Monday, May 20, 2013
This is a memorial site for Terence Alexander Doran, MD, FRCS (C). You are invited to leave or read comments/memories HERE.
Terry passed away on May 18, 2013 at his home in Toronto. He was 84 years of age and passed quietly after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Beloved and devoted husband to Barbara (nee Sagar) for 60 years. Loving father to Susan, Molly, Michael, Peter and Mary. Cherished grandpa to Diane, Aidan, Melany, Kimberly, Jack, William, Margaret, Mehari, and Zerihun. Dear brother to Molly Pelton (nee Doran).
Family and personal life:
He was an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, well before his time. He loved being at the cottage with Barb and the family, or camping/fishing with friends. The Doran family always had many pets, and Terry loved animals of all kinds. He was an avid golfer and long-time member of the Toronto Hunt Club - golfing almost daily in his early retirement. He loved to travel. He and Barb took the family on many trips abroad, and they went on their own trips, but he also traveled with colleagues from around North America as part of a medical travel club. A voracious reader, Terry loved anything to do with World War II and naval history. Because of this interest and a personal history with the Navy, he also did volunteer work with friends of the HMCS HAIDA and was a Director of the Naval Officers’ Association of Canada. He attended Fairlawn Avenue United Church regularly right up to his last days.
His Work:
Terry was one of the first Canadian obstretrican/gynaecologists recognized world-wide for his research which focused on prenatal diagnosis. Quote from a close colleague when asked to comment on Terry's work: "He is a well respected physician within our community. His practice was focused on high risk pregnancies, prenatal diagnosis (diagnosis of fetal abnormalities in utero) in particular. Terry did pioneer work on amniocentesis as it relates to detection of chromosomal abnormalities. He also did significant research in the field of isoimmunization, extending the Lily curve to earlier than the original 28 weeks. Terry also worked on second trimester AFP screening and was able to relate low AFP values to increased incidence of Down syndrome; and high AFP values to higher incidence of unfavorable obstetrical outcomes. Terry has made a significant contribution in the field of prenatal diagnosis."
He was a passionate and driven physician and researcher. He published over 50 research articles in international medical journals and practiced medicine well into his late 60’s. He was a regular attendee at Hospital Rounds until just a few years ago. Terry received his MD in 1953 and was president of the Zeta Phi fraternity at University of Toronto. In his early career he was a physician in Longlac, Ontario, but returned to Toronto to do postgraduate training and eventually become full-time staff at the Toronto General Hospital, start a private practice, and become Full Professor at U of T. Terry was the Director of the University of Toronto Antenatal Clinic at Toronto General Hospital for much of his career starting in 1975. He held the position of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Toronto until his death.
He had an excellent life and lived it well. He was the most honest and decent man we’ve ever known, and will be missed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
22 comments:
I will get this rolling. We started this site in honor of our Dad. I tend to think Google is going to be around for quite awhile now, so hopefully this site will live on. We hope to accumulate comments here from those who knew him. I've been preparing myself for this for a long time, but you can never be truly prepared. The news that he had passed was devastating. It's made even tougher by being at a distance and not being able to help out in Toronto, and not being there in the end with him. I'm eternally grateful to my sister Sue and brother Mike for all they've done there. The World lost one of its most honest, gentle and generous people the other day. I'm proud of all my Dad accomplished in his life, and of the person he was. I've never known anyone who was his enemy, or had anything bad to say about him - how rare is that? I'm trying to be even half as good a father to my kids as he was to me. His strong sense of right and wrong will be with me forever. I'll miss him.
Please, leave your own thoughts, memories or comments.
The Dorans and the Patricks were backyard neighbors in the mid 1950s. Barb and Terry were good friends of my parents and to date are my mothers close and dearest friends. Terry Doran did a lot of wonderful things for our family.
First to come to mind, and I'm sure my mother can tell this much better because I was only a few years old, Dr. Doran helped my grandmother Elsie Stark ,when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. A very hard time for my mother but his kindness and care assisted both until her passing.
My father died in 1967. We lived in Montreal at the time. Mom decided to move back to Toronto, to be near her friends and family. One friend, Terry Doran, helped Mom by offering her employment at his medical practice. This unselfish and kind act, gave my mother a career to build on and assisted our family through a very rough time. I don't think our family would be as it is today, if it hadn't been for Terry's friendship to my mother.
He also delivered my first two children, Rob and Jane. He and Barb are Godparents to my daughter Jane.
Personally, Terry assisted me through one of my hardships...a failed marriage. When I was financially strained, he offered his cottage on Lake Kashawakamac (spelling) to me for a month. This allowed me to take my 2 children away and be with them during a stressful and unhappy time. It gave us time together and made it happy and a time of healing.
Terry, was a friend to me also. We would always talk about the great outdoors and fishing. Since I was a child, I would stand back to back with him, seeing if I was taller than him. He was 6'-4", as am I, but, I highly doubt I will ever measure up to the wonderful human being he was. The Patrick family love you.
It's hard to really put into words all that my grandfather has done for my family and I. He was incredibly kind and selfless; I can remember that even when I was very young he was never too busy to spend time with me or teach me about things that I was eager to learn. I think what I'll miss the most about him is his general good-nature - always smiling or making others laugh, even towards the end when it wasn't easy. If I can come even remotely close to being half as accomplished as he was, I'll consider it a blessing. I've never been more proud to be Grandpa's first treasure, I will love and miss him always.
I have known Terry since we started residency training together under Dr. Douglas Cannell at U.of T, he at TGH and I at TWH and WCH. We joined the University Department at the same time and our careers followed parallel courses. Terry, however, was one of the few staff members who was performing original research from early on, in the field of prenatal diagnosis, where he soon established an international reputation. He was a dedicated academic clinician who made innumerable contributions to his profession. He was a loyal and trusted colleague who could be counted on to assist, in any way, in furthering the academic objectives of our Department. I feel confident in saying that all those who knew him professionally were as impressed as I was with his rock-like integrity and his complete commitment to the profession he loved. The comments from members of his family clearly indicate that those same qualities extended to his private and family life. I was proud to call him a friend and colleague.
My deepest sympathies go out to Barbara and all the members of his extended family, who will surely miss him.
I want to offer my sincere condolences to the Doran family on the passing of a truly good and decent man.
My association with Terry began 40 years ago when he started the research at Toronto General Hospital which gained him the recognition and respect of all who worked in the field of prenatal diagnosis.He could be said to be one of the founding fathers of that discipline.
He became not only my boss,as his first Fellow,but a mentor , colleague and family friend.He was rigorous in the pursuit of what was true and right.He stood up for his juniors and defended them strongly if he felt they were not getting a fair hearing.
To illustrate this aspect of his strength of character: he and I were to attend a conference on prenatal research when at the Windsor border crossing I realized I didn't have an entry visa for the USA.This couldn't happen these days ,but Terry,by dint of tenacious argument convinced the authorities on both sides of the bridge that it was imperative for me to get to that meeting.He refused to cross without me! So ,lo and behold,they took my passport ,gave me a document saying I'd been refused entry into the USofA and allowed me in ,as an officially declared stateless alien, under his care!!!!!
On his retirement all of his former research Fellows ,representing many countries, contributed to a record of his personal and professional achievements.Each of them commented on his unwavering support and collegiality.
My eldest two and their mum were treated so well by the Dorans when we first arrived from Scotland.Terry has a special place in the minds of us all. He and I had our moments of course....the mix of Ulster and Scotland made for some interesting dialectics.
Terry I will miss you.I speak from the heart .
Dear Mrs Doran and Family,
It was with sadness that I read of Dr. Doran's death. I knew Dr. and Mrs Doran from their time in Longlac, I was about 10 or 12 when they were there. I saw Dr. Doran several times for minor illnesses and remember him as being exceedingly kind.
My parents often talked of Dr. Doran (a "company" doctor) who willingly spend much of his time caring for the Cree (first nations people) on the Longlac reservation.The Cree recounted to my parents how Dr Doran treated them with deep respect and they trusted him enormously.
He remains an example for each of us to remember that kindness and care to each other is a true gift.
Sincerely
Susan Galloway
I'm not much of a computer genius like Peter, but I know enough I guess. I just want to say that Terry was a wonderful brother and brother-in-law to David and I. We shared a lot of interests and activities throughout our lives such as nature, ski trips, golf, wonderful Christmases,and the arrival of children and grandchildren. He was always ready to help in any situation. It has been very hard to see him going downhill for the last 4 years, but we will cherish the precious memories we have of him.
Dear Barb and Family,
It is with great sadness we heard of the passing of Terry.
Paula and I worked a lot with Terry in the 70's, me as an O/G Resident at TGH and Paula as the Assistant Head-Nurse on the labour floor.
We have kept in touch for many years, either at SOGC meetings or through his "difficult to read" Christmas letters.
We will always remember his dedication to the profession, his great smile and enthusiasm, his first successful fetal transfusion, the mastering of the Mann's forceps, his teaching and his passion for research and studies.
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Paula and Pierre Lessard
My sincere condolances to the Doran family. Dr. Terry Doran delivered my two daughters at the TGH in 1976 and 1978. Two C-sections!!
During my first pre-natal visit to his office at the Medical Arts building, as a teacher, I had arrived with a long list of questions. After asking about the 5th question, Dr. Doran interrupted me, and said gently,"Honor, you and I are going to see each other for the next 9 months. Save some of your questions for future visits."
With sympathy to you all,
Honor G. Nivin
Toronto
Dear Mrs. Doran and family,
I was truly saddened to read of Dr. Doran's passing. I will never forget your and his visits to the clinic and the many good times we shared. My sympathies to you hope and your family can keep the fine memories you must have of him.
Condolences from an old friend from Moore Park. Joe Prendergast
now living at 10 Hughes Road in Orilla Ont L3V 2M1
It was with great sadness that I learned of Dr. Doran's passing. I frequently still called him this out of respect despite having started on staff at the Toronto General Hospital in 1989. I was co-located in the office next to him and his excellent secretary, Joanne. It was always difficult for me to address by his first name as my first interactions with him were as a medical student and later a resident.He could be quite intimidating and professorial while I was in these roles! I came to know him as a very caring, sincere and lovely man who was an excellent colleague in the best sense of the term.
Sometime after his retirement I was so fortunate to secure the services of his assistant Joanne. He really knew how to recognize the best in every one around him. He was a pioneer in our specialty and he will be missed greatly by his many trainees and colleagues.
I was truly saddened to hear about Dr. Doran's passing. He was my first boss and he taught me so much. I have many precious memories of him. I am honour to have known him.
My deepest sympathies go out to Barb and her family.
Dear Barb, Susan, Molly and family
We were so sorry to hear about Terry's passing.
We so enjoyed the many times he came into the wine store to make his wine.
Our sympathy to the family.
We will remember him as a MENCH which in Jewish means honourable and decent human being.
Thinking of you
Sonny & Ellie Kaizer
A Jug of Wine
When I think of my Grandfather, the first thing that comes to mind was his compassion and benevolence towards all living creatures. He could find humour in any situation but was always quick to help those in need. I can say in confidence that having him in my life has made me the person I am today and helped me to see the good in people. He is one of the greatest, kindest and most successful man I have ever met and is a true role-model. There will always be a place for him in my heart. xoxo ~ kimmy
It's difficult to put in words something as deep and immeasurable as what my grandfather was and what he has left behind. As a child, I always thought of him as a kind and loving giant, and not just because he stood at 6'4. His compassionate and benevolent nature was profound. He saw life as a great gift that was not to be wasted but held up and cherished.
He brought life into the world not just as a doctor but as a human being. There was a light and a strength in him that was palpable even when just standing next to him. If he smiled, you smiled. If he laughed, you laughed. His spirt was infectious.
He knew when it was time to be stern, and when it was time to have fun.
He had the ability to enjoy the small things. Something as simple as the perfect golf swing, or a hole-in-one was enough to make throw his arms up and run around like a small child.
His moral compass pointed due north and never faltered. He gave everything, and never asked for a thing in return.
To try to look at my grandfather's legacy would be to try to see the whole world from where you are standing.
So cheers, to a man who lived uninhibited. To a man who gave all of himself in the name of others. To a man who loved and was loved vastly, and to a man who we will never, ever forget.
We will be forever grateful to Dr. Terry Doran who delivered our daughter 42 years ago at Toronto General Hospital. Not only are we thankful for Dr. Doran’s expertise as a doctor but his kindness, compassion, and care were always evident to his patients. With a gentle, empathetic yet firm manner he helped us cope with a very lengthy hospital stay and having to leave 2 young sons at home in another city. When Serena Terri was born she was given a middle name to reflect our heartfelt appreciation of Terry Doran. She is now the proud mother of 3 children and a successful dietician. We were very saddened to hear about Dr. Doran’s passing and express our most sincere condolences to Mrs. Doran and all his family.
Janet and Moishe Pollock and family
I want to pass on my wifes( Bonnie) and my condolences( Philip Usprech) to the passing of a great man.
We were given the pleasure to know him back in the late 60;s as we had a TaySachs child back and werelooking for answers and help.
We were introduced to him and were able to provide and arrange the funding for thetesting machine that he needed to do the genetic research required for him to design a test for the TaySachs geneand then allow us to try and have children with the ability to know beforhand if that child would be healthy.
As a result of his fine research and work we have 3 children and 7 Grandchildren and he has our undying gratatude.
He will live on in all of our memories, God Bless.
Dear Doran Family
When my brother, Hugh Morris, called me to say that Dr. Doran had died it brought back a lot of memories of your friendship with my parents, Margot and Norman Morris and also his love of golf. Dr. Doran delivered both of our daughters by Caesarian section in 1981 and 1983 with some complications and excitement at each birth. He worked on Good Friday with the first baby and then headed up to the cottage. He was kind, understanding and reassuring throughout a time when I was nervous and worried. He took time to answer my myriad questions - and was patient with my ideas on the "latest information" on childbirth. I remember when he scheduled a further visit after my due date with the first baby I burst into tears exclaiming that I had set my heart on that due date and why was he giving me another appointment? He smiled and pointed out that the baby decided when it would arrive not the doctor. Our second daughter turned out to weigh 10.10 lbs and was a bit of a challenge and when he lifted her out, he said that she looked just like my mother and mused "I wonder if she will be as good a golfer?".
His humour, caring and skill meant a great deal to me during those important times and I know that he will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to all of you. Take care and God Bless, Kit (Morris) Rennie.
Dear Barbara and family,
My wife Christa and I would like to offer condolences for the loss of Terry.
I started my postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1962, as a fellow of Dr. Low, the same year Terry joined the TGH staff.Over the next five years I had I had the privilege of working with and learning from Terry.
One happy memory I have is from an SOGC meeting at the Manoir Richelieu lodge north of Quebec city.Terry, I, Bill Paul and Crawford Shier went fly fishing at a stocked lake north of the lodge. Between the four of us we caught 56trout in three hours.We brought them back to the lodge and the chef cooked them up for breakfast the next morning for a group of about sixteen people. It was a great day.
During ny five years of training Chris and I had the pleasure of having dinner at your home on two occasions. They were lovely evenings.
In Terry's memory I have made a donation to the Parkinson Society of Canada.I hope you approve.
Kindest regards,
Edward Istvan
I was an obstetrics resident at Toronto General Hospital in the early 90's. Those were the 'days of the giants', when ob/gyn was a prominent department in each and every hospital, thanks to caring, dedicated and innovative leadership as exemplified in Dr. Doran. To paraphrase Churchill, I see today because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.
Thank you, Dr. Doran.
Paul
Paul Thistle FRCSC (Ob/Gyn), LL.D
Karanda Hospital, Zimbabwe
delysw CrumpetTo the Doran Family,
I was a nurse in the Labour Room at the Toronto General Hospital from September, 1965 until February, 1967 when In sustained a spinal cord injury. I returned to work in January of 1968 because the doctors ofn the Department had created a position for me. I worked there until 1980.
Dr. Doran was one of those instrumental in my return to work. He and his confreres have been and are still my great heroes and mentors. I will never stop being thankful to them for all wonderful support and kindness.
Dr. Doran was always a friendly gentleman whom I admired for many reasons.
I am sorry that you must now be without him. I can only hope that your loving memories will sustain you.
I would have come to the funeral but I live out of town now and transportation is a problem. I was with you in spirit.
With my very best regards.
Mary Ann Glebe
Post a Comment