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Roger Sherriff TONKIN
Roger Sherriff TONKIN
Obituary
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Roger TONKIN Obituary
MDCM FRCPC OBC
October 31, 1936 - December 23, 2015
Roger died peacefully in Nanaimo Regional General Hospital surrounded by love. He showed strength and grace throughout his courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, and that will remain a cherished and final gift for his family. In life Roger was always willing to swim against the current, and until his death he remained authentic to his true nature, with humour and passion. Roger received his medical degree from McGill University, and did his Pediatric residency at Montreal Children's Hospital before joining the Department of Pediatrics at UBC in 1968. Roger enjoyed a rich and varied medical career, with a special interest in adolescent medicine and eating disorders. He was an internationally recognized health visionary in standards of practice, curriculum development and research. Roger received the Order of BC in 1998, and in 2010 the Canadian Pediatric Society honored him with Alan Ross Award, which recognizes lifelong excellence in the fields of pediatric research, education, healthcare and advocacy. His incomparable contributions to individual lives, to community and to society will always be remembered and paid forward for years to come. Roger's family was of paramount importance in his life, and he treasured time spent with each and every one of them. He is survived by his wife Carrol; children Lisa, Laurie (Dean), Lynn, Jon and Leanne; their mother Pat; stepchildren Lisa (Roy), Susan (Zen), Michael (Tracey) and Andrea (Michael); grandchildren Matthew, Olivia, Ian, Pearl, Caily, Isaac, Emily, Laura, Chloe and Charlie; sister Anne (Roger) and niece Meghan. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Steve Beerman for the exceptional care of Roger over the past several years. A family celebration of his life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers a donation to The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Foundation or BC Children's Hospital Foundation would honour Roger.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
30 Entries
From my Head In the Clouds collection
Tamara Cassidy
December 16, 2016
I worked as Roger's assistant at Vancouver's Childrens' Hospital during his time as the Division Head of Adolescent Medicine there. He was a warm, humourous, patient, and understanding individual; and it was a pleasure to know him. My sympathies to you/your family. Rest In Peace Dr. T.
September 23, 2016
message for
Carol. just saw this now. just wanted to send along condolences. Thinking of you. Hope you are well. Life goes on..thank heavens for children and grandchildren!
YHS alumnae luncheon next week at the school Sept 30/16. 55yrs for our class! please come if you are in town.
warm regards
Vicki Frost Vogrin [email protected]
Rebecca Maxwell (nee Robinson)
May 13, 2016
Sad to hear of Dr.Tonkins passing. I was a patient of Dr. Tonkins from 1987- 1992. I will always remember my camp Elsewhere experiences and how amazed I was at swimming in the great outdoor waters of Gabriola with my Doctor! He always laughed when I would say "I never thought I would swim with my doctor Dr.Tonkin". He encouraged my love of swimming. His love of Gabriola Island was contagious. I still think of him and his lovely smelling pipe on a warm summer night as the sun sinks into the sea while we stand on the beaches of Gabriola Island. I think of him and the island often. And of course the malaspina Gallaries. Thank you for the memories Dr.Tonkin. Always will remember you too Carol. Was exciting to drive around the island with you. Thank you.
Chris Finch
January 22, 2016
Roger became a mentor and life-long friend when I started a series of electives in 1968 at what would become the Reach Centre. Roger had a group of us amateurs cutting studs and hammering up walls. I remember the day a man from Commercial Drive stood checking us out from the doorway. With a friendly laugh he leapt into the work site and installed all the walls of the examining rooms and reception area in short order. After that the community embraced what became a successful community health centre providing key services to the Drive. After some skepticism, local physicians were providing primary care and teaching medical students. Many of those students went on to highly successful careers in primary and specialty care. Others embraced with distinction academic positions across the country. Eventually Reach became a fully independent non-profit organization and moved across the street to its present location. The centre emphasizes interdisciplinary and multicultural care within a team setting. 45 years later the Centre is embarking on a major renovation that will see expanded services for the decades ahead. It was Roger's vision and courage that allowed these successes and he leaves us with an incredible legacy.
Chris Finch, MD'71
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Dawnelle Block
January 21, 2016
Carrol and family, I am very sorry for your loss.
Dr. Tonkin has a special place in my heart, surrounded by thanks.
I am a testament to his perseverance and tenacity. He was the only doctor who was willing to persist in treating me and wasn't afraid to try unconventional methods when standard protocol was not working. He patiently walked with me to recovery. Oh, was he ever patient! I still have all the letters he wrote to me. I recall my surprise and delight when he handed me that first, unexpected letter in response to a note I had written him. He is an amazing, selfless, determined person. I hold thousands of memories of him in my heart. I think of him with fondness and feel a great sadness at his passing.
tracey y
January 18, 2016
Dr.T saved the lives of many, including my own 21 years ago. I have thought of him often over the years, and am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I hope he knew how amazing his life work was. My condolences to his family.
Kelly Stone
January 15, 2016
Roger, you became a good friend and mentor to me as a very valued National Advisory Committee member of the Centre of Excellence for Children's Well Being. Over some 9 years you were instrumental in their start up, development and preparation for independence from government. That they continue today is your legacy too. We last caught up in the lobby of the Hotel Vancouver a couple of years ago: it reminded me then how much I was missing you my friend. Heartfelt condolences to all of your family. K.
Barry Pless
January 14, 2016
When Roger was a medical student working in the lab to defray room and board at the Montreal children's I was an intern and we lived in the same quarters. We became friends then and remained such until his untimely death. Our paths crossed often and we frequently found ourselves on opposite ends of a dispute.but I never ceased to respect and admire his accomplishments and contributions to Canadian Child health. He will be greatly missed.
Joan Fraser
January 13, 2016
My sincere condolences to Roger's family. I had the privilege of knowing Roger in my time as a Pediatrics resident in BCCH, and in my subsequent career in General Pediatrics in Vancouver. What passion and energy he applied to his interest in Adolescent Medicine, and the impact he had. He had my unqualified professional admiration. A great loss to his family, friends and the medical profession.
Brian Emerson
January 13, 2016
So sorry to hear about Roger's passing. My sincere condolences to the family. I did a 6 week rotation with Roger on adolescent health in my fourth year medicine, and it was one of the highlights of that year and I have fond memories of that experience especially learning about eating disorders from a master. He was a great practitioner and teacher and his legacy is immeasurable. Take care
January 13, 2016
To Roger's family,
My condolences to you all on Roger's passing. He was my Senior Resident at the Montréal Children's Hospital, that was my good luck. He was always in a good mood (!), a perennial twinkle in his eyes,never accepting received wisdom, always challenging the status quo with respect and genuine curiosity. We worked together at Camp Carowanis ( for diabetic children); a pleasure. His career was devoted to understanding and helping others, especially teen aged youths, and he was an example to all of us .
Nicolas Steinmetz
Angela Ahn
January 13, 2016
To Roger's family,
I worked with Roger at the MCS for a short while, and have never forgotten his charisma, intellect and passion. What an exceptional man. My heartfelt condolences.
Alan Pavilanis
January 12, 2016
My condolences to the Tonkin Family. I had the pleasure of collaborating wirh Roger on many projects, including the National Training Initiative in Adolescent Health. He was a tireless champion
Jennifer Cameron
January 12, 2016
Dear Carol and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Roger's passing. I worked at the McCreary Centre Society from 2005-2007 and everytime Roger came into the office it was like a bright shot of light and energy came with him.
His impact in this world can't be overstated. It was a honour to know him.
My sympathies to you all.
Opreet Kang
January 12, 2016
Carol and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Roger. It's a loss that will be felt by all. Roger had a huge impact on my life and I will be forever grateful for all the guidance and support he gave me. It is because of his wisdom, leadership and warmth that my foundation to contribute to my community was laid. I'll forever admire Roger and appreciate every moment I had to learn from him.
January 12, 2016
Roger was a great mentor and friend to adolescent health aspirants and young people. I benefited tremendously from his mentorship and teaching. He was a visionary and one of the founding fathers of the international Association for Adolescent Health ensuring global reach and youth involvement. Roger was a treasure and through his input along with others, adolescent health was included on the global health agenda. We thank Roger and know his legacy lives on. I am particularly grateful for the impact he had on my life and work in the field of adolescent health. May his soul rest in peace.
To Carol and family, my sympathies. May the memories lift you up and may God bless you all.
-Sheila Campbell-Forrester, Jamaica
Kim van der Woerd
January 11, 2016
Dear Carol and family - I'm so so sorry to hear about Roger, this is such a huge loss. I was a student researcher at McCreary for a number of years under his guidance and he was truly a visionary, and a kind, gentle and generous soul - always with a twinkle in his eye! My condolences, and thinking of you!
Richard Kreipe
January 11, 2016
Roger's impact on adolescent medicine was truly global in scope. I recall with fondness his welcoming me at Society for Adolescent Medicine meetings, and his creating the International Association for Adolescent Health. The first joint meeting of these to organizations in Vancouver would never have occurred without
Roger's vision and persistence. He helped shape the field and we are all indebted to him.
Richard E. Kreipe, MD, University of Rochester
Ken Harper
January 11, 2016
To the extended Tonkin family I would like to add a couple of words from outside of his professional life. I had the good fortune work with Roger through the PAC of Point Grey Secondary School where I taught Mathematics to many of the Tonkin clan. My years at PG were all the more memorable by knowing them. A true gift of our lives are our children.
Blessings to you all,
January 11, 2016
Dear Carol and family,
Roger was a wonderful example of someone who works tirelessly to improve the lives of others, particularly adolescents and youth. His visionary leadership was truly inspiring and it was a privilege to have him as a colleague at BC Children's Hospital all those years.
Paul Thiessen, MD
Clinical Professor
Department of Paediatrics
UBC
Marie Hoskins
January 11, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Roger's passing. I had the privilege of working with him on a national initiative very early in my career. I still remember how tireless he was when it came to working on behalf children and youth. At an intense two day meeting in Ottawa several years ago we had to convince him that it was alright to take a break for dinner and then resume later. Wanting to work harder and longer, he reluctantly agreed.
His passion, commitment, and absolute incredible energy for the well-being of children and youth is something that continues to stay in my heart and mind whenever I think of him. He is a true inspiration in so many ways.
Dr. Marie Hoskins, School of Child and Youth Care, UVIC
Bruce and Avril Ratcliffe
January 11, 2016
We were sorry to hear of Roger's passing. He was a man of great integrity and was able to bring people together around the issues of education and family. He helped the Southlands School Community evolve. As chair of the Parent Advisory Committee he provided support and direction for staff and parents. His work helped create a positive learning environment for us all. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
January 11, 2016
Deep gratitude and honor to Dr. Tonkin, who blazed the trail that I am now on as a faculty member in Adolescent Medicine at UBC and BC Children's Hospital. It is humbling to stand on the shoulders of such a giant, I can only do my best to be worthy of such an honor.
Dzung Vo, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine
BC Children's Hospital
University of British Columbia
Miriam Kaufman
January 11, 2016
Dear Carol and Family,
Roger was more unique than the word implies. He was so dedicated to the health and well being of the adolescents he cared for and all the ones that he didn't know. He was a canny politician, always making sure that policy statements would move forward the agenda of youth health. He warmly reached out to those of us just entering the field, listening respectfully (i'm sure his eyes were metaphorically rolling, but he didn't let on!) and sharing his wisdom. Carol, Roberta and I will never forget visiting you on Gabriola--your hospitable welcome to us and our rambunctious kids was wonderful. I know that you all have many amazing memories of Roger. He will not be forgotten.
brenda tamke
January 10, 2016
Dear Carrol,
Our Sincere Heartfelt Sympathy to you and the extended Tonkin family during your very personal time of sorrow.
I was saddened to see Roger's obituary in the Vancouver Sun, but smiled back with tears, as his photo with those mischievous eyes and big smile looked back. There is so much I could say about Roger and his truly remarkable "pioneer" expertise in Adolescent Medicine at a time when most physicians and others were not up for the challenge.
To many families, Roger was seen as "God like" as he guided them through extraordinarily difficult times with their teens, usually attaining successful outcomes.
On a more personal note, Roger and I shared many stories, a few tears, but thankfully, mainly, hearty laughs about our own lives and the current situational challenges. He liked to tease me. I liked to tease him. One story he enjoyed hearing me tell was how in the hot month of July 1988, he had decided to drop by our house to deliver our wedding gift without any prior notice. I was in the house riding my stationary bike, wearing only my underwear. As I said,it was very, very hot out. I always lock my door. The door WAS LOCKED. The next thing you know, Roger is standing in front of me, inside of the house, laughing, saying, "So, this is how you decrease stress, riding your bike in your underwear! Perhaps we can suggest this as a treatment to our adolescent families?" He was laughing very loudly! I was shocked and embarassed but, said "So, you really are "God." You can actually walk through doors!" He very calmy said "Certainly," with his laughter turning into a huge grin." He got a lot of mileage out of this (abbreviated version) story.
I am confident that Roger's Mortal God like "Abilities" will translate into loving, miraculous, guardian actions and energies from the other side!
P.S. That wedding gift,he explained had dual purposes, it was primarily a tool to solve marital conflict PRN. Its other purpose would be obvious.
Unfortunately, its use was frequently required in the early years of Garry's and my marriage and is no longer in existence. Its legacy, as well as Roger's however, will always live on in both Garry's and my hearts. Roger's gift aka Marital Conflict Tool, was a beautiful,porcelain rolling pin!
Love and Our Deepest Condolences,
Garry Bahsler &
Brenda Tamke, RN,BScN,OHN(c),MBA,MSc
Kathy Birmingham
January 10, 2016
Dear Carrol. I was very sorry to hear of Roger's death. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely, Kathy Birmingham
Jim &Suzanne Kemp
January 10, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cindy Fox
January 9, 2016
Thinking of Carrol and Roger's family at their time of loss of this wonderful man. I worked with Dr. Tonkin on the adolescent unit of B.C. Children's Hospital for several years. He was a mentor, a kind, caring and thoughtful person with a twinkle in his eye. He was a passionate advocate for youth and he taught me a lot in the early stages of my nursing career. I feel very privileged to have known him.
With deepest sympathy, Cindy Fox
sherri israels
January 9, 2016
My condolences on your loss. My late father, Sydney Israels, always spoke highly of Roger and his innovative ideas.
January 9, 2016
Our thoughts are with Carrol & all the family...will miss waving to our neighbour.......Art & Leona Smith
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