Dr Ian Turnbull saved my life in 1962.  I was 6 years old.  I had been run over by a car and had a compound skull fracture.  I was not expected to live.  I was unconscious 13 days after my operation.  I then had meningitis 4 years later when he operated on me again for a brain fluid leak.  I owed my life to him again.  Ian was a great man!   Bless him!

I simply recall his high intellect, his sense of humour and the deep love and life he enjoyed with his beloved wife Patti, who passed away before Ian did. This left a huge hole in his life. May we all cherish his memory.  Felix 

I first met Ian in 1953 while registering as a freshman at UBC and our friendship grew as I followed him to Medical School and then training in neurosurgery in Toronto.  Then  in 1968 he welcomed me as a colleague  when I joined the  Neurosurgery group at VGH.  Throughout these formative years he was like an older brother. A trusted source of thoughtful advice, insight,  personalities, prohibitions but never criticism. In those early years our young Families shared many happy times getting established in Vancouver or holidays  on Savary Island and Whistler or as couples at surgical meetings around the World. 
A kind and considerate man  Ian cared for his friends and worked at maintaining friendships. Even after I left Vancouver and until this past year he would call two or three times a year "just for a chat".  We would speak about our children, our hobbies, reminisce about neurosurgery, colleagues and a little politics.  An old and lasting  friendship without competition and few regrets.
I will miss these calls as his Family and friends will miss his wise counsel.  Even so, we are so enriched from being part of his life.

How absolutely devastating to learn about Ian's passing at the end of July.  I entered his working life in the Fall of 2003 as the last of his three secretaries at the point when Frauke was leaving after more than two decades.  I could imagine Ian's dismay at having to acclimate to someone new, but he readily took me in stride.  Having worked at VGH for some years in the Seventies, I was aware of Ian's stature in the medical community; however, his easygoing manner soon got me past the feeling of wanting to bow in his presence.   We quickly established workdays that were very busy, but allowed a unique latitude that suited each of us.  Without discussion and without criticism, he trusted me in every aspect of managing his varied practice.  I consider my 14 years of working for Ian as very good luck, a great privilege, and incredibly enriching.  On reading the many tributes to him as a person and the illuminating descriptions of his distinguished career, I envy everyone who experienced Ian for so many more years and in so many different roles; however, my gratitude for having known him, even for a short time in the scope of his long life, is immense.

My most sincere condolences to all of Ian's family in the loss of this unforgettable man.

Lynne Davis

It saddens me to hear of Ian’s passing.  

I first met Ian through his father, Dr. Frank Turnbull when I was completing my internships and core surgical training at the Vancouver General Hospital (1952-1955).  While my decision to pursue Neurosurgery (FRCSC 1959; McGill/MNI) was being influenced by Dr. Turnbull Senior, Ian was completing his medical training. 

Ian and I became colleagues in 1966 when he returned from U of T to join the Division of Neurosurgery. By then, I had taken over the role of Chief from Frank (1965-1991). I am grateful for the many discussions we had over how to proceed through the surgical challenges we were facing.  

Seeing the kind words about Ian makes me realize how fortunate I am to have known him, his family and most of the other people who have spoken about Ian’s kind heart, gentle ways and excellence in stereotactic neurosurgery.

Sincerely, 
Gordon B. Thompson


       I was very saddened to learn of Ian's passing....I had a long telephone conversation with him in June and we sure talked alot about the days gone bye.
      I met Ian when I was 7 years old when we moved to Beverley Crescent in Vancouver... Ian lived accross the street from me.
      So one might say we grew up together and we had quite a gang of buddys from Beverley Crescent; John Hunt, Brian Hunt, Dave Sheasgreen, Pat Gadd, Bob Chess, Myrna  Toban , Cam Harstone, Derek Bagshaw, John Yuill and lots more in the area!!
      We didn't see that much of esach other after I moved to the Okanagan; maybe 4 or 5 times a year when I'd come to Vancouver for a meeting or when he come up to visit family in the Okanagan..
      Ian was the founder of the Prince of Wales "Old Boys"  annual Christmas lunch back in the 1970's.... which has been going strong ever since... he will be very much missed when we meet again for this luncheon...Although the pandemic has probably put a "Damper" on it for this year.
      On December 5/19 the day before our annual luncheon last year I came to town and picked Ian up and we drove the old Beverley Crescent neighbourhood... then a tour around Stanley Park ,a White Spot lunch with Derek & Cynthia Bagshaw.. and finally a visit with Phil  & Brita Owen at the Point Grey Private Hospital.
       Our Dec 6, 2019  "Old Boys" Lunch at RVYC was the last occasion I saw Ian I'm sad to say!!!
       My sincere condolances to Ians family . They and I  will miss him very much!!
                   Rest in Peace my friend till we meet again in Heaven !!
Derek F. Allen
Coldstream (Vernon) B.C.

Ian was five years older; part of the neighbourhood gang that included my older brother, John.  The Turnbulls lived on Beverley Crescent- just across the street from us. Ian being so bright (No surprise when one knew his mom, Jean, and his dad, Frank.) he skipped a grade in high school and entered University before the rest of his Prince of Wales comrades. I always thought Ian as quiet and reserved until the night at one of the Neurosurgical dinners, he stood and related one of the funniest and cleverest jokes that I have always remembered.  Ian came to my assistance on many of occasions when I needed to refer a patient for his expertise in pain and or a movement disorder.  Although, everyone has referred to Ian's gentle nature,  I can assure you that in the Peak to Valley ski races where I was teamed with Ian that he was an aggressive force to be reckoned. I miss him, greatly and I plan a personal letter to the family.

I was very saddened by the news of Dr. Ian Turnbull’s passing. 
He will be remembered as a fine, caring, kind and fair ‘boss’.  
He had only 3 secretaries during his long career, which in itself speaks for his character.  
I was the middle one - for 22 years. None of us left him for another job.  We left because of life’s circumstances.  I had to quit when my husband was diagnosed with 4th stage colon cancer and I needed to care for him.  
Dr Turnbull always kept in touch with his secretaries over  the years.  The last time I saw him was 
when he invited the three of us and Anna for lunch at the QE restaurant to celebrate his retirement. 
Dr Turnbull was an example of the perfect boss.  He was a man of integrity, easy going, loyal, calm, compassionate, with a sense of humour , who always looked out for us.  
I have many fond memories. For instance when he and his wife invited me and my daughter to his beach house on Savory Island.  
He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him  
He will never be forgotten.  
Frauke Owen.  


To Ian's Family
I did not have the opportunity to train under Ian nor did I practice with  him, but i am indebted to him for Wednesday and subsequently Thursday early morning chats at Starbucks, before rounds.  I learned so much about neurosurgery in Vancouver, and skiing at Whistler.   He taught me to appreciate the beauty of the West Coast with all it has to offer.  He also shone light on the support that can come from colleagues and "Elders".  
I am honored to have been, for too brief a time,  in Ian's bubble.

Doug C

I was informed today August 10, 2020 of Dr. Ian Turnbull's passing in July.  As a resident in training under his guidance between July 1983 in June 1988 I found him to be fair, calm, even-tempered and always concerned for the best outcome for his patients.  I respected him for his intense interest and efforts in the field of functional and pain neurosurgery.  Few, if any, at the time were willing to take on this task in the specialty.  I agree with many of the sentiments posted by his friends and he was always supportive of my efforts within the department during my tenure at UBC for I left for UCSF.  I can remember back then this was a very difficult decision for me, my wife and my colleagues.  I remember Ian coming to my office late 1 day when I was trying to decide what to do, and the long discussion that we had about the many aspects both personal and professional, involved with the decision.  He was supportive and reassuring.  It took away some of the pain and guilt that I felt for the decision I was about to make and I will always remember, and thank him for that.  He was part of a great family history of neurosurgery in western Canada.  He will be missed.

As a former resident at the University of British Columbia between 1983 and 1988, and then as a member of the faculty between 1990 and 1992, I was saddened to hear of Ian's passing.  I agree with the sentiments of many of those who have posted memories about Ian's life and legacy.  Ian was always supportive of my efforts to advance academics in the Division of Neurosurgery at UBC and was supportive of my move to the University of California, San Francisco to pursue something more than just clinical neurosurgery.  He was a calm, even-tempered and a fair man.  My condolences to you and your families at this time.
Sincerely, Michael McDermott

As a novice Neuro Nurse and a very novice manager on D4 at VGH, I welcomed the support and knowledge afforded me by Dr Turnbull.
He was soft-spoken with a great sense of humour --I always remember his story about walking on water that he built up and then stepped onto his pool and sank to the bottom-- upon surfacing he said "Of course it doesn't always work!!"
What did work was his ability to relieve pain and give people suffering from cancer pain a few months of comfort.
At international Neuro conferences when asked where I was from, I said Vancouver and the person would say "Oh that's where Ian Turnbull is from!!"  It was at one of these conferences, in San Francisco, a group of us went to dinner and Ian talked me into trying raw oysters.  After forcing down the first one I was hooked--thanks for that Ian.
Dear Dr Turnbull rest in peace and know that the world has lost a great Neurosurgeon.
Sympathies to the family
Betty King-Ross


I had the pleasure to study neurosurgery under Dr. Turnbull from 1990-1995. This audience may know that Dr. Turnbull’s father, Frank, was the first neurosurgeon in British Columbia. The pioneers of brain surgery in this province understood that the field would advance if individuals focused their attention in specialized areas. Ian chose Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery – the field of neurosurgery that can benefit patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or pain disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia. I vividly remember one of his patients dancing around their wheelchair the morning after their surgery. The spectacular results of his surgeries inspired me to follow him into the same area of neurosurgery. I am forever grateful.

While I was training in Vancouver, I had no idea how well-known Dr. Turnbull was around the world – a comment on his modesty. His early studies on the microcirculation of the spinal cord (J Neurosurg 1971;35:141-147) have become classics. Last year, I was moderating a meeting in Moscow when the presenter quoted this paper in his introduction.  At the international meetings, Ian and Patti would be invited to sit at the “VIP Table”. He was good friends with the Who’s Who of stereotactic and functional. At a recent meeting in Guadalajara, the president of the Mexican Neurosurgery Society took great pleasure in showing me the signatory page from their 1979 meeting – “Ian Turnbull, Vancouver, Canada” – was at the top.

I followed Dr. Turnbull’s lead academically, but he was also was a marvelous surgical role model. Calm, thoughtful, and balanced. Dr. Turnbull combined the everyday excellence of patient care with an academic curiosity to advance the field of neurosurgery. He was a personal inspiration and guided me into my career. I last met Dr. Turnbull at a baseball game where his grandson, Cam, was playing against my youngest. He was engaged and happy.

Rest in peace. You were a gentleman and a scholar.

Chris

Dear Ian was a mentor and teacher of so many of us!  He was a very intelligent neurosurgeon with a lot of skill in at the time the relatively newly developing field of stereotactic surgery. He provided relief to hundreds of patients suffering from disabling diseases. He had a keen sense of humour and his patients enjoyed his dedicated care. He was a strong family man and my heart goes out to the various members of his family. He excelled in skiing and loved his Savary Island retreat. He will be remembered by his colleagues for his plain common sense and courteous behaviour. Rest in Peace, good soldier!

With respect and fond memories, Felix 

Dr. Turnbull

Missed seeing you this year at the BC Neurosciences dinner. Wondered how you were. Sorry to see you leave. All our time passes. Memories keep us alive. My first burrhole as a resident was with you. That memory will keep you alive with me.

Nobby

I was a resident under Dr. Turnbull's tutelage from 1987 to 1992.
I echo Dr. Fairholm's sentiment that he never displayed anger and was a well rounded individual.  He was an avid skier and we often traded stories about our respective exploits on the mountains.  He was chief examiner for the Royal College and responsible for the development of neurosurgeons throughout Canada.  I will miss Dr. Turnbull and his self-deprecating manor.  He had a well-lived life!

Ian was a wonderful colleague and friend. My year with him As research assistant was my first as a resident. He was a pleasure to work for and with.  It was during that year when my interest in spinal cord (the biggest nerve in the body) began. Ian was an avid and accomplished skier and he would often take me along. Those were the days before Whistler Village was and when some of the runs used to end in the old garbage dump somewhere down by Green Lake.
Ian was a gentle person and I never knew him to become angry. Ian believed in a balance between work, life and recreation. He was a great friend and colleague and it will be many a year before  we have another colleague who embodies the characteristics and qualities he had and lived.
David Fairholm

Anna, Ross, Frank, Gordie and families - Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.  I was saddened when I heard your Dad had passed away.  So many wonderful memories!  I worked for your Dad from 1970 to 78 as his medical office assistant, my favourite job ever, only to leave when expecting our first child.  Janis and Ian welcomed John and I into their family and we became fast friends.  So many things to thank them for, its hard to know where to begin.  Churchill Street, wonderful pool parties, delicious dinners., Savary Island flying up in the Daddy plane or motoring up in our boat, digging clams, jigging for shiners., fabulous dinners at Escargot, dancing at Oil Can Harry’s , dinners in our Beach Towers condo playing The Dictionary Game (your Dad knew all the answers as the words were usually of Latin derivatives), all 6 of you coming to the P&O dock where The Canberra was sendIng me off on my cruise, all 6 of you attending my wedding., supplying us with nursery items and baby clothes when we were first expecting, our farewell at Savary when John was transferred to Ontario.  There were so many more wonderful times!  Your Dad stayed in touch with us over the next 30 years.  We would meet for lunches, share family moments, talk current affairs.  When John developed Lewy Body Dementia,  your Dad referred us to the “best” doctors at UBC, always caring and concerned for our well being.  We met he and Patti many times in Maui sharing meals together at the Kapalua golf course.  After I lost John, your Dad stayed in touch and along with his only other two secretaries and sometimes Anna, we would meet and celebrate  his birthday with a lunch.  He was so good about staying in touch over those 50 years.  I  have kept and cherished  many Christmas gifts he gave me.  He always signed his cards from “The Boss”.  Your Dad was and will always be a favourite of mine - definitely a class act.  I shall miss him.  Love to all.  
Sharon Fearn

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ian Marr Turnbull

27 novembre 1933 – 31 juillet 2020

Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service