It is with profound regret and sadness that we learned today about the loss of David Colman, our esteemed colleague, Director of the Neuro, Wilder Penfield Professor of Neuroscience at McGill and a pillar of our community. The Faculty of Medicine mourns the loss of a truly visionary leader. 
Under Dr. Colman’s leadership, The Montreal Neurological Institute and The Montreal Neurological Hospital were re-integrated and christened the “Neuro.” It is largely due to his great conviction and verve that the institution’s reputation rose to such prominence among federal and provincial elected representatives. This translated into bolstered support for the Neuro’s groundbreaking research and clinical endeavours. In 2007, it was named one of the first Canadian National Centres of Excellence in Research and Commercialization.
Dr. Colman presided over one of the largest neurology training centres in the world, where students from over 60 countries are represented. His commitment to education was infectious and he was keen to share his love of science with youth. One of his current projects involved a collaboration with the National Film Board on a movie to educate young people on the wonders of the brain.
Dr. Colman considered himself a biologist first and foremost, eager to avoid being “compartmentalized.” Anyone who had even a passing acquaintance with him would know that such a man was impossible to compartmentalize. The self-described “kid from the Bronx” loved science and the humanities alike, understanding that their dynamic interaction produces the most remarkable outcomes for society.
At the beginning of this year, Dr. Colman paid tribute to the late Warren Chippindale, former chair of the Neuro’s Advisory Board, who had helped recruit him nine years previously. Colman placed Chippindale in the pantheon of those who built the Neuro into the world-class institution it is today: Wilder Penfield, Sir William Osler, the Rockefellers and the Molsons and more. David Colman has joined this pantheon and will not be forgotten.
At this difficult time, our thoughts are with Dr. Colman’s family, friends and colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by this extraordinary man.
Vice-Principal (Health Affairs)
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
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Globe & Mail Obituary ►It is with profound regret and sadness that we learned today about the loss of David Colman, our esteemed colleague, Director of the Neuro, Wilder Penfield Professor of Neuroscience at McGill and a pillar of our community. The Faculty of Medicine mourns the loss of a truly visionary leader.
Under Dr. Colman’s leadership, The Montreal Neurological Institute and The Montreal Neurological Hospital were re-integrated and christened the “Neuro.” It is largely due to his great conviction and verve that the institution’s reputation rose to such prominence among federal and provincial elected representatives. This translated into bolstered support for the Neuro’s groundbreaking research and clinical endeavours. In 2007, it was named one of the first Canadian National Centres of Excellence in Research and Commercialization.
Dr. Colman presided over one of the largest neurology training centres in the world, where students from over 60 countries are represented. His commitment to education was infectious and he was keen to share his love of science with youth. One of his current projects involved a collaboration with the National Film Board on a movie to educate young people on the wonders of the brain.
Dr. Colman considered himself a biologist first and foremost, eager to avoid being “compartmentalized.” Anyone who had even a passing acquaintance with him would know that such a man was impossible to compartmentalize. The self-described “kid from the Bronx” loved science and the humanities alike, understanding that their dynamic interaction produces the most remarkable outcomes for society.
At the beginning of this year, Dr. Colman paid tribute to the late Warren Chippindale, former chair of the Neuro’s Advisory Board, who had helped recruit him nine years previously. Colman placed Chippindale in the pantheon of those who built the Neuro into the world-class institution it is today: Wilder Penfield, Sir William Osler, the Rockefellers and the Molsons and more. David Colman has joined this pantheon and will not be forgotten.
At this difficult time, our thoughts are with Dr. Colman’s family, friends and colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by this extraordinary man.
Vice-Principal (Health Affairs)
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
—
More in the McGill Reporter ►
McGill Reporter ‘Point of View’ ►
Globe & Mail Obituary ►