Dr. Linda May Vickars MD, FRCPC

Linda passed away in Vancouver with her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Sheldon (Shelly) Naiman, at her side. She was born in Vancouver to Robert and Dorothy Rowan; her Dad predeceased her in 1979, her Mother in 2008 and her brother, Bruce, in 1974. She is survived by her sister, Donna (Neil) Ornstein, and brother, Ken Rowan (Libby Racey), and nephews, Chris, Sam and Teddy Rowan. She is also survived by an extended family of 5 step-children: Aaron, Rachel, Aleya, Jared, Jonathan and 8 grandchildren.

Linda obtained her Doctor of Medicine from UBC in 1976 and, after further studies in New Zealand, returned to Vancouver to complete her specialty in hematology. She spent the majority of her career at St. Paul’s Hospital, where she was the head of the Division of Hematology and its consultation service from 1994 to 2006. She was also the Director of three Province of BC programs that included hemophilia, hemoglobinopathies, and transfusion related iron overload. She was acknowledged as a distinguished teacher in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC where she held the title of Clinical Professor Emeritus.

Linda and Shelly had a passion for traveling, stepping foot on all 7 continents and visiting over 50 countries. She loved retreating to Whistler which she described as “my valium”. Being in her kitchen, baking and cooking, also brought her (and others!) great pleasure.

Linda was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 and lived the remainder of her life enjoying the chance to spend more time with family and friends. She and Shelly are very grateful for all the support from them, as well as Dr. Debbie Hoeberg, the BCCA and her caregivers, Joan, MaryAnn and Zeny.

Private family service. No flowers please. If desired, donations may be made to the “UBC Sheldon Naiman and Linda Vickars Hematology Endowment Fund” c/o Development Office, UBC Faculty of Medicine, 317 – 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3. http://cbr.ubc.ca/support-us/donation-info/