Patrick John Doyle M.D.

PATRICK JOHN DOYLE, MD, FRCPS(C) November 17, 1926 - May 21, 2008 (Vancouver) Pat was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, son of the late William and Bertha Doyle. His fondest childhood memories included summers on the nearby ranch of his grandfather, Patrick, a member of the NorthWest Mounted Police. He loved sports, excelling in hockey. Told by a teacher that a person from his family's social standing would not become a doctor, he responded with the resolve that marked his entire life. He commenced his outstanding medical career at the University of Saskatchewan in 1943, taking on all comers in the residence at table tennis. In 1944 he moved to the University of Alberta, receiving his B.Sc. in 1947 and his MD in 1949. In Edmonton he met the love of his life, Irene Strilchuk. They were married May 21, 1949. That same day, 59 years later, Pat passed away in Irene's arms, flanked by their children and grandchildren. Pat is survived by Irene, their children Sharon, Pat (Patricia), Bob (Gretchen), Barbara (Ron), Joe (Joanne), and Kathleen (Mike), their grandchildren Robert, James, Caitlin, Erin, Laura, Conor, Sean, Matthew, Michael, Grace, Courtney, Nolan and Quinn, and his sister Leone. In 1949 Pat and Irene arrived in Vancouver. Both commenced their careers at St. Paul's Hospital, Pat as an intern, Irene as a nurse. In 1951 Pat completed his residency at St. Paul's and commenced family practice at 25th and Main. There were long hours and many house calls, often with Irene at his side. Pat was one of many caregivers for those caught in the tragic collapse of the Ironworkers' Memorial Bridge. Pat loved general practice, but as he put it he "wanted to be the last word". He chose to specialize in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery (ear, nose and throat). In 1958 he commenced his residency at the University of Oregon in Portland under Dr. David DeWeese. He was certified in Otolaryngology in Canada in 1961 and the United States in 1962. Pat practised ENT in Vancouver from 1961 to 1965. In 1965 he returned to Portland to join the faculty at University of Oregon Medical School. He returned to Vancouver in 1970, and in 1972 was appointed Head of the Division of Otolaryngology at UBC, a position he held until his mandatory "retirement" in 1991, after which he continued to practice as Emeritus Professor. Under his leadership, the ENT program at UBC gained international prominence for training and research, producing many fine practitioners, teachers and researchers who have gone on to serve worldwide. Their devotion to Pat was expressed in many ways, including the creation of the Patrick J. Doyle Annual Teaching Award, of which he was the first recipient in 1994. Pat felt privileged that through his surgery, clinical practice, teaching, extensive writings and presentations, in Canada and internationally, he was able to help so many people, especially to recover their voices and hearing. His many accomplishments included pioneering the first Cochlear Implant program in Canada; he was the first surgeon in Canada to install this device, allowing a young woman to again hear sounds and understand speech. He instituted the Otolaryngology Research Facility. He was elected President of the American Board of Otolaryngology in 1989 - the first Canadian in any medical specialty to hold such a position. In 2006 his peers granted him the rare, international honour of a Citation from the Triological Society. A long time patron of the Vancouver Oral Centre for Deaf Children, in 2005 he received their Recognition Award at their Butterfly Ball. He received the University of Alberta's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1995. He was a visiting professor at 11 universities in Canada, the US and New Zealand, and was privileged to be Chair of the medical committee for the 1984 visit to Vancouver of Pope John Paul II. Pat was an avid sportsman throughout his life, and he coached hockey and baseball. Many of his happiest moments were spent on the golf course, with his family and his many friends at Shaughnessy, Point Grey, the Portland Golf Club and the old Quilchena Golf Club. Pat suffered a serious stroke in 2002. He employed the same determination and perseverance he had instilled in his patients. Aided by the prayers and support of family and friends and the efforts of the doctors, nurses and staff at both VGH and G.F. Strong, he survived. He endured the challenges of the next six years without complaint. He took great pleasure in the additional time with his family and friends, and was blessed by being able to spend so much time with all his grandchildren, the youngest ones growing old enough that they knew him well and will always remember him. He loved hosting the frequent - and noisy - gatherings of this throng of children and grandchildren, including one earlier this month. Sadly, a few days later Pat was admitted to hospital due to complications that had their genesis in his stroke. He died at St. Paul's, where he and Irene had started their lives in Vancouver 59 years ago, and where he had cared for others for so many decades. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Paul's, including those in the ICU who cared for him so well in his last days, as well as well Pat's friends, colleagues and classmates from Vancouver, Portland, Edmonton and around the world who have been so supportive throughout his life. Pat's funeral is Saturday, May 24 at 2:00 pm at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 5457 Trafalgar Street, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Pacific Otolaryngology Foundation, co-founded by Pat and Dr. Quentin Jacks in 1978. The POF is dedicated to ear, nose and throat research at UBC, and supports the Doyle/Jacks Professorship at UBC. The POF mailing address is 2153 West 51st Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6P 1E4. Kearney Funeral Services (604) 736-0268