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Linda VICKARS Obituary
MD, FRCPC
August 25, 1951 – April 18, 2014
Linda passed away in Vancouver with her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Sheldon (Shelly) Naiman, at her side. She was born in Vancouver to Robert and Dorothy Rowan; her Dad predeceased her in 1979, her Mother in 2008 and her brother, Bruce, in 1974. She is survived by her sister, Donna (Neil) Ornstein, and brother, Ken Rowan (Libby Racey), and nephews, Chris, Sam and Teddy Rowan. She is also survived by an extended family of 5 step-children: Aaron, Rachel, Aleya, Jared, Jonathan and 8 grandchildren. Linda obtained her Doctor of Medicine from UBC in 1976 and, after further studies in New Zealand, returned to Vancouver to complete her specialty in hematology. She spent the majority of her career at St. Paul's Hospital, where she was the head of the Division of Hematology and its consultation service from 1994 to 2006. She was also the Director of three Province of BC programs that included hemophilia, hemoglobinopathies, and transfusion related iron overload. She was acknowledged as a distinguished teacher in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC where she held the title of Clinical Professor Emeritus. Linda and Shelly had a passion for traveling, stepping foot on all 7 continents and visiting over 50 countries. She loved retreating to Whistler which she described as "my valium". Being in her kitchen, baking and cooking, also brought her (and others!) great pleasure. Linda was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 and lived the remainder of her life enjoying the chance to spend more time with family and friends. She and Shelly are very grateful for all the support from them, as well as Dr. Debbie Hoeberg, the BCCA and her caregivers, Joan, MaryAnn and Zeny. Private family service. No flowers please. If desired, donations may be made to the "UBC Sheldon Naiman and Linda Vickars Hematology Endowment Fund" c/o Development Office, UBC Faculty of Medicine, 317 – 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3.
http://cbr.ubc.ca/support-us/donation-info/
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35 Entries
Bill Jones
April 15, 2019
Will always be grateful for the best care I received from Dr. Vickars. Very thankful for her passing the torch to her colleagues who continue to give their best care today. Peace to her and Family.
September 13, 2014
Condolences on sad news
Isaac Abella
Univ of Chicago
D Ajrekar
June 14, 2014
Indeed very saddened to hear of her passing. She really helped me understand and accept my illness. She was understanding and willing to answer my hundreds of questions. I was fortunate to have known her. Condolences to the family.
In my mom's kitchen (early 70's)
May 25, 2014
Linda and I met at Killarney Secondary High School (Grade 8) and somewhere between our first meeting and Chem and Physics 12 we became friends. Our shared experiences of daily commutes to UBC in my problematic '57 Chevy, the walks to and from C parking lot (past the cow barns), the studying until the library closed with the occasional break to Spanish Banks and sneaking into the squash courts just before the doors were locked (Linda discovered we could play as late as we wanted without paying) plus many other experiences cemented our friendship.
In Linda's address to our graduating high school class, she reflected on friendships made that “have enriched our lives…If good fortune permits, many of these friendships will be eternal.” I consider myself lucky to have had such good fortune and that despite distances, busy careers and the passage of time, we remained good friends.
Since Linda's diagnosis, we spent considerable time together visiting our childhood neighbourhoods, looking at photos of our pasts, touring Vancouver by car, foot and eventually wheelchair, all the while reflecting on our life experiences and the people who were significant to us. Shelly you topped the list…Linda loved you deeply. This was apparent in her words and in her eyes.
Much can be and has been said about Linda. Her courage, dogged determination “to do everything”, her laughter and her amazing grace under circumstances that would cause others to falter were incredible. I will always remember her smile and her ability to smile and laugh even when facing increasing disability.
Though Linda's life ended far too soon, she knew how to live life fully.
Margaret Borozny Durity
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Shou-Fang Hu-Moore
May 17, 2014
Dear Dr. Naiman, I'm deeply saddened to hear of Linda's passing. But I feel very fortunate to have met her through you during the years while I was under your care as a post-BMT patient. Both of you belong to the rare breed of doctors who truly care about and are willing to listen to the patients. It was truly wonderful that you were able to find each other and shared your life together.
Sorry that we have lost contact with each other in the recent years. I would really love to have a chat with you over a cup of coffee some time in the near future. Please contact me via my email address whenever you feel like it.
Shou-Fang Hu-Moore
May 13, 2014
Sorry to hear of your loss Shelly. I had hoped to visit with you and Linda again as we loss contact for several years and I found it was great to see Linda and finally meeting you. I'll always remember the times we had in school and the summertime hitting the tennis balls up on the roof at Killarney. She is no longer in pain and at rest. She truly was a great friend.
Vivian Crombach (Lowe)
Salah Al-Humood
May 12, 2014
Dear Shelly,
I was deeply saddened by the news of Linda's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. She was such a great person, doctor and teacher.
Although it had been long since I left Vancouver in 1997, the time I spent with both of you during my residency training remains an important phase of my professional life that will never be forgotten.
As you grieve know that I am remembering you and honoring the memory of Linda as great people and teachers.
I tried to contact you in person but I wasn't able to locate a contact number or address to express my deepest condolences, and I really hope that this message reaches you.
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Salah Al-Humood
[email protected]
Kuwait
May 8, 2014
Shelly: It is with great sorrow that my wife, Maureen, and I leaned of Lind's death. I have not been in contact with you or Linda for the last few years but we have happy memories of you both. I remember Linda visiting Kamloops and coming to our house for dinner. We had such animated conversation. Max and Maureen Zahir
Penny/Dennis Gabriel/Paget
May 5, 2014
It's very painful for me to realize that this fabulous, smart, extremely capable, caring doctor who literally saved my life now has hers taken away from our midst. Linda Vickars was definitely one of the best, a beautiful woman, a compassionate doctor who went above and beyond to help the patients entrusted to her care. I was so fortunate to be one of those patients, I have spoken about and praised her many times in various venues since 2001; I and my family shall never forget her. We send our blessings to all her family and her colleagues. Linda will be greatly missed.
C Clark
May 5, 2014
I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Vickars passing. She was the first and only doctor I ever met that truly cared about her patients. She actually listened to what people had to say. She always had time for people…a trait unheard of in the medical industry. Dr. Vickars, you will be truly missed by many, many people. My heartfelt condolences to all your family. I am so very honoured to have known you. May you rest in perpetual peace.
Janet McGregor
May 5, 2014
Dr. Vickars was my mother's hematologist back in 1985, when my mother was battling AML. I have never forgotten the kindness and compassion which Dr. Vickars extended to our entire family. She was a wonderful physician and a very special lady!
Marty Fishman
May 3, 2014
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Linda's passing. She was a marvelous physician and an inspirational teacher. Words cannot express how greatly she will be missed. My heart goes out to Shelly and the rest of Linda's family.
Joe Andolfatto
May 1, 2014
Very sad to hear the news of Linda's passing She was truly a remarkable person and I know she will be greatly missed.
Rua Mercier
April 29, 2014
Shelly, I'm sorry I didn't know Linda was sick. We have lost a great lady. I first met both of you when I was a medical resident. I had just arrived to Canada and both you and Linda both taught me medicine and showed me what gracious people Canadians are. Thank you.
I will miss her, her warmth, her dedication to medicine and her loving devotion to you. It was my privilege to know both of you. Please contact me through my email address if at any stage you would like to sit and chat about Linda.
With all my respect,
Rua Mercier
Frances Higginson
April 28, 2014
So sorry to hear of Linda's passing. I worked in her office in the late 80's. She was such a fine caring person.
Dr and Mrs E F Ledgerwood
April 28, 2014
Dear Shelly
Ernie and I are so sorry to see the notice of Linda'a death and are thinking of you and of the rough time you must both have had over the last few years. As a physician, Ernie deeply valued her expertise and her ability to convey to patients her interest in their well-being. As acquaintances, we both enjoyed her warm personality and wished we had known her better.
We send warmest sympathy to you and the family and hope that you will drop in to see us in Squamish on your way to Whistler some time.
Affectionately
Ernie and Lynn Ledgerwood.
April 28, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Linda's passing. Linda came to our studio for many years and did all she could to be in the best physical and emotional shape she could be. She was an inspiration to all of us. On behalf of Body & Soul, Angela Longstaffe
Tracey Williams
April 28, 2014
Heartbroken at the news of Linda's passing. I will always have fond memories of working with her at St Paul's hospital. Such a wonderful person with a kind heart and beautiful soul. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her
My thoughts and prayers with her family at this difficult time.
April 28, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Vickars' passing. I was one of the lucky ones that had her as a doctor back in 1992. I still talk of her today about what a wonderful doctor she was and how caring she was during the time that we did not know what my diagnosis was/would be. I hope all the student's she trained took with them the caring attention that Dr. Vickars had for all of her patients. It is a great loss to the community.
May the memories of yesterday help ease your pain that you feel today.
Christine Kerr
Randall Fairey
April 27, 2014
Dear Shelly;
I recently learned of Linda's passing and was shocked as I did not know she had been suffering from a glioma. I want to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. I left Vancouver in 1998 to work at the Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior. As a colleague of yours and Linda's what seems so many years ago, I recall Linda's superb medical ability and knowledge. As we collaborated over the years I was so impressed by her caring nature for her patients, her academic and teaching skills, and her sense of humour and collegiality. She was a credit to the specialty of Hematology and Hematologic Oncology and most deservedly became the Head of the Division at St. Paul's among many other accomplishments. What terrible irony that she should succumb. to cancer, having helped so many patients with malignancies. I am sure she will be sorely missed by all, and especially you and you family. I can only imagine what comfort you must have been to her as she bore her illness. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers,
Randall Fairey, M.D. (UBC '69) Radiation Oncologist (retired)
Marylene Denis
April 27, 2014
I had the pleasure to meet this amazing Lady! I was part of the team caring for her until her last day. Linda was very organized. Her travel albums is one example. She had a beautiful smile and caring eyes. She was not fan of spiders and had a good laugh about my funny experience with "giant" spider while traveling to philippines.
She was well love from everyone who met her.
I will always keep a place in my heart for this gentle, wonderful Lady.
don McGill
April 27, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Shelly , Shiah as I knew him during our Vaughan Road days, when we were last in contact. When things have settled down after the distress of your wife's passing I would dearly love to re-establish contact with you at either the e-mail address on this message or at 416 932 2273.
Kindest thoughts from Don McGill
At the Earl Davie Symposium Dinner 2010
Ed Conway
April 27, 2014
April 26, 2014
Larger than life... you accomplished more than seemed possible for one human being. Devoted Clinician, but real and true, every single minute of every single day.
Linda, Dr. Linda, "Best Boss" ever... you will be missed.
It was a gift from the universe to have met you, and I will forever cherish the memories that I was blessed to have shared with you.
M
April 26, 2014
Dear Shelly,
Jane and I would like to extend our most sincere condolences on your loss. Though I never had the privilege of working with Linda and didn't know her well we were very grateful for the opportunity of sharing a few times together. Her composure and courage made a deep impression on both of us.
Jane and Peter Tallos
Steve Nemeth
April 26, 2014
My sincere condolences to Dr. Vickars' family. I was one of her patients when I was battling leukemia. I have been in remission for 5 years. She was a very special person as well as an excellent doctor. We always had nice chats about our cat tales.
Bill Jones
April 26, 2014
Dear Dr. Naiman, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. It is with deep sadness that Dr. Vickars leaves this world. Her dedication and excellent care will be missed by so many grateful people who were under her devoted care. Dr. Vickars has personally given me many years of enjoying life through her best treatments that I could not find elsewhere. My family wishes you and your family joy in celebrating her life and may she rest in eternal peace.
Bill & Carol Jones & family
Georgina Hunt
April 26, 2014
Linda I have known you through my sister Margaret for many years. You, Margaret and Lorraine were the best of friends as long as I can remember. Last Christmas holidays my husband Bruce and I made a special visit to you and Shelly house. I will always remember that special day. Rest in peace Linda. You will be missed. Our thoughts are with you Shelly. Love Georgina and Bruce Hunt
April 25, 2014
Dear DR. Naimen and family, what a special Lady I was so fortunate to have known both DR Vickars as an adult and DR Naiman as a child so very sad. Rest in peace.
B. Walmsley
Anita Odunuga
April 25, 2014
What a loss to our community. Rest in peace Linda.
Anita Odunuga and Damilola Ogunseitan
Adam Ludlow
April 24, 2014
Linda, I will remember your excitement. Your excitement connecting research with the patient. Your excitement engaging clinicians in research – the clinician-scientists. Your excitement to share moments. I remember sharing moments. Visiting with you and Shelly one sunny day. With a little bit of St. Paul's in the form of a kurtos kalacs – describing it. The “chimney cake”. I smile so often when I think of your excitement. And this excitement sits in the warmth of my heart. Sending thoughts of love and strength to the family and friends.
April 24, 2014
Dear Dr. Naiman and Family,
Our thoughts are with you, no perfect words can be offered, but please know we truly care.
Dr. Linda Vickars was a truly special lady.
On behalf of the AHCDC Membership please accept our condolences.
Annie Kaplan
Sara Forsyth
April 23, 2014
Linda was an incredibly gifted teacher. She had an ability to convey information in a clear and helpful way. She was approachable and her endless dedication was greatly appreciated by her patients and colleagues.
Ed/Ruth Conway/Hoffman
April 23, 2014
We had the wonderful fortune of getting to know Linda. And with Shelly, we shared so many precious moments ... We laughed over the sound of a "duck", chatted about travel, sports and politics, discussed our favourite dreams and our favourite travels, and enjoyed that special Whistler air. Linda will be so missed, but a piece of her will always be with us.
Michael Wang
April 23, 2014
Linda was a soft spoken, gentle lady - a special person with courage, humility, dignity, respect, sincerity, integrity, and a sweetheart. She always had a positive attitude and cared for others, even while in the midst of her illness. I am so fortunate to have met and personally got to know Linda for over 15 years.
I can still picture Linda's smile and hear her laughter, especially after her hubby, Shelly, telling his so-so, but thoughful jokes. The love between Shelly and Linda was always strong and never wavered. Every time they visited me, it was common to see them holding hands, and they always did things together, such as traveling, cooking, going to shows, or spending time with family, just to name a few. They were inseparable.
Linda had a true passion to help others - and medicine was her calling. Her hard work, determination, and perseverance truly inspired me, along with her diligent care and compassion. I always felt so at ease and comfortable talking to Linda about everything. As I had mentioned to Linda, I considered her part of my family, too!
I am blessed to have known Linda, and she will always have a special place in my heart. She was a special, one-of-kind lady, and a loving wife to Shelly. In spirit, she will continue to watch over us, and our hearts and mind will never forget. She will be missed, but Linda still lives on in my thoughts, and knowing that, warms my heart.
I miss you Linda. My condolences to Shelly, the Naiman and Rowan families.
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