*Message on behalf of Dr. Bob Bell, President & CEO, UHN
Some of you will have heard of Rob Buckman's death this morning on the radio. It is a very sad day for many people including his wife, Dr. Pat Shaw, the many patients who valued his support and encouragement, and for all of us in the UHN family who counted on Rob to lift our spirits and give us his unique perspective on illness, treatment and living.
There are many things I'll remember about Rob but the most vivid images I have of him are his enthusiastic support of many of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation's events. Whether it was Rob standing in front of PMH and cheering on the walkers in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer, or his dogged determination to finish each day of the cycling event, we knew that Rob Buckman would be there to lift people's spirits and tell them that, if he could finish, then so could they. Above all, he was a tireless advocate for patients and unrelenting in his skillful efforts to help clinicians communicate more effectively. He was indeed a great teacher, and so many of us have a 'Rob story' we will always remember with a smile.
I know that there will be lots written and said about Rob Buckman in the coming days. He was a valued member of PMH and the UHN family and, on behalf of the many people who enjoyed his humour and his zest for living, I would like to extend my condolences to Pat, his friends and his family.
Read the obituary in the Toronto Star
Listen to Dr. Gary Rodin talk to CBC's Metro Morning about Dr. Buckman
