David Popkin

Dr. David Richard Popkin
1940 - 2014
Dr. David Richard Popkin, physician, educator, purveyor of hope and wise council, and loving family man, died peacefully at home in Saskatoon on January 7, 2014.
David was born in Montréal on July 1, 1940 and grew up in Senneville, Québec, with his parents John and Elizabeth Popkin (née Strickland) and his two brothers.
David graduated from Macdonald High School, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, in 1957, and received a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Macdonald College in 1962 before studying medicine at McGill University (M.D., C.M., 1966). David married the love of his life Linda (née Marvin), on August 8, 1964 and between 1966 and 1973 they had four children. David received his FRCSC in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1971 and specialist training in gynecological oncology at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, New York, (1972). He practiced at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montréal from 1972 to 1982, until he accepted the position of Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine (1982-1991). He and Linda packed up four kids and two dogs, left Montréal and drove west to settle in Saskatoon. Between 1991 and 1993, David was Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education and Clinical Affairs, and later Dean of Medicine (1993 to 2001). In 2002 he moved to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency where he served as the Executive Director of the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic (2002-2006) and Vice-President and Senior Medical Officer of the Agency (2006-2010), until he retired at the age of 70.
A compassionate physician, David cared deeply about each of his patients. He was a dedicated leader in the field of women's health, a pioneer in gynecological laser surgery, and, in later years, a strong supporter of the Living with Hope research program to help palliative care patients die with dignity in peace and comfort. He was passionate about social justice and equality, and organized teaching and exchange opportunities in Somalia, China and India. Recognized as a leader in his field, he was President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada (1986-1987), the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada (1988), and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (1990).
A dedicated volunteer that loved his community, David was a member on the Board of Directors for Persephone Theatre (1984-1986), Provincial Surgeon of St. John's Ambulance, Saskatoon (1986-1992), Officer of the Order of St. John's from 1992, member of the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Saskatchewan (1989-1998), member of the Saskatchewan Health Services and Research Commission (1992-1997), member of the Saskatoon Meewasin Rotary Club from 1991 (President 2001-2002), Chair of the Family Service Saskatoon Foundation (2005-2009) and a member of Vestry (2010-2013) and Rector's Warden (2011-2013) at St. James Anglican Church, Saskatoon.
David's only hobby was his family and he dedicated what free time he had to them. His humor was gentle and persistent, and the twinkle in his eye was with him until the end. He was a capital storyteller and a surprisingly good birder. He and Linda welcomed all into their home and family with open arms.
David is survived by his wife Linda and their four children David Michael Popkin, Erica Hoffart, Amanda Popkin, Peter (Trish) Popkin and four (soon to be five) grandchildren. David is also survived by his brothers John (Judy) Popkin and James (Dawn) Popkin, sister-in-law Lorna Marvin, and their families.
He was deeply loved and is sorely missed.
The funeral is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. John's Anglican Cathedral in Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations made to the Prairie Hospice Society Inc. (716 Queen St., Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M9). Condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.