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David Hastings Obituary

HASTINGS, Dr. David Eric, MD, FRCS - December 19, 1932 - March 2, 2010 Former Chief of Orthopaedics at Wellesley Hospital. Former Team Doctor for the Toronto Maple Leafs and enduring hockey fan. Former President of Canadian Orthopaedic Association. Honoured with the David E. Hastings Scholarship in Science and Technology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, established by the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at St. Michael's Hospital. Son of Joseph Eric Hastings, Captain in the Canadian Navy and Daisy Evelyn Hastings (nee Cope). A passionate sailor, devoted husband to Shyrl, father of Margaret, John, Paul and Michael and proud Grandpa to Michael, David, Eric, Jack, Mathew, Haley, Thomas and Mason. David Eric Hastings devoted his life to looking after people. At home, he hugged his family. At work, he hugged his patients. David Hastings' service will be held Friday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street, Toronto, 416-221-1159.

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Published by Toronto Star from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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13 Entries

Jim Stevenson

March 22, 2023

I was the rep who got Dr Hastings started on the PCA hip and knee It was my good fortune to spend many hours with him and met his son on a ski trip to Whistler I didn't know he died since I retired to New Brunswick He was an outstanding surgeon. I am very sorry for your loss

Patricia Sovereign Wilson

December 19, 2020

Dr. David Hastings performed amputation of my right hand above the wrist in 1970, for clear cell sarcoma. Today is 12/19/2020 & I remain a survivor of this rare cancer. Am so thankful for Dr. Hastings' expertise.

John Mitchell

November 28, 2016

A wonderful man and surgeon, he replaced my hips in 1989, when I was 39, gave me back my legs,RIP

Ashley Coopland

March 23, 2010

I first met Dave nearly 60 years ago and for seven years, we were colleagues in pre med and medicine at UBC. In addition, we were fraternity brothers and friends who "double dated", played sports together and of course played a lot of bridge. He was absolutely brilliant and won the silver medal at graduation (in an era when it was not considered inappropriate to recognise excellence)
I have lost a friend, even though I saw little of him of late; I shall miss him and my heart goes out to Sheryl and his children. Their loss is incalculable.

Allan Gross

March 12, 2010

Dear Shyrl, John, Margaret, Paul and Mike:

I’m terribly sorry to have missed David’s funeral but I was out of town. I’m sure you have already heard the many accolades about Dave’s orthopaedic career which was simply outstanding. I shall not dwell on this except to say he was certainly a role model for me, but I could never hope to attain his level of surgical expertise.

More importantly, he was a mentor for me when I arrived at the Wellesley Hospital during my final year of training. This was my last rotation before writing my exams during my clinical fellowship year. Dave not only taught me how to deal with patients and how to operate, but he was a great friend and supporter during a time of stress, trying to prepare for the exams and at the same time working as a resident on an extremely busy surgical service. He gave me great confidence and after finishing my rotation with him, I felt that I could conquer the world including passing those dreaded exams. When I became a member of the University of Toronto faculty, he was a colleague and friend and we shared many professional and social times together. On a social level I was involved with him at the university functions, and even more so at the Dewar Club meetings which we all enjoyed so much in the old days. I remember when I first became a member as a newly single man having just gone through a divorce I thought that I would be a fish out of water, but David and you Shyrl made me feel so welcome at that first meeting which I was very apprehensive about, became a warm and wonderful experience. I really cherish the years when I was able to work under his supervision and then later as a colleague and friend.

I think that David was born to be a surgeon and truly enjoyed his life because of his career and his family. He will be missed by his colleagues, patients and family. He enjoyed life to the fullest and if given the opportunity would relive it exactly as he had without making any changes. Please accept my sympathy at your time of loss.

Margaret Marshall

March 10, 2010

My condolences to your family. After graduation in physiotherapy in 1965, Dr. Hastings was the first orthopaedic surgeon with whom I worked. What a gift he had! He was an amazing teacher and mentor who contributed alot to my career. He was an excellent surgeon who really care about his patients as people. Margaret (Harvey) Marshall, Yellowknife, NT

Judy Kelly and Martin Lilley

March 6, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to Shyrl and the rest of the Hastings family. We have fond memories of the boating weekends at the Larson's, and David's singing of old Vera Lynn songs on the dock. Judy was also honoured to work with David at The Wellesley for many years.

Lisa Vigeon

March 5, 2010

My condolences to the Hastings family, I went to school with Marg and rode with her at Leitchcroft farms. I remember Margs dad as a devoted doctor whom also help me out when I injured my knee riding. I still to this day remember his concern and care to insure I got the best care and doctors to help me. I remember when you took Marg and I to my first Leaf game. You were a great dad and brilliant Doctor.

Doug Kincaid

March 4, 2010

My condolences at the loss of a husband and parent. I was a classmate of David at Magee and remember him for his dedication and his wonderful zest for life

March 4, 2010

My condolences to the Hastings family. I worked with Dr Hastings at the Wellesley Hospital for many years.Let us remember him for the wonderful and humane person he was to the staff and his patients.

Patricia Matthie RN SMH.

Joan Jowlabar

March 4, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Hastings family. I also had the pleasure of working with Dr. Hastings at The Wellesley Hospital. He was a remarkable man, well respected by his peers and patients. Celebrate the wonderful memories and a life well lived.

B.J. Hawes

March 3, 2010

Hello ;My condolences to the Hastings family.I worked at the Wellesley Hospital for many years & remember Dr.Hastings very well ,a fine surgeon and a true gentleman.

Maryanne Healy

March 3, 2010

Please accept my condolences in your loss.I worked with Dr.Hastings for many years at Wellesley but also was a student xray tech at St Joseph's while he was training.He was a fine man and a well respected surgeon. My thought are with your family at this time,Sincerely,Maryanne Healy

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