DUNCAN JOHN GILLESPIE

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• Dr. Gillespie was my surgeon when I rotated on the orange service back in 1993/94, and his easygoing and pleasant manner really stood out. I was never going to become a surgeon, but that rotation was enjoyable thanks to him. I cracked a joke once he laughed at, if only I could remember it! My belated condolences to his family. I'm thankful I randomly clicked on a Rady UM email today and saw that Dr. Gillespie (whom I thought of recently when listening to the old Dr. Kildare radio show) had passed, and I could pay my respects. - Posted by: Dylan Marantz (Medical Student) on: Jul 20, 2022

• Condolences to his family; he’s certainly a huge loss for everyone who crossed life paths with him. So many fond memories of the great Dr. Gillespie. The most complex patients, the most challenging surgeries. So devoted and so committed to his patients, so compassionate. With us, his residents, he was so patient, and treated us with dignity and respect. He treated his Canadian and Saudi residents just the same, justly and fairly. I have many happy memories with this outstanding human, and he shared many stories and anecdotes with me from his travels to Churchill and other places up north. As said by one of his colleagues: he represented the best of Canada; I say he represented the best of humanity. Rest In Peace Dr. Gillespie; you’ll be forever in our memories. - Posted by: Hasan Al Massloom (Resident 1994-1999) on: Oct 14, 2021

• I was so fortunate to rotate on the red (GI surgery) service as both a medical student and resident, and mentored specifically by Dr Gillespie and Dr John Crispin. Both of them were exceptionally kind and patient and had a great influence on me ultimately as an academic surgeon and how I should treat trainees and patients with respect. I went up to Churchill twice with Dr Gillespie and was inspired to care for those in remote areas of the world globally. - Posted by: Martin Koyle (Surgery Resident) on: Apr 19, 2021

• I was fortunate to have rotated on Dr. Gillespie's service as a medical student, intern and then as a surgical resident. He was not only an excellent surgeon but also a great teacher who was exceptionally kind to his residents and to his patients. He was an extremely kind and gentle human being who was highly respected by colleagues, students, and patients. Extremely humble and a delightful person to work with. I cherish the time I worked with him, he made residency pleasant. Incredible role model for all the surgical residents he mentored. Condolences to his family, I know he will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Arnold Zeal (Former surgical resident under Dr. Gillespie) on: Apr 19, 2021

• Both I and my Wife Judith have fond memories of Duncan. My wife Dr. Judith Doyle gave many anesthetics for him but I mainly knew him through frequent conversations in the Surgeons lounge at the HSC throughout the 70's/80's and into the 90's. Although our specialties were far apart he always came across as a considerate, modest man without any pretentions of superiority. He represented the best of Canada. May he rest in Peace and our condolences to all of his family. - Posted by: John Curran and Judith Doyle (Colleagues) on: Mar 10, 2021

• Duncan was in every sense a true gentleman. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, whether you were prince or pauper, co worker or support staff. He is so deserving of every tribute offered. As the saying goes - he lived, he loved, he laughed - and now the world will never be the same. Sharon and Tom Trosky - Posted by: sharon Trosky (friend and nurse) on: Mar 10, 2021

• Dr. Gillespie was one of my mentors during my training as a surgeon. He was instrumental in shaping my career In surgery. He is who I try to emulate my professional life. He helped everyone and anytime that asked for it and I was witness to that many times during my residency. His gentle voice still echoes in my head when I am faced with a tough surgical case and how to solve a problem. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Sonny dhalla (Former resident) on: Mar 09, 2021

• I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Gillespie's passing, he was a very nice man and a pleasure to work with. May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to the family. Sharon Pospishell - Posted by: Sharon Pospishell (Co worker at Manitoba Health) on: Mar 07, 2021

• As mentioned in the obituary, Dr. Gillespie was a respected surgeon, but also a role model and mentor for trainees to emulate. He was a "patient's surgeon". He devoted himself day and night and at any time to the most complex surgical patients. He was the "go-to" surgeon in difficult situations, as I experienced with many patients of mine, and with my own care. And even in these situations, he was always gentle, kind and with a most comforting smile and sense of humour. He represented the gentle, human, caring face of healing, so important for recovery. It was a privilege to have trained under his supervision, to become his colleague and also his patient. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Luis Oppenheimer (Trainee, colleague and former patient) on: Mar 06, 2021

• I came to Canada from Saudi Arabia in the summer of 1998 hoping to learn surgery. What Dr. Gillispie taught me first is how to be human, patient and caring. He was always treating us like his children and we always felt safe and protected around him. - Posted by: Faisal Alsaif (Student) on: Mar 06, 2021