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Robert LEE Obituary
July 2, 1936 – Toronto, Ontario
March 31, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
Robert (Bob) Lee - husband, father, grandfather, brother, mountain enthusiast, hiker, skier, doctor, teacher and photographer - died suddenly on Friday, March 31, 2017 while hiking with a friend. Alongside his wife, Anna Patricia (Pat), Bob led an exceptional life. With camera in hand, Bob and Pat travelled the world, embracing a wide range of people he was proud to call his friends. Born in Toronto in 1936, Bob had a distinguished career from rural family doctor in Northern Ontario to academic neurologist in Calgary. Bob served as founding head of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the U of C, president of the Canadian Neurological Society, editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences and executive vice-president of the Canadian Neurological Sciences Foundation. He was team doctor on the 1986 Canadian Mount Everest Expedition. Bob was widely involved in medical teaching internationally, and was a cherished colleague and mentor to doctors in Nepal, Laos, Philippines, Tajikistan and Malaysia. Outside of medicine, Bob was passionate about photography and environmental stewardship, and was dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty of the Kananaskis region of the Canadian Rockies. Of all his many professional and personal achievements, Bob was most proud of his family. "Bob Pop" shared his passion for learning and his love of the outdoors and travelling with his four children and eight grandchildren. His sense of humour, adventurous spirit and connection with people will live on through them. He is terribly missed by all. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at a later date in the Kananaskis. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (830, 105 – 12th Ave S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1), 403-262-1253, www.natureconservancy.ca, or the Laos Project at the University of Calgary (3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N1), www.netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/LCDI.
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31 Entries
Gordon Blair
March 30, 2018
Bob had many friends and colleagues around the world. He was a good friend of mine and valuable colleague who made many contributions in the neurosciences as well as a teacher. He will be sorely missed.
Bryan Young
July 13, 2017
Sincere sympathy. Bob was a leading figure in Canadian neurology and was greatly liked and admired by fellow neurologists.
Gordon Blair
June 6, 2017
Dear Pat and Family :
I was so very sad to hear of my old friend and colleague's passing. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. He will also be missed for his professional contributions and his photographic efforts (including his Mount Everest collection) among his many accomplishments. My condolences
Larry Joynt
June 5, 2017
I was very sorry to hear recently of Bob's passing. He was a close friend of mine during medical school and I always treasured our relationship. No doubt, he was the best. My condolences to Pat and all the family.
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Paul Hwang
May 9, 2017
Both Bob and MayAnne Lee were great neurologists that we are going to miss! Bob had a great hand when he returned as physician for the Canadian Everest team that summited! Canadian Neurology will not be the same without Bob and may Anne! May they RIP!
Keith Meloff
May 8, 2017
I knew Bob and Mary Ann in Toronto and was in the company of brilliant siblings. MaryAnn was my student and was exceptional in every respect. We were in awe of Bob's numerous gifts and sorry to see him leave.My deepest condolences to his family for their loss.Sincerely, Keith Meloff MD FRCPC Neurologist Toronto
Peter Wong
May 8, 2017
Dear Mrs. Lee, Bob was the examiner for my Neurology Fellowship over 30 years ago. To this day I recall his vivid stare when he asked why I did not find out about the patient's seizure..... I also was a junior resident to Mary Ann. My thoughts and wishes...
Larry Simpson
April 18, 2017
Bob without a doubt fit into the category of being an exceptional human being. Intelligent, kind, thoughtful and generous are only a few words that come to mind when I think of him. He was a friend who helped leave the world a better place by conserving nature. The staff, board and supporters of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta region, all grieve his loss and wish to offer our deepest sympathies.
M. David Low
April 18, 2017
I knew Bob for 60+ years as a treasured colleague, inspiring photographer, philanthropist, mentor, and friend--a life truly well lived and loved.
Norma Posada
April 16, 2017
I was so sad to hear about Bob's death. I had the pleasure of working with him when he was the Chair of the Elbow River Watershed Partnership. As a City of Calgary employee, I want to let his family know that his contribution to the protection of the Elbow River watershed will not be forgotten and will go on as we continue to work on his dream to protect that beautiful watershed. Thank you.
April 13, 2017
Dear Pat, It was an absolute shock to hear this morning from Bernie Goldman that Bob had died. I just could not believe that the man who was a picture of good health was gone. I have nothing but good memories of a great classmate. It is a terrible loss for you and the children but it is also a loss for all of us to have lost such a man.
Joe Schatzker Toronto.
Bing Wang
April 10, 2017
We will never forget the fond memories with Dr. Lee both in Beijing and Calgary. He was my mentor and supervisor when I first came to Canada. He will be greatly missed.
elout starreveld
April 9, 2017
April 9 2017
Bob was my Royal College examiner in 1975. He transmitted trust and confidence, able to communicate with anybody at any level. My sincere condolences to Pat and family.
Elout Starreveld, Spruce Grove AB
Sharon Wood
April 8, 2017
The loss of such a remarkable man is sad news. I was lucky enough to get to know Bob Lee when he joined the Everest Light Expedition in l986 as our doctor, and so much more. At twenty years our senior, Dr. Bob blessed us with his calm and wise perspective, and a wicked sense of humour. I will remember his smile, which reflected a vibrant intelligence and depth of soul.
Jeff Hindle
April 7, 2017
I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Lee's passing from my father. I recall him as such a dynamic, active person. Even though it has been decades since I've seen them, I can still recall the beautiful black and white prints of his stunning landscape photos on display in the Lee home. My sincere condolences to the Lee family.
Rob Sevick
April 6, 2017
Dear Pat and family - I want you to know how sad I was to learn of Bob's passing. He was a good friend and we enjoyed many good times together. He was a role model for me as I reach the senior stage of my career and start contemplating a transition to retirement. "travel and toys" was what he told me he wanted during his retirement. I shall not forget our travels together and fortunately I have many of his prints which I now cherish more than ever and will remind me of him now that he is gone. From sipping Scotch in Laos to trekking in Nepal (with Mary Ann as well) he left a big imprint on my life. My sincere condolences to all.
Larry Bryan
April 5, 2017
I have many very fond memories of Bob not the least was the day we both proposed new university departments at medical faculty council many years ago and many other occasions when we worked together. A superb individual. My deepest condolences to all the family
Man-Chiu Poon
April 5, 2017
Some personal memories. Bob was my first neurology attending when I started my Internal Medicine residency at the Toronto Western back in 1970. was a superb teacher. Years later we were at the Foothills as colleagues - still remember him asking me to get him a stained blood film slide for his grandson who was then fascinated with his new microscope! A superb grandpa!
George Wyse
April 5, 2017
Bob was a great role model from the day he arrived in Calgary.
Werner Becker
April 5, 2017
Bob was a great mentor to me and many others. He will be missed by all of us. My sincere condolences to Pat and the whole family.
April 5, 2017
Hi Guys,
Our thoughts are with you.
Ken Lukowiak and Kim McKenney
Anita Thiessen
April 5, 2017
My deepest sympathy Pat and your family. I enjoyed working with Dr R.G. He was an amazing man in so many aspects. Always very honest, compassionate, helpful, and true to himself. He enjoyed life to the fullest. You will be missed, rest in peace.
Anita Thiessen Calgary
Shannon Drew (Round)
April 4, 2017
Mrs. Lee, Heather, Mike, Andy, Murray and family,
I was so sorry to hear from my dad about Dr. Bob's recent passing. It has been many years since our paths have crossed, but I immediately thought of the times our families spent together during our years growing up in Lakeview Village. He was such an accomplished and well-respected person. A life well lived - may he rest in peace.
Danielle &Hakim Sikander
April 4, 2017
Our sincere sympathies to Pat and family. I felt really sad when I heard of Bob's passing. He was loyal to his family, kind to everyone and honest in everything he did. He was respected by the medical staff and students. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Hanan Bassyouni
April 4, 2017
Deepest condolences to Dr. Lee's family. You are in my thoughts.
April 4, 2017
Bob was a wonderful friend and neighbour, always helpful, and always smiling. We are truly sorry for your loss.
p & g benson
Janice Pasieka
April 4, 2017
A kind and gentle soul - he will be missed - but his spirit will live on in the Mountains he love so much...JP
catrina loman
April 4, 2017
I will always remember Bob for his kindness, helpfulness and as part of our Kananaskis life. His many contributions to our world have been an example to so many of us. I am so sorry, Pat, for you and your children at this time, but I hope the good memories you have will sustain you in the years to come.
Erin Madro
April 4, 2017
Bob Pop was part of my "Kananaskis family" and dear in my heart. Someone I looked up to immensely for all of his accomplishments in academia, helping people and in traveling the world. His kind spirit and love for the mountains will always be felt in the heart of K-Country.
Ralph Coombs
April 4, 2017
Dear Pat and family -- I could only feel sadness and loss when Clarence informed me of Bob's death. It was such a treat to work with Bob during our mutual time at the Foothills Hospital. To say he was inspiring to work with would be an understatement. Bob was energy in itself, inclusive, compassionate and always looking ahead to what might be good for neurosciences and the patient.
My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Bob will be missed by more than you know.
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5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5
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