Dear CAPD/ACDP members,

I am saddened to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. David Kennedy, a highly respected member of our paediatric dentistry family.

We plan to honour Dr. Kennedy in the next issue of the Mirror. Please join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to his family.

Dr. Gregory Westman
President, CAPD/ACDP

This obituary originally appeared in RCDC Fall Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 4, October 31, 2022

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Dr. David Kennedy on Friday, September 9, 2022. Dr. Kennedy was the first dental specialist in Canada to attain a dual Fellowship from the Royal College of Dentists of Canada in Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry. He served RCDC as an Examiner in both specialties and was President from 2002 to 2004.

Dr. Kennedy has held many leadership positions in organized dentistry. As a UBC Faculty of Dentistry Clinical Professor and co-clinic Director of Graduate Orthodontics, Dr. Kennedy made significant contributions to the specialty and was a valued mentor, educator, and beloved by all.

Colleagues, friends, and family have established the Dr. David B Kennedy Orthodontics Fund to recognize Dr. Kennedy's passion, commitment, and dedication to dental education and orthodontics.

Dear CAPD/ACDP members,

I am saddened to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Robert Margolis, a highly respected member of our paediatric dentistry family.  We plan to honour Dr. Margolis in the next issue of the Mirror. Please join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to his family.

Dr. Jennifer MacLellan
President, CAPD/ACDP

This obituary originally appeared in The Edmonton Journal, June 23, 2022

Robert "Dr. Bob" Margolis

March, 23 1927 - June 12, 2022

At 95, Dr. Bob was remarkably physically active and healthy until right before he passed. His family is comforted that he was surrounded by loved ones in his final days and moments (Edmonton, Canada). Dr. Bob was buried on June 14 at the Edmonton Jewish Cemetery.

Dr. Bob will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Terrie (Ethel) Margolis. Their marriage produced 3 wonderful children - Shauna (Skrepnyk), Brad and Todd. Dr. Bob and Terrie were delighted when their family expanded to include their children's spouses - Walt Skrepnyk, Nancy Prokopuk and Anne Zavalkoff - whom they always loved and treated as their own. Their grandchildren, Cassidy and Dylan, had a very special place in their hearts. Dr. Bob was the only son of Max and Esther (Shugarman) Margolis.

Dr. Bob was a well-respected pediatric dentist who prided himself on his preventative practices. He worked in private practice and was an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta for 33 years. His second home was the Downtown Edmonton YMCA for 50+ years. He was an avid golfer and curler, a voracious newspaper reader and a dedicated happy hour celebrator who had a real zest for life.

Dr. Bob was a gentle and generous man who valued his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his extended family and his friends above all else. He was a man who felt deep, enduring connections to others, whether he had visited with them the day before or simply kept a distant, cherished memory of them. It was his relationships with others that most shaped the person he became - the person that we all knew and loved.

Memorial donations may be made to either:

The Robert "Dr. Bob" Margolis fund at the Jewish National Fund: https://jnf.ca/in-memory-of-dr-bob-margolis/ - or contact Jay Cairns at (780) 481-7881 or the Edmonton Humane Society https://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com/.  The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Our Parent's House (Beit Horim) for their ongoing support and compassion.

Dear CAPD/ACDP Members,

I am saddened to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Bohdan Kuzyk, a highly respected member of our Paediatric Dentistry family and an Honourary Member of CAPD.

We plan to honour Dr. Kuzyk's invaluable contributions to the Canadian paediatric dentistry community in the next issue of the Mirror. Please join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Kuzyk's family.

Dr. Jennifer MacLellan
President, CAPD/ACDP

https://edmontonjournal.remembering.ca/obituary/bohda-kuzyk-1084656485

KUZYK, Bohdan Lew
1932 - 2022

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Dr. Bohdan Kuzyk, in the company of family, on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at the age of 89 years.

Bohdan will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sylvia; children, Barbara (Paul), Christine (Martin), Carol and Tracy (Jeremy); grandchildren, Emma, Laura, Matthew and Michael; and one sister, Sylvia (Ed). He also leaves to mourn cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Bohdan was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Stephan, first wife, Sophie; son, David and granddaughter, Elizabeth.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre for their compassion and incredible care.

Divine Liturgy was held on Friday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. Interment followed at St. Michael's Cemetery, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Parkinson's Association of Alberta, #120, 6835 Railway St. SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2V6, Ukraine relief efforts, or a charity of your choice.

Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.

Dear CAPD/ACDP members,

I am saddened to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Leonardo Abelardo, a highly respected member of our Paediatric Dentistry family.

We plan to honour Dr. Abelardo's invaluable contributions to the Canadian paediatric dentistry community in the next issue of the Mirror. Please join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Abelardo's family.

Dr. Jennifer MacLellan
President, CAPD/ACDP

https://necrocanada.com/obituaries-2022/leonardo-abelardo-2022/.

Dr. Leonardo M. Abelardo, known to his family and friends as Ding, peacefully passed away at the age of 86 on February 3rd 2022. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Leonila, his son John, his daughter Lysanne (Ray Daoud), his sisters Herminia and Florencia and his beloved grandchildren Aleah, Leo, Anabelle and Oliver and many nieces and nephews.

Born 1936 in Manila, Philippines to Leon and Aurora, Dr. Abelardo graduated from Manila Central University with a Degree in Dentistry. He then met and married his wife Leonie and they moved to the United States so he could pursue his post-graduate studies at the University of Rochester. In 1967, he moved to Montreal to teach Pediatric Dentistry at Université de Montréal and later became Director of Médicine Dentaire at L’hôpital St-Justine. Dr. Abelardo’s passion was teaching and for over 50 years he was dedicated to training and mentoring many generations of Montreal’s finest Pediatric Dentists. He was so devoted to his profession that he continued teaching and practicing dentistry until his final days.

Above all his life was devoted to his beloved Leonie and his children. Leonie and Leonardo traveled the world together enjoying cruises to different countries and trips to Vermont. He fostered a love of tennis in son John and they spent hours playing together which led to John becoming a successful teaching tennis professional. His daughter Lysanne also followed in his footsteps by becoming an accomplished elementary school teacher who like her father, has a passion for mentoring. Later in his life, his greatest pleasure was becoming a Lolo to his four grandchildren and he would spend countless hours with them just telling stories, laughing and playing.

Leonardo was renowned for his contagious smile, his easy laugh and his passion for all kinds of food. He loved to sing, to dance with wife, play tennis with friends and spend time in his garden. His greatest joy was helping those in need by providing his advice, time or anything else needed to his family, friends or colleagues.

Leonardo enjoyed a full life, worked hard and now deserves a well-earned rest. He was truly one of kind and he will be missed.

Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leonardo Abelardo.

Dear CAPD/ACDP members,

I am saddened to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Maret Truuvert, a highly respected and Honourary member of our Paediatric Dentistry family.

We plan to honour Maret's invaluable contributions to our Academy and the Canadian paediatric dentistry community in the next issue of the Mirror. Please join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Maret's family.

Dr. Jennifer MacLellan
President, CAPD/ACDP

Published in Toronto Star on Sep. 7, 2021.

TRUUVERT, MARET (nee SAAR) May 19, 1929 – September 4, 2021

After a long, full life, Maret Truuvert passed away peacefully on September 4, 2021, at the age of 92. She was at home, with family by her side. She will be missed by many, especially by her brother, Toomas (Maris); her children, Andres (Fiamma), Liis (Arnold), and Kaarel (Ruth); her grandchildren, Trina (Greg), Kristin (Scott), Taavo, Markus, Sara, Annie, Alexander, and Michael; and her great-grandchildren, Ian, Maeve, Hewitt, Charlie, and Alexandra. She is predeceased by her husband, Antoni "Ants" Truuvert, her daughter Piret, son-in-law Ian, and her companion and fellow traveler for many years, Edgar Marten.

Maret was born in Estonia and fled with her family to Sweden ahead of the Soviet invasion during World War II. Although only fifteen years old and with little to her name, she adapted quickly and cheerfully, learning Swedish and English, and excelled in high school and at Stockholm University where she began her studies in dentistry. She met and married Antoni and gave birth to Piret. The young family then took another bold step and immigrated to Canada to build a new life from almost nothing.

A pioneer in the field of dentistry, Maret was the first woman to study postgraduate Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Toronto and was among the first Estonian-speaking dentists to practise in Toronto. Maret established a family dental practice first in her own home and then in Bloor West Village and lectured as an Assistant Professor of Preventative Dentistry at the University of Toronto.

She received from the University in 1999 an Alumni Award in Dentistry. She was also a member of the esteemed International College of Dentists and an Honourary Member of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Dentistry. Maret was an integral member of the Estonian community, in Estonia and in Canada. She improved dentistry standards in newly freed Estonia and became a partner and teacher at a dental clinic in Pärnu. In collaboration with the Estonian Medical Sciences Association, she hosted doctors, dentists, and dental technicians in her home. She also facilitated English studies for visiting officers from the Estonian military, acted as Chairperson of the Board of St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toronto, and volunteered with the Women's Auxiliary. In addition to the honours she received from the Estonian military for her work with language students, Maret received The Red Cross Medal of Estonia for her humanitarian work.

But those who were lucky enough to have known Maret will likely remember her for her bright spirit, her fierce intelligence, and her enduring sense of humour. She was often characterized as "the glue that holds the family together" and "Grand Central Station", connecting everybody. For decades, she kept in touch with family, friends, and colleagues, writing letters and emails. She put others before herself with kindness and gusto. Whether she was tending to a patient in her dental chair, touring Estonian officers around Toronto, or baking one of her legendary birthday cakes to take across town to the lucky recipient, Maret took care of everyone. Throughout her life, she was a model of strength and of love.

A private service was held with immediate family. A remembrance will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Estonian Foundation of Canada, SickKids, St. Peter's Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toronto, or a charity of your choice.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Dear CAPD/ACDP members,

I am saddened to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Steve Baylin, a highly respected and Honorary member of our paediatric dentistry family.  We plan to honour Steve’s invaluable contributions to our Academy and the Canadian paediatric dentistry community in the next issue of the Mirror. Please join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family.

Dr. Jennifer MacLellan
President, CAPD/ACDP

Dear friends, family, colleagues and more…

It is with an immensely heavy, saddened heart that I share with you all the news that on January 7th, 2021 we lost our dear friend and mentor, and one of the most generous men to walk the Earth, Dr. Steve Baylin.

It’s difficult to be sad for Steve, as he lived a life full of great memories and incredible adventures, and he was like a grandfather pediatric dentist to so many. Steve was one of the most caring, generous, genuine men I knew. He is the main reason I do what I do today, and I like to think I’m good at it due to his influence. Steve set the standard, and he loved so many people, and was loved by so many. He left us in a very peaceful place with daughter Melissa and his loving wife Debbie by his side, all holding hands.

God has chosen well in our Dr. Pedo.

Hug your loved ones.

Dr. Brad Krusky

The obituary below,  appeared in the Calgary Herald on January 10, 2021

https://calgaryherald.remembering.ca/obituary/steven-baylin-1081395285

Dr. Steve Baylin died on January 7, 2021, at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary, Alberta, following a two-year struggle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He faced his illness as he did life -- with fortitude and humour, winning the hearts of his doctors and caregivers.

Steve was the son of Aaron and Freda (Steinberg) Baylin, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his sister Sandy (Jerry Golick), wife Debbie (Small), daughter Melissa (Bruno Rizzuto), six nieces and nephews, and many others he loved. To Steve, everyone was family.

Born and raised in Montreal, Steve was a diehard Habs fan. He was a superb skier and worked both as a patroller and instructor at a ski school he started with friends. Some of his fondest memories included summers spent at the family's cottage in the Laurentians, building bonfires with Sandy and flirting with pretty girls.

As an undergrad at Concordia University, Steve took the train to Banff each summer where he was a waiter for dignitaries at the Banff Springs Hotel and skied the back country, beginning his love affair with the Rocky Mountains.

After completing his General Dentistry degree at McGill University, Steve earned his specialty degree in Pedodontics and Masters Degree of Science at Boston University. Three weeks shy of commencement, he went on a blind date with Debbie and 10 days later literally rolled the dice, leading to a marriage proposal.

In 1978, Steve and Debbie packed up their few belongings and headed to Calgary where Steve worked as an associate with Dr. Len Smith. He went on to open his own practice, bringing smiles to thousands of patients during his 30-year career. Steve was a lifetime member of Alpha Omega, co-founded a synagogue, and was on staff for many years at the Alberta Children's Hospital.

When Melissa Rose arrived in 1983, he became the happiest Dad on the planet. Melissa remained Steve's greatest joy and favourite sports companion. The two were fiercely competitive; and it bothered Steve just a little that Melissa could outshoot him at pool.

Steve was always a gentleman, generous, enthusiastic, playful and kind. He loved life including retirement when he pursued his love of golf, skiing, hiking, gardening and most importantly photography. Steve had an impeccable eye for capturing the beauty of nature and his legacy lives on through his photographs.

Steve will be missed by everyone who knew the boy with the sparkling blue eyes and smile that lit up our hearts. May his memory be a blessing.

The family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary care provided by Dr. Lesley Street, Dr. Monica Modi, Dr. Dino Smiljic, Dr. Tina Hoang, Rena Richards and the staff at Chinook Hospice.

Donations in Steve's memory may be made to:

For Love of Steve Baylin Fund
c/o Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary
Dr. Steve Baylin Legacy FUNd
c/o Place2Give https://place2give.com/donations/steve-baylin-fund/

Published on January 10, 2021

Dr. Andreasen was hailed as the Father of Dental Traumatology, and was an Honourary Member of the CAPD/ACDP.

At our 2017 Annual Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the CAPD/ACDP was privileged to welcome the esteemed Dr. Andreasen as the keynote speaker presenting on the topics of "New Studies on the long-term fate of traumatized primary teeth and consequences for permanent successors”, and “New knowledge and pulp healing events in traumatized permanent teeth suffering luxation injuries".

Dr. Andreasen was a highly respected and internationally renowned educator, researcher, and clinician with a professional and personal dedication to bettering the lives of children worldwide. In recognition of the significant contributions he had made to our profession, Dr. Andreasen was awarded Honourary CAPD/ACDP Membership by then-President Dr. Paul Andrews at the 2017 Annual Conference Welcome Reception.

May Dr. Andreasen’s legacy live on through the compassionate care that we provide to our patients.

A formal obituary appeared in The Dental Trauma Guide on September 27, 2020.

The CAPD/ACDP offers our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Andreasen's family.

Dr. Jennifer MacLellan
President, CAPD/ACDP

By Dr. Victor Legault:

It is with great regret that I inform you of the passing of Dr. Guy Benoit, in Montreal on April 17, 2020. He would have reached 100 years of age on March 19, 2021.

Guy was born and raised in Montreal, where Antonio Benoit, his father, had 7 children and operated a “lumber and mill work” company, on St-Timothée Street, downtown Montreal. Guy studied at Collège Brébeuf where he excelled at hockey and lacrosse before entering dental school at the Université de Montréal, and graduating with a DDS degree in 1947. Family memorabilia reveal that, at that time, the Dental Faculty charged 260$Can. per year for tuition, and the academic results were regularly sent to the student’s father !

With a grant from the Kellogg’s Foundation, Guy proceeded to Northwestern University, where he specialized in Pediatric Dentistry, directed by Drs. Maury Massler and Isaac Schour.

Back to Montreal in 1948, he opened his office on Cherrier Street, and married Dr. Pauline Rivard on July 2, 1949, the only female graduate from U de M in 1948!! They had a family of 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Guy maintained his pedo practice until 1991, while Pauline shortly headed the City of Montreal Dental Health Programme from 1948 to 1950.

Guy was a quiet and generous man, a meticulous pediatric dentist whose priority was his patient’s oral health, long before his specialty was officially recognized by the Quebec Order of Dentists in 1972.

Along with Drs. Roberta Dundass (U McGill) and Georges Perreault (U de M), he spearheaded the development of Pediatric Dentistry in Quebec.

Dr. Guy Benoit will be remembered as an esteemed colleague, a fierce tennis player, and a fine gourmet who occasionally appreciated a great restaurant, but preferred his wife’s cuisine!

May he rest in Peace.

Dr. Paul MacDonald recalled that he, Sam Cheung, Michael Sigal and Brian Denyar all graduated from The University of Toronto in 1982 with a Diploma in Pedodontics.

“Following his McGill graduation, Brian operated a general practice in Montreal for 14 years. When offered a chance to pursue studies in paediatric dentistry at University of Toronto under legendary Dr. Norm Levine, Brian moved with his family to Oakville, Ontario. After graduation from UofT, Brian continued to be a part-time clinical instructor while providing specialty care for children and young special needs adults in his Toronto office. Additionally, Brian would go on to help provide pediatric dental care in the Hamilton and Bracebridge communities.

Brian was an accomplished athlete. He played hockey for McGill and countless Oldtimer's teams. His skiing adventures were shared with his "Liz" and three children he adored. Leisure time was often spent either walking a Florida beach or lakeside at the family home in Bracebridge, crossword in hand and one of his Labrador retrievers at his side.”

Dr. Michael Sigal added “I was having major health issues during my time as a resident in Pediatric Dentistry. Brian was always there for me then as the mature member of our class having already been in practice and moving here with his wife and children. He cared about everyone, his patients, co-residents and academic staff. Brian was very supportive and was always ready to sit down and have a chat about something - usually drinking a Pepsi no matter the time of day.

Dr. WaSham Cheung wrote “I was a classmate of Brian in the graduate program at U of T. Brian was always a very pleasant, helpful, and considerate person. What strikes me most was his sense of humour. He could easily lighten up our arduous clinics and seminars with his humourous comments. I know he was a very active fellow; he was an avid skier and hockey player. I remember when Brian and I had a week of rotation together at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He kindly offered me a ride to Ottawa from Toronto. We shared many interesting personal stories on our trip. Brian, it's a pleasure to be your colleague. You will be missed. Hope you rest in peace.

Dr. Howard McIsaac added “Brian associated in my office for many years after completing his paedo specialty. He was a very good clinician, friendly with the staff and all of his patients. He always came prepared to work bringing along his two favorite things…diet Pepsi and his beloved Labrador dogs. Today they would be considered as therapy dogs for patients and/or the dentist. Brian enjoyed driving his red DatsunZ and would leave the office on Fridays to join his family in Muskoka…and he loved to drive fast!

After suffering his initial stroke, Brian was no longer able to work. He spent his time puttering in the garden and restoring old furniture. Brian loved working with children and I am sure he would still be working if his health allowed.

I miss the friendship and our long telephone conversations. My sincere sympathy to Liz and his children.

The December issue of IAPDWorld called Dr. Milton Houpt one of the founders of Modern Pediatric Dentistry and commented that his research in dental conscious sedation for children remains one of those ‘classics’ and is required reading for postgraduate study and ongoing clinical trials.

Dr. Houpt was Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. As part of his training, he earned the Master of Dental Science (1968), Master of Education (1970), and Doctor of Philosophy (1971) degrees, all from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1968, he attained a Certificate of Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry and in 1982 he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

He was internationally respected as a revered academic and researcher

Dr. Houpt was an intellectual giant, author or co-author of some 117 scientific journal papers and the recipient of many honors. Dr. Houpt served as a consultant to the American Dental Association, the USA National Dental Examination Board, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources and Service Administration. For seven years, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Houpt believed in the IAPD’s mission and was a trusted advisor and counsel for the organization. He served on the IAPD Board of Directors as Honorary Editor during the years 2009-2015. In 2017, the IAPD Board of Directors bestowed upon Prof. Houpt Honorary Membership.

Dr. Franklin Pulver, a past professor of Paediatric Dentistry at U of T noted that…

Milton graduated from undergraduate Dentistry at UoT with Dr. Norm Levine. I had graduated under grad at UoT in 1958 and then from Paediatric Dentistry in 1962 from UMich. I bought Dr. Bob Rapp's practice in Toronto when Dr. Rapp returned to UMich to teach.

When I bought Dr. Rapp's practice there was this young guy working as a GP limited to kids. It was Miltie Houpt. He was actually thinking of quitting Dentistry and was accepted into the Engineering program in Ann Arbour. He completed 1 1/2 years of Engineering and then went back to do Paediatric Dentistry and ended up at University of Pittsburgh under Dr. Rapp who had become the Head there. He completed his Paediatric Dentistry and then went on to do a Ph.D.

He was a gentle, Gentleman. He was very smart and always had many irons in the fire. He became Head at University of New Jersey. He was the Editor of the Journal of Paediatric Dentistry and attended the IAPD regularly and often gave lectures. He was thoughtful and he went to a different drummer in his thinking and was ahead of his time.

Dr. Ari Kupietzky, DMD, Msc (Israel) is the Secretary General of the IAPD. He is Visiting professor

Department of Pediatric Dentistry Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Newark, New Jersey, USA and a Faculty member of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The Hebrew University – Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.

I remember the first time meeting Dr. Houpt as a graduate student beginning my residency. I was called into his office and actually was very nervous. He was very to the point, wishing me success but at the same time relayed a message that much effort would be required to complete the pediatric residency program. And he was right!

We were trained by him to be not only good clinicians but also scientists. For the rest of my professional life I continued to both respect and admire the great person he was. He demanded of his students but at the same time gave so much of his time to help us succeed. He was the most honest and straight person I have ever encountered.

Dr. Houpt was respected and admired by the hundreds of dental and graduate students he trained. Many of them continued in his footsteps becoming department chairs, researchers and leaders of pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Houpt was my mentor, colleague, and friend. He was an inspiration throughout my professional career. His expertise on conscious sedation motivated me to focus on this aspect of behavior management in pediatric dentistry. He was always in the background offering support, guidance, and advice twenty years after I graduated. I owe my success to him. I eventually co-authored a textbook on behavior management and became the secretary general of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry.

And by the way, although he told me around ten years ago to call him Milt, I couldn't do it, it was Dr. Houpt!

It is with sadness that we share news that Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Zanvil Wright – professor emeritus at Schulich Dentistry and a passionate local and international advocate of dental training in pediatric practice - passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on October 30, 2019. A tribute to Dr. Wright will appear in the End-of-Year issue of The Mirror.

He was always a Winnipeg north ender, the poor side of town, and throughout his career he helped those who had seen hardship in life.

After graduating from U of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 1960, he returned to Winnipeg to practice and was encouraged by Dr. Wilf Feasby to study pediatric dentistry. In 1971, having graduated from pediatric dentistry at Indiana University, he joined Dr. Feasby, now located at Western University, and began an illustrious academic career.

As a DDS, MSD, FRCD (C), Dip. American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, he was an internationally respected clinician, writer and Professor Emeritus at Western University. He was a member of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and became the Chair of the Division of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.

His innovations led to the creation of several programs, including being founder and director of Operation Belarus, a project to improve dentistry in Belarus.

With colleagues at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, he also developed the Mustang Dental Conference and at the end of his academic career he was responsible for creating the Qualifying Program (later known as the International Program) for landed immigrants who were trained as dentists outside of Canada. He edited/authored numerous scientific articles and five books, including writing the leading text on behaviour management of children in the dental office; the newly revised edition will be titled Wright’s Behaviour Management in Dentistry for Children in his honour.

As a matter of note, Dr. Wright was the Keynote Speaker at the 2012 Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Annual Conference on the topic of Behaviour Management.

He served on the Board of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, was an Examiner of the Royal College of Dentistry and worked with dentists around the world as Secretary General of the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry (IAPD. Among his initiatives was creating Dentists for All Children, which helped academics in low-income nations, and the IAPD International lecture program.

Dr. Wright was a Visiting Professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, at Baylor College in Texas, at Sydney University in Australia, at Ulm University in Germany, and Trinity College in Ireland. For his work in Belarus, he received a Doctor Honoris Causa. In 2001, he was awarded the Medal of Paris for his work with children around the world. In Romania, he was referred to as the father of modern pediatric dentistry. In 2003, he received the A.J. Herman Fellowship from the University of Western Australia for enriching their understanding of how to help less fortunate countries improve the dental health of children.

In his retirement Dr. Wright was also busy in London, with Temple Israel, with his weekly hiking group, painting and with daily work outs at the Y. He also logged a lot of miles back and forth to Stratford.

Dr. Wright was an Honourary Member of the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

(Please see the IAPD's November 2019 e-news)

A message from Dr. Raymond Lee, President of CAPD/ACDP

It was with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Zanvil Wright on October 30, 2019.

As we all know, Gerry was truly one of the pioneers and "grandfathers" of Paediatric Dentistry in Canada, and a leader around the World. I, as many of us were, was privileged to have "GZ" as a teacher, colleague and mentor for all these years. I fondly remember when he asked me to his office after clinic in 4th year at the University of Western Ontario. I thought that I was in major trouble for something I said or did, which would not have been surprising. Gerry simply wanted to pull me aside and suggest that I pursue Paedo. You can imagine how that small gesture, on his personal time, made me feel. The encouragement from such a true "giant" was invaluable. That moment and his ongoing support since then has truly shaped my life as I know it. Thank you, sir!

Many of us were at his memorial service in London. It was so Gerry, the north Winnipeg boy. Precise, succinct and orderly on one hand. And loving, sentimental and funny on the other. Gerry is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his three sons, Michael, Charles and Jeffrey, who all spoke so lovingly and eloquently. Gerry had a great life, and I am glad to know that he is resting in peace now.

Thank you GZ. From all of us. RIP my friend.

C’est avec grande tristesse et un serrement au cœur que nous vous informons du décès du Dr Gerald (Gerry) Zanvil Wright le 30 octobre 2019.

Comme nous le savons tous, Gerry était l’un des véritables pionniers et « grands-pères » de la dentisterie pédiatrique au Canada, un chef de file de renommée mondiale. J’ai eu le privilège, comme bon nombre d’entre nous, d’avoir eu « GZ » comme professeur, collègue et mentor pendant toutes ces années. Je garde un souvenir impérissable du jour où il m’a fait venir à son bureau après sa clinique de quatrième année à l’Université Western Ontario. Je pensais que j’aurais de graves ennuis à cause de ce que j’avais dit ou fait, ce qui n’aurait pas été surprenant. Gerry voulait simplement me prendre à part et me suggérer de poursuivre mes études en dentisterie pédiatrique. Vous pouvez imaginer à quel point ce petit geste tout à fait désintéressé m’a fait plaisir. Cet encouragement de la part d’un tel « géant » était inestimable. Ce moment et son soutien indéfectible par la suite ont vraiment façonné la vie que je mène aujourd’hui. Merci Monsieur Wright !

Nombreux sont ceux d’entre nous qui ont assisté à la cérémonie commémorative à London. C’était tellement à son image, celle du Gerry de Winnipeg Nord : précis, succinct et ordonné d’une part et affectueux, sentimental et amusant d’autre part. Gerry laisse dans le deuil son épouse Nancy et ses trois fils, Michael, Charles et Jeffrey, qui lui ont tous rendu hommage avec amour et éloquence. Gerry a eu une très belle vie, et je suis heureux qu’il repose maintenant en paix.

Merci GZ. De la part de nous tous. Adieu cher ami.

Dr. Gordon Nikiforuk                                                                                                                              Membre honoraire de l'Académie
1922 - July 22, 2019

Le 30 juillet 2019

Cher(ère)s membres,

Nous avons appris que le Dr Gordon Nikiforuk, qui avait reçu le titre de membre honoraire de l’Académie en 2001, est décédé la semaine dernière. Nous avons reproduit l’hommage rendu au Dr Nikiforuk par Daniel Haas, le doyen de la faculté de médecine dentaire de l’Université de Toronto.

Dans le prochain numéro de l’infolettre The Mirror, l’ACDP/CAPD rendra également hommage au Dr Nikiforuk en publiant des souvenirs d’anciens collègues.

L’ACDP/CAPD partage la tristesse causée par le décès du Dr Nikiforuk et offre, au nom de tous ses membres, ses plus sincères condoléances à sa famille.

Veuillez agréer mes sentiments les plus sincères.

Le président,

Dr Raymond Lee

et

le directeur exécutif,

Dr Ross Anderson

In memoriam : Dr Gordon Nikiforuk

Daniel Haas, doyen de la faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Toronto

Cher(ère)s professeur(e)s et membres du personnel,

C’est avec une grande tristesse que je vous annonce le décès, la semaine dernière, du Dr Gordon Nikiforuk, ancien doyen et membre du corps professoral.

Diplômé en médecine dentaire de l’Université de Toronto en 1947, le Dr Nikiforuk a poursuivi ses études et obtenu une maîtrise en sciences de l’Université de l’Illinois à Urbana en 1954 avec une spécialité en dentisterie pédiatrique. Comme cette spécialité n’a été reconnue aux États-Unis qu’en 1947, le Dr Nikiforuk fut l’un des premiers à qui on a remis un diplôme dans ce domaine de spécialisation en Amérique du Nord.

En janvier 1970, le Dr Nikiforuk revint à notre faculté de médecine dentaire à titre de professeur et de directeur adjoint des études supérieures en sciences biologiques. En juillet 1970, il fut nommé doyen de la faculté, poste qu’il occupa jusqu’en 1977. Il continua à enseigner à la faculté jusqu’à sa retraite en 1989, mais y retourna comme professeur associé en médecine dentaire jusqu’en 1993. Au fil des ans, le Dr Nikiforuk eut une énorme influence au sein de l’école et auprès de générations d’étudiants; il parraina même la création du programme de spécialisation en dentisterie pédiatrique de l’Université de Toronto, le premier du genre au Canada, qui vit le jour au début des années 1960.

En 1990, le Dr Nikiforuk se vit décerner la plus prestigieuse récompense de la faculté de médecine dentaire, le Prix de distinction. En 1997, l’entreprise Colgate-Palmolive Canada inc. créa un prix en hommage au Dr Nikiforuk afin de souligner le rôle crucial qu’il a joué en enseignant la médecine dentaire préventive jusqu’à sa retraite en 1989.

Le Dr Nikiforuk laisse dans le deuil son épouse Marge et ses deux fils, Chris et Andrew.

Je vous prie d’agréer mes sentiments les plus sincères.

Le doyen,

Daniel Haas