and spent many happy summers working at the Banff Springs Hotel as a bellboy to pay for his medical school tuition. He graduated from the University of Toronto in medicine and then psychiatry, also attending the University of Heidelberg in Germany. In 1961, he moved to Topeka, Kansas with his wife, Barbara, to attend the Menninger School of Psychiatry for psychoanalytic training and begin raising his family. He settled back in Toronto in 1969, where he worked at the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry (now CAMH) for most of his career. In 1976 he was one of the founders and first director of the Child Psychoanalytic Program, which is still up and running. He also had a private practice and was a faculty member in U of T's Department of Psychiatry for over 40 years. Published obituary.

Class of 6T2

Dr. Dale DOTTEN, peacefully, on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the age of 84. Born in Tisdale, SK, Dale was an eminent hematologist at the Wellesley Hospital, and later at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. He was well-respected by his colleagues and loved by his patients. Dale will be sadly missed by all who knew him. 

Dr. David LORENZEN, in his 87th year on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, with family at his side. Born in St. Catharines on April 21, 1936, David graduated from the University of Toronto's medical school and was a practicing family physician for 50 years in the Niagara Region. During that time, he was also the medical officer for the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and City Coroner. He was an avid ham radio operator and expert marksman, and enjoyed sailing and spending time with his dog, Belle. David will be dearly missed by all who knew him. The next time you are at the pub, raise a pint of Smithwicks in his honour.

Class of 6T3

Dr. Allan SANDLER, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Allan was a dedicated family physician who served the Bathurst Manor community for over 30 years. He was a lover of music, an avid reader of fiction and a stamp collector. He loved the game of baseball and spending time with his dogs. Most importantly, he was passionate about his family and friends.

Class of 6T5

Dr. Herman HUGENHOLTZ, peacefully at home on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Born in the Netherlands, Herman practiced as a neurosurgeon at the Scarborough General Hospital, the Ottawa General Hospital, and the QE2 in Halifax, where he retired in 2006. He enjoyed several years of travel, building canoes and kayaks, and winters in Florida. Published obituary.

Class of 6T6

Dr. Alexander E. JONES, on October 24, 2023. Alexander was a family medicine and emergency room doctor, Ontario coroner and active staff member of Humber River Hospital for 56 years. Avid skier, on snow or water, world traveller and self-taught handyman. Worldly, yet roots mattered. Born in Greece in 1939, Alexander emigrated to Canada at the age of nine and fostered his love for Greek culture, language and food. His family, the pursuit of travel, winter and summer sports, literature, theatre, the arts, helping people and good food (especially sweets) were at the top of his list throughout his life. Published obituary.

Dr. Baiba ROZKALNS, on January 10, 2023. Baiba was born on September 12, 1939, in Valka, Latvia and emigrated to Canada as a teen. She excelled in her studies and went on to earn a BA in home economics and then an MD from the University of Toronto. She left home and traveled alone to San Francisco, California for a residency in medical oncology. In 1976 she moved to San Mateo, California and set up her solo practice in medical oncology in a four-physician office building where she met her future husband, J. Bryant Calhoun MD, a practicing general ophthalmologist. She was highly respected by her colleagues and greatly loved by her patients, not only for her professional expertise but also for her highly unusual empathy and kindness. After a very successful career, she retired in October, 1999. She moved with her husband to Ashland, Oregon in 2007 where they established a small vineyard and their dream home and regularly attended the local theatre and concerts. Published obituary.

Class of 6T8

Dr. William (Bill) KYLE, at age 81, died with dignity on October 9, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at his favourite place, the cottage he built on Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario. Bill initially pursued engineering at the University of Toronto before switching his focus to medicine. While at U of T, Bill made many lifelong friends, played football and rugby and met the love of his life, Eleanor Johnson. In 1981, he was recruited to lead the radiology department at Lake of the Woods District Hospital. His dedication spanned 30 years, including serving as chief of the radiology department, a period as chief of staff in the mid-90s, and playing a pivotal role in bringing new imaging technologies to the hospital. At the age of 59, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which altered the course of his retirement. Yet, his unwavering determination and enthusiasm for life allowed him to share countless adventures with family and friends. His resilience and courage in the face of adversity were remarkable, and he will be remembered with profound love and respect. Published obituary.

Dr. William (Bill) TUCKER, former head of the Division of Neurosurgery at St. Michael's Hospital (SMH) and a renowned surgical educator, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023. Bill joined SMH as a neurosurgeon in 1972. He rapidly built a practice encompassing all realms of the specialty and was recognized for his clinical skill, exacting standards and devotion to patient care. He was the founding director of the trauma service at SMH and was involved in surgical education at SMH and the University of Toronto, winning numerous teaching awards throughout his career. Bill also had an interest in the legal aspects of medical practice and served on the council of the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) for 18 years (1994 to 2012), including three years as president. Bill had an excellent career admired by colleagues and patients alike — the consummate consultant surgeon. He practiced at SMH until his retirement in 2012. Published obituary.

Class of 6T9

Dr. William (Bill) N. FITZGERALD, peacefully on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, Nova Scotia, at the age of 78. Bill spent his professional life as a rural general surgeon in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. He was a former president of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 2008. Recently, he was Chairman of B.O.L.D. in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. He loved his family, his work as a rural general surgeon in Northern Newfoundland and Labrador, and sailing on his Concordia yawl, Tosca. Published obituary.

Class of 7T7

Dr. James (Jim) Joseph Andre McALISTER, on February 9, 2023, at the age of 71. Jim was a dedicated physician for 45 years. He had a passion for serving those in the North, including Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. When not working, Jim enjoyed spending time relaxing in nature with his family at camp. Published obituary.

Class of 7T8

Dr. Adrianus (Art) Arie vanWALRAVEN, as were his wishes, died peacefully, calmly, with dignity and family at home on November 28, 2023, following a 2022 diagnosis of brain cancer. Art spent the majority of his career practicing at the Stratford General Hospital where he built up a trusted network of colleagues and friends. Before and during his tenure as chief of staff, his driving ambition was to make it the 'tiny, perfect hospital'. For the last 10 years of his career, Art worked in the ICU at Grand River Hospital where he was known for his amazing bedside manner, skill and undying enthusiasm for long night shifts. His tireless work ethic, compassion and care were matched only by his dry humour and quick wit which will be remembered through many oft-quoted Art-isms and his legendary chart notes. Despite his long hours at the hospital, nothing was more important to Art than his family (except perhaps solo canoe trips to Algonquin Park in less-than-ideal conditions). An inspiration and mentor to many, Art was an undeniable presence in his internal medicine specialty, the ICU and the wider medical community. 'If I could live forever, I'd never stop working.' - Art Published obituary.