Please note: All links that begin with “Read more” link to obituaries on external websites.

Pieter Swart, MSc, FRCPC, died on May 25, 2023, in pursuit of his dream of summitting Mount Everest/Chomolungma, at age 63. Colleagues and patients knew Dr. Swart to be a generous and caring anesthesiologist and perioperative physician. He worked for 19 years at Vancouver General and UBC Hospitals. Dr. Swart also inspired many as a leader and educator in his time as a clinical associate professor at the University of British Columbia’s Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Read more about Dr. Swart.

Dale Allan Dotten, MD, FRCPC, died on May 4, 2023, in Toronto, Ont., at age 84. He was certified by the Royal College in Internal Medicine in 1967 and obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1962. Dr. Dotten was a well-respected hematologist at the Wellesley Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. He will be remembered as much for his pursuit of medical excellence as for his mentorship and leadership to students. Read more about Dr. Dotten.

Timothy John Durrant, MD, FRCPC, died on April 21, 2023, in Oakville, Ont., at age 62. He was certified by the Royal College in Diagnostic Radiology in 1994. Dr. Durrant was MRI lead at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, where he had been a part of the radiology team for 25 years. A dedicated community member, Dr. Durrant also served as treasurer for 25 years on the board of the Ontario Association of Radiologists. Read more about Dr. Durrant.

Ronald Reginald Tasker, OC, MD, FRCSC, died on April 19, 2023, in Richmond Hill, Ont., at age 95. Dr. Tasker was certified by the Royal College in Neurosurgery in 1959. A world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Tasker was head of Neurosurgery at Toronto General Hospital from 1979 to 1988 and he taught in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine for more than 40 years. For his work improving the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s disease and other forms of tremors, involuntary movements and chronic pain, he was recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005. Read more about Dr. Tasker.

Patricia Anne Hutchison, MD, FRCPC, died on April 10, 2023, in Regina, Sask., at age 92. Dr. Hutchison was certified by the Royal College in Pediatrics in 1959. The first woman to be appointed medical health officer for the City of Regina, Dr. Hutchison held the position from 1983 until her retirement in 1992. Dr. Hutchison was also an active community member, becoming president of the Saskatchewan Public Health Association in 1986. Her work was recognized with the Soroptimist International Women of Distinction Award (Health) in 1988 and the City of Regina Mayor’s Award for Human Services in 2001. Read more about Dr. Hutchison.

Roy John Karjala, MD, FRCPC, died on February 25, 2023, in Richmond, B.C., at age 92. Dr. Karjala was certified by the Royal College in Internal Medicine in 1963 and obtained his medical degree from the University of British Columbia. He would serve thousands of patients at Richmond Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Vancouver General in his decades-long career. Dr. Karjala will be fondly remembered for his work ethic, energy and good humour. Read more about Dr. Karjala.

Joseph Michael Leon, MD, FRCPC, died on January 2, 2023, in Welland, Ont., at age 92. Dr. Leon was certified by the Royal College in Internal Medicine in 1962. He practised as an internist at Welland County General Hospital from 1961 onwards, where he would eventually become chief of the Department of Medicine and director of the Nuclear Medicine Department, which he founded in 1968. An active community member, Dr. Leon was also medical director of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, Welland Branch. Read more about Dr. Leon.

Everett Arthur Smith, MD/CM, FRCPC, died on December 29, 2022, in Halifax, N.S., at age 92. Dr. Smith was certified by the Royal College in Psychiatry in 1967. He obtained his medical degree from Dalhousie Medical School and served in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps before going on to practise in public and private service, including at Nova Scotia Hospital. He is remembered fondly as a generous teacher, mentor and colleague. Read more about Dr. Smith.

Kenneth Etienne Turnbull, MD, FRCSC, died on December 20, 2022, in De Winton, Alta., at age 91. Dr. Turnbull was certified by the Royal College in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1963. In a career lasting almost 40 years, he practised across Canada, including throughout Saskatchewan and in Calgary, where he was Chief of the Department of Gynecology at Rockyview General Hospital. Dr. Turnbull was well known and respected by colleagues and patients alike. Read more about Dr. Turnbull.

Deborah Jean Hellyer, MD, FRCPC, died on November 15, 2022, in Windsor, Ont., at age 70. Dr. Hellyer was certified by the Royal College in Internal Medicine in 1983 and Respirology in 1988. Dr. Hellyer was known for her steadfast dedication to her patients at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor-Essex, where she was the medical director. She was also committed to advancing community health and was a longtime board member for the Ontario Medical Association and Canadian Medical Association, as well as the first female president of the Essex County Medical Society. Read more about Dr. Hellyer.

More: In memoriam archive