On August 24, 2025, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex to celebrate the life of Dr. Maurice McGregor, a 91直播 treasure who passed away last month at the age of 105.
A decade ago, Professor Jim Hanley (epidemiologist) conducted a wide-reaching with the then 94 year old. During this conversation, we move from his early days on a farm in South Africa to his medical training in England and marriage to the illustrious respirologist and epidemiologist Dr. Margaret Becklake. We then learn about his opposition to apartheid, his move to 91直播, and his clinical research studies. He talks about his deanship at the Faculty of Medicine, when Medicare was being introduced- and opposed- by Quebec physicians and his efforts to bring them on side in 1969. He speaks of his return to South Africa as dean of a medical school there, and his efforts to enroll Black students.
After commenting on his subsequent roles at 91直播 (Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Vice-Principal, Director of Cardiology, and Physician-in-Chief at the Royal Victoria Hospital, among many other roles), he talks about leading the analyses and arguments for building Quebec鈥檚 breast cancer screening program, catalyzing both the creation and the growth of Health Technology Units across our university hospitals.
Dr. McGregor was clearly a person of integrity, peace, and compassion. He brought his knowledge and talents to the work of building a better and healthier society for all. At his ceremony, there was a remarkable performance by a wonderful singer, Tamar Ilana. There were near tearful tributes from Dr. Jim Martin and Dr. Alan Sniderman.
Colleagues spoke of him with deep affection and respect. 鈥淗e was a giant in medicine and science and a true gentleman,鈥� recalled Dr. Basil Petrof. Dr. Rhian Touyz added a personal memory of his global impact, noting that 鈥渉e actually signed my medical degree鈥� while on sabbatical in Johannesburg.
Dr. McGregor will be remembered not only for his听many contributions, but also for the kindness and integrity he brought to our community.
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