Dr. John V. BASMAJIAN

Dr. John V. Basmajian
Dr. John V. Basmajian O.C., O.Ont., MD, F.A.C.A., F.R.C.P. (C), F.S.B.M., F.A.C.R.M., F.A.B.M.R. 21 June 1921 - 18 March 2008 A proud Canadian, a much- decorated pioneer in medical research, an enthusiastic teacher and mentor, a prolific author, and above all, a loving husband, father and grandfather, John V. Basmajian led a life of integrity and boundless energy, passing away in his 87th year after a brief illness. He was dearly loved by his wife of 60 years, Dora (Lucas), his children Haig (Lynn), Nancy (Mark Phillips), and Sally (Kevin Conway), and his grandchildren Matthew and Colin Basmajian and Jocelyn and Peter Conway. Born in Constantinople to Armenian parents (Myran and Miriam), John grew up in Brantford, Ontario. He received his MD with honours at the University of Toronto in 1945, rising to the rank of professor in the Faculty of Medicine in 1956. A member of the Department of Neurology of the Hospital for Sick Children, Dr. Basmajian spent 1953 on leave in London, England pursuing his medical research on electromyography. From 1957 to 1969, he was Head of the Department of Anatomy at Queen's University, Kingston. From 1969 to 1977, he was Director of the Emory University Regional Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Returning to Canada in 1977, he became Professor of Medicine and Anatomy at McMaster University and Director of the Rehabilitation Centre, Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals. In retirement, Dr. Basmajian continued to travel widely, including a mission with Project Hope to aid earthquake victims in Armenia.
The recipient of many major honours, Dr. Basmajian was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1995. The citation states: 'He greatly influenced generations of physicians-in-training, invented several widely-used medical devices, and developed scientific techniques. Notable among his many accomplishments was his pioneering work in electromyography, which had a significant impact on the development of biofeedback techniques, used for rehabilitation following injury to the central nervous system.'
Dr. Basmajian published books on medical science in several languages and was the author of more than 400 scientific articles. He was Series Editor of the 22-volume Rehabilitation Medicine Library and presented lectures at more than 100 universities throughout the world. He served as President of the Biofeedback Society of America, President and Co-Founder of the International Society of Electromyographic Kinesiology, and President of the American Association of Anatomists.
John took a keen interest in public services. He was a member of the Kingston Board of Education, Chairman of the Board of Governors of St. Lawrence College of Applied Arts and Technology, and a member of the Board of Gerontology Research Council of Ontario. Devoted to his family, he sat through countless piano recitals, built skating rinks for his children, and took profound pleasure in his beloved grandchildren.
His family extends thanks to We Care and the staff at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital who cared for him during his last few weeks. Cremation will take place, followed by a private family gathering. A celebration of John's life will be held later this spring. Those wishing to make a donation in John's memory are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation of Canada or Alzheimer's Society of Canada.