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Charles MacADAMS
Charles MacADAMS
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Charles MacADAMS Obituary
September 28, 1954 - May 11, 2016
Dr. Charles (Charlie) Leslie MacAdams completed his life's journey at Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet, on May 11, 2016 after a successful ascent and return on the North Col. He died peacefully doing something he loved in a place very special to him. Charlie was born in Vancouver on September 28, 1954. Intelligent, skeptical, and principled from a young age, he followed a personal calling and duty to pursue medicine. He was a gifted physician, specializing in cardiac anesthesia. Through his career he helped train over 150 doctors in this field, which is essential to modern surgical practice. A well published and respected researcher and talented teacher, he received many local awards, and a national teaching award from the Canadian Anesthetists' Society. In his later career, his calling to both service and adventure came from further afield in Nepal, where he spent many months in Kathmandu hospitals and on Himalayan treks. He participated in the development and training of anesthetists for the cardiac surgery program in Kathmandu, and gave freely of his time and resources for many philanthropic endeavours in Canada and abroad. In Calgary, he gave leadership for many years to programs that reduced the need for blood transfusions in surgery. His sudden passing will be hard news for his many colleagues, friends, neighbours and kindred dog lovers. He is survived by his son Jeff, Jeff's partner Tanja Pearson, Jeff's mother Laurie MacAdams, and by many appreciative cousins across Canada and elsewhere on both the MacAdams and Dunlop sides of his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Margaret (née Dunlop), and daughter Andrea. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to these organizations which had special meaning to Charlie: The Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada, Canadian Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, or Grief Support Program c/o AHS Trust Fund. He packed a lot of living, camping, hiking and sailing into his sixty odd years. He left us too soon, but did not leave living life too late. A gathering of remembrance will be held at Eden Brook Funeral Home (17 Avenue & Lower Springbank Road S.W.) on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to wear their most respectful mourning attire, or their most comfortable and well-worn outdoors and mountaineering gear. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca. Arrangements entrusted to EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 24223 Twp Rd 242, Calgary, AB, T3Z 3K2.
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18 Entries
Baburaja Shrestha
June 16, 2016
I had a huge huge respect to Charlie. He was supposed to give a talk on cardiac issues in noncardiac surgical patients undergoing anesthesia at Kathmandu Medical college on 19th of May 2016 after his coming back to Kathmandu from Tibet.He never came back.So hard to believe !! We have lost a very good man and best teacher ever. He always remained so happy at our every success. It has been so difficult for all of us in Kathmandu(his students) that he is no more on earth.Charlie we will be missing you a lot....God help his son to be brave enough to tolerate the loss...You lived dignified life...Rest in Peace.
Jim Atkins
May 31, 2016
Charlie and I went to medical school together and we spent quite a bit of time together and I always learned somethig from him. I saw him a few times since when I looked after his mother in Penticton. He was a role role model for many students and friends and a truly humble person. He will be missed. My condolences to the family
Joy Hunter-Teghtmeyer
May 28, 2016
I also had the pleasure of working along side Charlie in the O.R/Cardiac O.R. most of his years at the Foothills. I remember so vividly when he lost his precious daughter Andrea. We were all there to support him during that difficult time. Years later when I loss my son tragicial he was one of the first to send me his condonences, his compassion, his understanding, hope and love. It was a side of him I did not know. We supported each other in a journey that few could understand. My thoughts are with his son, now and the whole Cardiac Program. He will never be replaced but always respected, remembered and loved. Rest in Peace and celebrate your reunion with Andrea.
Brian Starzomski
May 26, 2016
All my condolences to the MacAdams family. He sounds like a wonderful man and a life well lived.
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Meghan O'Connell
May 26, 2016
Dr. MacAdams was truly inspiring. One of the best mentors and teachers I had during my anesthesiology training - he was the type of clinician and person I aspire to be. I will remember him for his compassion and integrity. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Adell Ward
May 26, 2016
My thoughts are with Charlie's family and close friends at this sad time. I met Charlie on an Expedition in Nepal climbing Mera peak and I remember how we spent many hours chatting about our dogs at home.
Michael Cooper
May 25, 2016
Charlie and I both grew up in Penticton and went to medical school together. Charlie was part of the Reach for the Top high school quiz team that made it to the Canadian Finals. I was always in awe of that team, all of whom went on to achieve great things, including Charlie.
Charlie and I wound up taking a year out of medical school to work in the oil fields in Alberta. This seemed like a good idea at the time, but enormously risky for a couple of geeky medical students. I think Charlie was seriously questioning his pursuit of medicine.
I admired Charlie's highly analytical approach. I am sure his choice of cardiac anaesthesia came about as a result of a close examination of his life. He had an enormous intellect and I think needed the challenge and stimulation that a highly technical branch of medicine would have provided. I am sure his many students would have greatly benefited from his teaching.
I also know that Charlie cared deeply for his children and struggled with the death of his daughter at such a young age. The last time I spoke to Charlie, we talked mostly about Jeff and Andrea. Charlie had a very remarkable life and has made lasting contributions to make the world a better place.
Dan McIntyre
May 24, 2016
Charlie was more than just a friend and colleague. He went far above and beyond what anyone would expect from either. His care and compassion were truly exemplary. Some great shoes are no longer filled. He is and will be terribly missed.
Kristi Santosham
May 24, 2016
Thank you for being an exemplary clinician, teacher and person.
Resting near Vogelsang Lake
Michael Cassidy
May 23, 2016
I'm proud to say that Charlie and I were good friends for over 30 years. I will miss our conversations and hikes together. My thoughts are with Jeff and the rest of Charlie's family.
Steve Cornick
May 22, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Charlies family and Colleagues. I enjoyed working with him for the better part of a decade. I will miss his compassion for his patients and for life in general.
David Fermor
May 21, 2016
A remarkable teacher and colleague.
May 21, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Linda Gerlitz-Bédard
May 20, 2016
Remembering you Charlie,the medical support I received nursing post op patients in FMC Recovery Room ,the enjoyable conversations we had , your precise but comprehensive cardiac consults in the Pre Admission Clinic, your care and concern for all patients and co - workers. Charlie you are missed.
With much respect , Linda Gerlitz- Bédard
Ryan Klopp
May 20, 2016
Dr. MacAdams will continue for me and many others to provide us with guidance towards holding ourselves to the highest ethical standard
Elisabeth Taylor
May 20, 2016
Charlie was an extremely talented physician, always treating his patients with compassion, gentleness and respect. He was a passionate and principled man who loved the outdoors, his family and his many Boxer dogs. No conversation with Charlie was ever boring; he had strong opinions and well considered, informed arguments to
support them. I will miss his competence, his conversation, and his sweet smile and hearty laugh.
Becky Rock
May 20, 2016
I had the great pleasure of working alongside Charlie for 8+ years leading the Blood Conservation Program. His passion and dedication to do better for patients will always inspire me...he was a teacher, a mentor and a dear friend whom I'll miss terribly.
My sincerest wishes to Jeff and all of Charlie's family & friends for many fond memories.
Becky Wittman
May 20, 2016
Dr. MacAdams was a pleasure to work with. I remember a time when an over- the-top surgeon was making life miserable for a scared surgical intern. Charlie listened to this abuse for a minute or two then quietly stood up from his chair - leaned over the screen at the head of OR table and calmly stated (to the surgeon), "I think that is quite enough. Please stop talking now." He had high standards and was not afraid to correct you when needed but supportive to all the staff in the OR. Dr M - you will be missed.
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24223 Township Road 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2
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