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JONATHAN BJORN SYMS
Date of Passing: May 09, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJONATHAN (JON) BJORN SYMS As a result of a traffic accident in Toronto on Saturday, May 9, 2015, Jonathan passed away. Despite his early departure, Jonathan lived a full, productive and inspiring life. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a doctor when he graduated in 2004 as an MD from Queens University in Kingston, ON. He continued with a three year residency in Family Practise and Emergency Medicine winning an award for Family Practise at his convocation. Jonathan worked as an hospitalist (medical doctor) at CAMH (Centre for Addictions and Mental Health) in Toronto. In addition to caring for his patients in the Geriatric Section, he was involved in several projects. He was the lead physician for IPAC (infection prevention and control). He updated and was involved in improving the code blue policy and process at CAMH. He acted as a medical consultant for the recent code blue video. He worked on developing CAMH's new electronic medical record system, its implementation and ongoing support for improvement. He was a strong proponent of regional health informatics efforts. He was the most active CAMH clinician with the regional imaging repository where CAMH physicians can review images done at other facilities for CAMH patients. Jonathan was known as the "go to" guy when answers were needed quickly. He would listen carefully, and then calmly come up with the correct solution. He was also an assistant professor and taught psychiatric residents their family practise rotation. He really enjoyed teaching and spent time patiently answering all their questions. In 2011, Jonathan was one of several staff members to receive the Edward W. H. Tremaine Memorial Award of Excellence, an award chosen by his peers for surpassing high standards for performance, creativity, organizational abilities and team work. He didn't mention this to us, of course. Jonathan had many interests outside of the medical field. He actually enjoyed working out at the gym, took tai chi from a Shaolin monk which he thought was pretty cool, took art lessons returning to his talents as an artist and illustrator, and enjoyed treating and spoiling his family, when they visited , to the best restaurants and exhibits, etc., that Toronto has to offer. Jonathan is dearly loved by his parents Leigh and Shirley, sisters Signy and Deirdre (Arman Tesoro), niece Sophia Tesoro; Analee (Kerry); his Toronto family, "brother" Dr. Mike Kis (Dr. Joanna), "nephews" Michael and Matthew Kis; grandmother Alma Syms; uncle David Syms; aunt Lucy Mackay and many cousins. Jonathan is thought of with love by his many friends and colleagues at CAMH who opened up their hearts to us. Manager Rong, Drs. Tania, Vincent, Tarek, Director Amanda and the whole wonderful staff spent hours telling us about his work and showing us around the facility. They provided us with much needed peace and some laughter. We want to thank the kind and compassionate Constable Alain Badiu of the Ontario Provincial Police who went out of his way to help us during the first few days of our arrival in Toronto. No flowers please. Jonathan supported World Vision Canada, Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the United Way to help those less fortunate. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held at First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor Street on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. "What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, God calls a butterfly"- Robert Burney Goda Nott, Elskan NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2015
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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Neighbour from the farm. So sorry for your loss. Our mothers were such good friends. I think of your family often and always with fondness. - Posted by: Mary Wheeler () on: Jul 04, 2015
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Dear Leigh and Shirley, I received notice of the loss of your son Johnathan via my sister Barb Page. I am sad to say that I do not think I ever met him, but in reading his obituary I see that he was a bright light who will be much missed by the many people he loved and served. Please except my heartfelt condolences. With the kindest regards and love, James Ward, Port Townsend, WA - Posted by: James Ward (second cousin) on: Jun 10, 2015
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I am deeply saddened by the death of Jonathan. He was a close friend of mine through residency and through email since then. He and I studied together more than weekly for our exam and enjoyed each other's company. Jon and I did an extensive research project together during our residency. He was like a brother to me, I am shocked to hear of his death. He often spoke of his family when we were hanging out and studying. He really loved you all. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Crystal Doyle (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2015
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My deepest regrets at the loss of your son in his prime and at such a young age in such a tragic way. Sorry for not reading this before I responded to your email. - Posted by: Gordon Syms (Grand Uncle) on: Jun 03, 2015
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Shirley, Leigh, Signy, Deirdre, and Family: my deepest sympathy to all at this time of deep sorrow. Sending love, hugs and prayers. - Posted by: Helen Greengrass (Friend) on: Jun 03, 2015
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Leigh and Shirley. We were so saddened to hear of your sons tragic passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Larry and Inez wadge (Friends) on: May 29, 2015
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Leigh and Shirley: A terrible loss! He was too young, and too early to leave - still had much to give. I share your loss! Neil - Posted by: Neil collette (Friend) on: May 22, 2015
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I have such fond memories of Jonathan :) So saddened by his early departure. Wishing his wonderful family peace and love. He will always be the boy who stood up for me - I am grateful to have had him as a friend. - Posted by: Tina (Giancola) Mancusi (Friend-Laura Secord/Gordon Bell) on: May 22, 2015
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Sending heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Shirley, Leigh, Signy, and Deirdre. What a great loss. Take care. - Posted by: Darlene McMillan Deda (Former teacher @ Laura Secord School) on: May 22, 2015
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Jon was the best of us. Osler's Aequanimitas personified. - Posted by: Jill (Colleague) on: May 21, 2015
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My deepest condolences to Jon's family. I worked with Jon in Toronto as a consultant cardiologist to CAMH patients. He was the consummate professional and a pleasure and honor to work with him. Tragic. Too soon. I will miss him. - Posted by: Richard Choi (Colleague ) on: May 21, 2015
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I have fond memories of Johnathan. He was kind, helpful, and generous even at that young age. My heart goes out to you, Shirley, Leigh , Signy and Deirdre . May God grant you peace with the wonderful memories you have of Johnathan. Love, Connie - Posted by: Connie Fiorentino Scerbo (Laura Secord School) on: May 21, 2015
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Shirley and Leigh, our hearts are broken over the loss of your son/brother! We pray for God's Blessing to you and your family in this time of great sorrow. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are extended to you. - Posted by: Mary and Jim Friesen (Friends of First Lutheran Church) on: May 21, 2015
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Dear Leigh and Shirley, I am so saddened to hear of your loss and wanted you to know our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Robert Barrow () on: May 20, 2015
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Sad. Sounds like such a wonderful young life gone far too soon. Condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Arlene (none) on: May 20, 2015
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Leigh, Shirley and Family, we extend our sincere sympathy and God's blessings to you on the loss of your son and brother, Jonathan. - Posted by: John and Dorothy Breckman (Friends from First Lutheran Church) on: May 20, 2015
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Leigh and Shirley, we are deeply saddened at your loss. We remember Jonathon fondly, sitting with you as a family in the pew just in front of us. His life, albeit too short, is a wonderful tribute to the man he became. Please know that you are all in our thoughts at this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Wayne and Dawn Byron (Friends of First Lutheran Church) on: May 20, 2015