September 2011 - - Fifty four years ago in September, 1957, we assembled as the freshman class in the faculty of Medicine. Young, naive, apprehensive and hopeful. We gathered on the front steps ofthe anatomy building for a group picture. A memory of that moment is of Gary Beazley. Rather rotund, in comparison to the present day version, he was wearing a Harris tweed sports coat that l coveted, He was an exotic: an out of province species! My goodness a person from Ontario!

We were a diverse and disparate group who became, over the course of four years, a real community. We shared moments of pleasure, disappointment and misery. Wonderful friendships developed as we grew, matured and realized a sense of self worth under the tutelage of a faculty that was dedicated, sensitive and responsive to the needs of the individual student. Not only were we instructed in the science of medicine, there was also suasion in the art of medicine.

The names:Ian McClaren Thompson, Joe Doupe, Jack Lederman, Mark Nickerson, Harry Medovy, Jack Hildes, Lennox Bell come to mind as part of a roster of outstanding teachers, too long to enumerate fully at this time. "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" ; we were gifted by them with the knowledge and skills that enabled us to become members of the Profession of Medicine. ln the past half century we have been able to contribute, in various ways: providing health care, contributing to education and furthering the science and art of the profession.

What a pleasure it is to gather once more and exchange lies (You look great, haven't aged a bit!") memories and become better informed about our colleagues' lives. Last evening as we fumbled to remember names, places and personal data l was reminded of a gentleman, older than us. He was sprightly, well groomed and was taking an evening stroll. He entered a bar, sat next to a svelte octogenarian, ordered a drink, and after a few sips he turned to the lady and said "Mam, do l come here often?"

To use a Canadian metaphor; hockey, we are now playing late in the third period and will soon enter sudden death overtime. So "Pay attention and keep moving" might be an appropriate motto for us now. Recently l received an e-mail from a friend. He told of having a visit with his children and they ended up discussing "end of life issues". He told his children that he did not want to "end up in a chronic vegetative state: hooked up to a machine and dependant on fluids coming out of a bottle!" Well the little darlings unplugged my computer and took my wine away."

This morning we witnessed the formal gifting to the Medical School of The Class of 61 Legacy Fund. As a meaningful token of thanks, it is given to honour the faculty and staff of the school that made things possible and to honour those of our classmates who are now deceased. Let us take pause for a moment of silence as we remember.

Alvin Klady, Barry Carleton,Kenny Posner, Ed Penner, Bill Tasker, Steve Sharpe, Sam Goldstein, Dorothy Bednard, Russ Ferguson,Gerry Roy , Jack Wankling,Martin Sinaisky , George Gerrie,

If anyone would care to comment and share a moment of memory about any of these, please do.

I was flattered and honoured when Al Ronald suggested I might contribute, to this morning's meeting. I am not certain what the specific charge was but he suggested that we should pay tribute to Joe Doupe. After some thought I have prepared a few words, well meant but I fear not really adequate.

How does one begin to comment on a person like Joe Doupe. Who cannot remember our first encounter with the enigmatic Doupe in this amphitheater? Tall, thin and angular, graying, dressed monochromatically in a three piece gray suit. Wardrobe niceties are easy when one is colour blind. He ambled, sat on this island desk, smoked, lectured and discussed in a stimulating, provocative fashion that left one in wonder. awe. and puzzlement.

He was and is a truly unique phenomenon that has continued to influence our lives for these past fifty-four years. We were fortunate indeed to have been at the school during the Doupe era.

Perhaps it could be said that he taught us the anatomy of thought. Observation, acquisition of data, analysis, synthesis and testing of the hypothesis. Bead the established canons but read critically, use the information rationally and keep an open mind to new and unusual ideas. Doupe was a true maestro of making the mysteries meaningful, but always in the context of intellectual and scientific integrity. His Sado-Socratic Method was effective, challenging and at times daunting. His philosophy and method of teaching were a major component of his persona but he was much more than that. He had great warmth, generosity, empathy and compassion and dealt with his students as colleagues.

His post exam soirees were legendary. There is one moment that I have reflected on many times. Enjoying Doupe hospitality, perhaps too much, he and I were engaged in conversation about compassion and love of humanity. At one stage Joe asked "Armstrong do you love yourself?" Pause, "Well sir l am not certain." "Well think on it. You cannot love any other until you love yourseIf." The message registered but it was a very long time, indeed years, before it was understood.

Complementing Joe was his gracious wife, Nona, All of us, I am certain, have fond memories of her ministrations to the needs of celebrant students: food, words of comfort, wise counsel, profound listening skills and generous forgiveness. Each of us was made to feel that we were a member of the Doupe family.

Perhaps some of you, here today, would like to speak of your special memories of Joe and our times as medical students. December 16th 2011: Austin, Texas

Last September we had returned from Temagami to discover our status post fire. We were not allowed access to the house and sat in Austin, waiting. I think that in her own self interest, Dawna sent me off to Winnipeg and the reunion. The organizers did a great job and it was wonderful to see class mates, spouses and former teachers. ·

Touring the medical school facilities and the visit to the Human Rights Museum were, for me , highlights exceeded only by the events when we all gathered for good food, drink and wallowed in warm fellowship.

It was a deeply moving experience to have so many of our friends express concern and give support last September during and after the Bastrop wildfire. Thank you all. We are grateful. Our house was spared from burning but recoveiy from smoke damage was complicated. Once that was completed we decided to rent the house to friends who were burnt out and we have relocated to a high rise apartment in downtown Austin.

We enjoy being back in an urban environment, the freedom from yard work, house maintenance, immediate access to the walking, running, biking trail along the lake, fine dining nearby, not having to decide which Mexican restaurant but to decide on whether or not we will do Mexican. A variety of cultural opportunities and easy access to our family who live here.

Dawna joins me in wishing you the season's best and hope that have a good year in 2012.