LUIS OPPENHEIMER, M.D., PhD

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• Luis had a great impact on me when I was a medical student. He was a devoted surgeon and teacher, but more importantly, mentor, who really stimulated me in planning my own career. I was fortunate to be invited back to Winnipeg as visiting professor and cherish the breakfast we had together and a photo I had taken with him and Nathan Wiseman - Posted by: Marty Koyle (Colleague) on: Aug 11, 2025

• It was a privilege to be part of the team working in SICU in the 80’s and 90’s. Luis’ calm and gentle manner, his easy smile and kind treatment of all, despite the many pressures of the time..wow. I recall the time that a young woman came to the unit seriously injured in an MVA. Luis’ determination to save her life exemplified his dedication. She lived, because we all believed Luis and his care. So glad she is still alive, a tribute to Luis’ work. He made all team members feel valued. It was also wonderful to meet Mark during redeployment to MICU during the pandemic which facilitated a reconnection with Luis. Such a special man. Thank you for the opportunity to express our appreciation of Luis and his work. - Posted by: Pamela Poulter Friesen (Nurse, friend) on: Jun 25, 2025

• I fondly recall working with Luis in SICU in the early 70’s. He was so friendly, a gifted doctor and always respected working with nurses and his many colleagues. Seeing him periodically over several years was always a pleasure to see his friendly smile. He was an excellent doctor, a humble, gentle person devoted to patient care and team work. I was very saddened to read of his passing. HSC and U of M were truly blessed to have him in so many roles. He will be dearly missed by many. My sincere condolences to Jocelyn, his family, colleagues and friends. Farewell Luis. - Posted by: Margaret Ogonowski (Former Colleague and Friend) on: Jun 25, 2025

• I am so sad to hear of Luis’s passing. Condolences to your family. I worked with Luis on e-consult for only around 2 years, but he made a big impact on me. I have so much admiration for him. He always treated me (and everyone) with respect, kindness, and as an equal. When we would walk through the halls of a hospital or U of M together, it was like being with a celebrity! Past students and colleagues would always run up to him, very happy to see him. He always took the time to chat. Luis also loved telling me about his family. I remember how excited he was to go see his daughter in Montreal and talking about his son’s work. We went to do training in the offices that used to be the residency apartments for U of M med school. He reminisced about the old days of being a resident and his life then. He laughed how one winter he kept using the tunnels (from the apartment to school), was so busy, and forgot to go outside for months. He was the best person, and I am grateful I had those couple of years working for him. - Posted by: Kelly (Former Employee) on: Jun 23, 2025

• Condolences to Jocelyn, Mark, and Maya. Luis was a surgeon, clinician, and researcher who embodied the art and science of medicine. He was truly one of the "good ones" and will be sorely missed. Thank you for your tutelage and service. Rest easy, Luis. - Posted by: Barb Burr (Colleague and friend) on: Jun 16, 2025

• My condolences to your family. I never met him personally, but he was a nice looking man in the picture. He did good work here on Earth and I know that God is pleased with him. My family and I are praying for you. - Posted by: Lori Agustine Hermano (Fellow Staff - Information And Paging) on: Jun 14, 2025

• Jocelyn, Mark & Mia, I am so very sorry to have heard about Luis’ death. Luis was an outstanding physician who demonstrated such compassion for his patients and their families. Luis never stopped looking for options for patients and for better ways to improve health services for Manitobans. He was a pleasure to work with and a truly inspirational person. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Wendy Rudnick (Work colleague) on: Jun 13, 2025

• As a nurse manager I worked with Dr Oppenheimer for many years. I will always remember him as a kind, soft spoken man who was dedicated to making the world of surgery a better place. Condolences to his family. - Posted by: Beverly Burton-Guindon (Colleague) on: Jun 11, 2025

• I am forever grateful to Dr. Oppenheimer for his life-saving intervention. That December evening, many years ago, when all seemed lost, Luis told my mom that all treatments had been exhausted. But he had a trial drug, and she said sure, use it. That is what saved my life, and here I am 35 years later because of the dedication of this wonderful man. May God bless Luis and all who loved him. RIP - Posted by: Tara Ryner nee Provo (Patient) on: Jun 10, 2025

• SO SAD TO HEAR OF LUIS`S PASSING. I HAVE VERY STRONG MEMORIES OUR RELATIONSHIPS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS TO THE FAMILY WITH SINCERE CONDOLENCES Duncan Scurrah - Posted by: John Duncan SCURRAH (RETIRED SURGEON) on: Jun 09, 2025

• I am very sorry to hear Luis has passed away. Luis stepped back to oversee research at HSC in 2019 after another colleague left bringing his extensive expertise and calm professionalism during a challenging time which included the COVID-19 pandemic. I greatly appreciated his wisdom and his willingness to step back in at a critical time. I also was aware at HSC of Luis’s many years of total devotion to his patients - it was always patients first with Luis. Deepest condolences to his family and may Luis Rest In Peace always. - Posted by: Ronan Segrave (I am the former Chief Operating Officer of HSC) on: Jun 08, 2025

• I was a surgical resident in Winnipeg from 1982-1987 and Dr Oppenheimer was chief of surgical intensive care unit at Health Sciences Centre then. He taught me much about the scientific approach to surgery. I remember his teaching all the surgical residents in both the OR theater and ICU. - Posted by: John Spielman (Surgical resident of his) on: Jun 08, 2025

• Richard & Karen had the great privilege of working with Dr. Oppenheimer at HSC and U of M Medicine for a number of years. A kind, brilliant man. He had a quiet presence but such influence and the obvious respect from all. After Richard & Karen retired, he always asked about us through Karen’s Sister, Robin who kept in contact with him for years in her position at WRHA, even as recently as May 30. She is grieving the loss of this wonderful man, of whom she was in awe. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Richard & Karen Howell & Robin Shreiber (Former work colleagues) on: Jun 08, 2025

• Luis was one of the most amazing people I ever encountered. Working for him was the most amazing jobs I ever had. I feel very sad for the friends and family and look forward to a celebration of his life. Goodbye Luis, sad to see you go. - Posted by: Don Huebert (former employee) on: Jun 07, 2025