One year later, the death of Dr. Joffe still saddens me greatly. Dr.Joffe was my saving grace while suffering for over ten years. He was, and is still, the most medically and therapeutically sound professional I have ever met. I am sure that his family, and those who knew him well, are at loss with his premature death. I thank him forever for all that he has contributed to my life and wellbeing. May God bless the Joffe family.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Joffe’s death. He was my doctor from 1992-1999. He was my lifeline all those years. Without his medicine and his compassionate care, I would not be where I am today, living a healthy and creative life. He always encouraged me to make art - a way to hold onto hope. I have never forgotten his kindness and I feel I am missing him all over again. My condolences to his family.

This man, Dr. Joffe, changed my child's life.  Words cannot adequately say how grateful we are for him.

Russell was a friend of mine throughout our student days at medical school. He was truly brilliant and went on to achieve so much in his life. We did, unfortunately, lose contact with each other but I always admired him from a distance. My sincere condolences to all his family. I am sorry that I have only learnt of his passing in December 2017. Colin Jacobson. Adelaide. Australia.

To Dr. Joffe's family, please accept my sincerest condolences.  I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Dr. Joffe was a wonderful doctor and person.
Under his care, my condition improved immensely; he helped me out of a very serious and difficult time.
He was extremely kind and wise. Some of the best advice he gave me was to put myself first and to not let my illness stop me when making major decisions for me and my family.
He gave me hope and my life is better today because of him.

Russell was a friend of mine in our junior years at Parktown Boys High School, Johannesburg. Always a top student, so it was no surprise to me that he achieved so much. We brieflt reconnected in Toronto, but lost touch again after he relocated to the USA.I was so saddened to read about his death at a relatively young age. My deepest sympathy to the entire family-his wife, children, sisters, and their families.

Russell was a friend of mine in our junior years at Parktown Boys High School, Johannesburg. He was always a top student, so it is no surprise that he achieved so much. We lost touch for many years, but re-connected briefly in Toronto, but he soon relocated to the US, and we again lost touch. I am saddened and sorry to hear about his death at such a young age-63 is still relatively young. May you have happy memories. My deepest sympathy to his entire family-wife, children, sisters and their families.

Dear JenniferI was very sorry to hear of Russells passing.  Charlie Kellner reached out to tell me about this.

 

I have very fond memories of Russell from our days at the NIMH.  I remember of course his amazing academic brilliance but what Ill recall even more strongly is his self-effacing warmth and his incisive and delightful sense of humor.

 

I still recall fondly the admittedly short visits I had when he hosted me at both McMaster and then in New Jersey.  He was so gracious and welcoming during these times.

 

I regret that we lost touch over the years.  But I did find this picture of us together at ACNP in Hawaii sometime in early to midd 1990s (!) .  I think this may have been, unbelievably, the last time I saw the two of you.

 

I hope you and your family will gradually heal from this loss.  May he rest in peace. 

 

Warmly,

 

Peter Roy-Byrne

Dear Jennifer,
My condolences to you and your family. I am deeply saddened by the news of Russells passing.  A striking tall man, a dedicated and talented professional with a sharp and witty intellect has left this world so very prematurely. I will miss him dearly, as will all of us in the Department of Psychiatry at Staten Island University Hospital. 
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 
Robert Stern


Russell Joffre singlehandedly invigorated the Mood Disorders Service at the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry (now CAMH).  His intellect, passion and vision created a deep bond and shared sense of purpose among the multidisciplinary team members who had the privilege of working with him.  Condolences to Jennifer and his entire family.

Zindel Segal

Unpredictable forces of nature compelled me to say this painful good bye to my respected colleague and friend , Russell Joffe. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.

Although our paths only crossed briefly, I was impressed by Russel Joffe's intelligence and humour. My condolences to his family for their loss.
Smadar Valérie Tourjman (Montréal, QC)

Russell was a true scholar and gentleman, an icon in the field of mood disorders, and well-respected and liked by his many colleagues and friends. I will miss him. Deepest sympathies to his family.

Jennifer and family, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Russell's death.  I worked very closely with him when he was Chair of Psychiatry at McMaster University.  He was so imaginative, innovative, and such a "mover". When he left his position as Chair, he referred to me as his "therapist" as we had spent so many hours talking of work and personal matters.He had a wonderful sense of humour, and cared deeply about the department and its faculty members.  I cherish my time spent with Russell.  Wendy Mattingly

Russell and I were residents together at McMaster. His depth of knowledge was incredible but so too was his sense of humor and his amicability. Terribly sad news. My condolences to his family.

John Pellettier
Guelph, ON

Russell was bold, innovative and visionary. He inspired and enabled his colleagues, knew how to build great team spirit and how to make things really happen. The legacy that he leaves in the psychiatric community, through his own work and through the achievements of his former students, is very substantial. My deepest condolences go out to his family who must miss him greatly.

Gary Hasey MD. FRCP(C), McMaster University, Canada

Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Russell T. Joffe at this very sad moment. We will always keep Russell in our thoughts and prayers.
Drs. Sharon Greene and David Finn, and Brian

Deeply saddened by the news of Russell's untimely death. I got to know him well when he joined the department of psychiatry of St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, after postgrad training at the NIMH. He was a clever, gifted and hard-working academic psychiatrist. He made a significant contribution to our knowledge of mental illness, chiefly of mood disorders and the relationship of mood disorders with multiple sclerosis. His passing is a loss to the profession and the general community. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his widow and family. Isaac SAKINOFSKY,MD,FRCPC

OBITUARY

Russell T. Joffe

February 25, 1954 – September 12, 2017

Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel

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