Ronald DOUCETTE

Dr. Ronald Doucette
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Ronald Doucette on May 15, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Daphne; daughter Amanda; his amazing family: parents Jean and Ernest Doucette; siblings Wayne (Linda), Gary (Dianne), Blair (Georgia), Alan (Jody), Gwen (Todd) and Darlene; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. Ron was born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island on January 29, 1953 – it was there that he met his wife of 42 years, Daphne. Together, they moved around the country for Ron to pursue continued education. First, to Wolfville, Nova Scotia for Ron to obtain a Bachelor of Science (Honours in Psychology) from Acadia University in May 1976. Then to Guelph, Ontario, where Ron obtained a Master of Arts degree from the University of Guelph in October 1977. To London, Ontario for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy from the University of Western Ontario in June 1982. Finally, Ron completed post-doctoral research first in Hamilton (McMaster University) – where in 1983 daughter Amanda was born - and then back to London, Ontario for another post-doctoral position. They eventually settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1985, when Ron was hired to be part of the faculty of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Ron was passionate about his work – he was a skilled teacher and loved to educate others about the brain and the anatomy of the human body. He was the recipient of two Master Teacher Awards during his tenure as a professor. He was also an influential scientist and devoted most of his career to research in the areas of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Through his research, Ron travelled across Canada and the United States, and even to Sweden for collaboration and speaking engagements. Ron cherished the friendships of his close colleagues. We thank you for always being there for him. Ron loved to learn and looked at each day as an opportunity for new knowledge. Even when faced with a debilitating illness, he found ways to educate those around him – his meticulous data entry about his symptoms while on treatment will no doubt serve to inform science. Ron was an avid reader. He loved attending Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan – a yearly ritual with his daughter Amanda. Ron also loved his trips to Las Vegas with Daphne, where Ron always had to get to the Orleans Hotel and Casino for a bowl of clam chowder. We are forever grateful to all of the doctors and nurses who were a part of Ron's care team throughout his journey. We thank Dr. Terepa for your diagnosis of Ron's illness and for your continuing care to Ron and his family. To Ron's oncologist, Dr. Iqbal, for the respect you always showed to Ron and for your efforts to improve his quality of life. To all the nurses at palliative home care who tended to Ron each week, but in particular, to Gail Fitzpatrick who was truly an angel to Ron and his family throughout his illness and especially in the last few days of his life. To all the countless doctors, nurses and support staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Lenore Medical Clinic, Royal University Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, and City Hospital who touched Ron's life through the past few years – we thank you. A Celebration of Ron's Life will take place in the evening on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church (217 Lenore Drive) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc. or Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements in care of David Polzen – Mourning Glory Funeral Services 306-978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca