I am sorry that we just learned of Dr. Grondin's passing. He performed surgery on my Dad at the Foothills hospital in 2005. At the time he told my Dad and no one has ever lived longer than 5 years with esophageal cancer. The excellent surgery Dr. Grondin did and his continual care over the years for my Dad allowed us to have him in our lives for 17 more years. He was able to enjoy so many memories with his grandchildren. My Dad passed away in March 2022.

Words cannot express how thankful we are to Dr. Grondin.

Please accept our sincere condolences on his passing and our thoughts are with his family.

I just learned today of Dr. Grondin's passing. He performed my surgery in 2007 when I was 34. Dr. Grondin saved my life, but more importantly he did so with Great compassion, not only for me but also for my husband and young family. I owe my life to his steady hands and some of my confidence to his beautiful work putting me back together. Whenever anyone comments on my "clean straight chest scar" I tell them "that is the artistic work of the very talented Dr. Grondin".

I will be forever grateful for his patient explanations, his kindness and compassion before and after the surgery, and his ability to make me smile in some of my darkest moments in hospital or in his office.

RIP Dr Grondin thank you for all the extra years you gave me. May your family find peace in beautiful memories.

I just heard of Dr Grondin's passing. It was 1 year ago yesterday that he did surgery on my left lung. He saved my life. He was very compassionate with myself and my family. We all feel affected by this huge loss. He was wonderful at whatever he did. Our feelings go out to everyone who knew him.

I just heard of Sean Grondin’s passing and am deeply moved and saddened. He was a very special man who I owe my life to as he saved mine on July 31, 2009. I am forever thankful for his skill and thoughtfulness. He will be missed by many .

Wendy Anderson

It is with a heavy heart learning today of Dr. Sean’s passing. Every night I go to bed I am reminded of his surgery that ended forever my chronic reflux disease. I am a very grateful recipient of his work, which made my life and nights livable without GERD.

May God bless this most wonderful of men and his loving wife and family.

Forever grateful,

John Tilleman

I am so sad to hear of Dr. Gordon’s passing. He operated on me in 2009 and I saw him yearly until his death. My husband died three years ago and when Dr. Grinding heard he called me at home. He also called me two weeks before he died to arrange for another appointment. What a wonderful caring human being. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace Dr Grondin, the world has lost a very special person.

Like Hanson, I interned with Sean long ago. This was a difficult year for all of us, and I regret losing touch with most of the people who shared it. Despite the time, I still remember Sean’s energy and enthusiasm, always smiling and never complaining. I am not surprised to see the heights he ascended in his professional career and family life and am sure he will be remembered fondly for them. My condolences to his family and colleagues in this difficult time.

I'm deeply saddened by Dr. Grondin's passing. I transcribed and edited many of his medical dictations over the years, and it was a pleasure to help him and his patients in this way. My heart goes out to his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Very sorry to hear of Sean’s passing at such a young age. I remember him fondly as a classmate of my younger sister, as Sheila’s brother, and as a fellow faculty brat at UNB - our fathers both taught there and had their offices a few floors apart in Tilley Hall. Sean was destined for great things as he was always a good person at heart. I witnessed that more than once in the school yard. It is heartwarming here to read of his many accomplishments and very sad to learn of this loss. From my family, parents and siblings, deep condolences to his sister Sheila, his parents and his own family, friends and relations.

Rest In Peace

Christian and May Whalen

Island View, New Brunswick

We were so very saddened to learn of Sean's passing. Sean was a great friend to my husband, Shane, during their undergrad at UNB and then during their time spent at Dalhousie while pursuing their medical and pharmaceutical careers. As we reminisced about some crazy adventures we had shared, one common thread always rang through, Sean had a special way of encouraging and supporting his friends. Even though many miles separated us, when we reached out for medical advice as Shane's father fought his own cancer battle Sean jumped in with words of advice and followed up each step of the way. His professional and personal support is something we will always appreciate.

We send our heartfelt condolences to all of Sean's family, there are no words to take away your pain, but only hope your memories will bring you comfort in time.

Kathy, I am so sad for your loss, for your famly’s and the planet’s loss of the gift Sean was to so many! I send my fondness for you and hope, for your continued strength. Be blessed, LuAnn Swartzlander (your old friend fro Tall Trees).

I am deeply saddened by Sean's passing. My condolences go to Cathy and their children Ben and Kate, and to Sean's parents Deirdre and Conde. Sean lived a full life and I always valued his support and friendship, advice and sense of humour.

Our professional lives were intertwined from the earliest days of Sean's medical career when he spent a year's elective with me in third year medical school. I have said many times since that I have never seen anyone better organized - he certainly maximized his experience as a medical student that year. From the end of that elective Sean decided to pursue a career in thoracic surgery with considerable focus. He rigorously pursued the best training he could attain and was known nationally and internationally in the Thoracic Surgery profession.

Sean climbed heights in leadership that only a few surgeons in Canada have reached, along with developing consummate skills in the practice of thoracic surgery, one of the most demanding of the surgical specialties. He certainly throughout his career "walked the walk"; his dedication to his medical career made him a highly credible leader.

I spent many years with Sean in the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgery and his skills shone there. Sean played an active role in strategic planning and bringing the organization to a new level. He was always available for discussions and freely gave thoughtful advice. Sean was always attentive to details. This leadership talent which I saw first hand was reflected in his many other big leadership positions, both locally in Calgary, and nationally and internationally.

Although Sean lived in Calgary we remained in contact and we were planning to meet in the future in the Maritimes.

Sean has been a wonderful presence in my life during my thoracic surgery career and in retirement. I will miss him, my thoughts and prayers go to his family.

On Saturday I bid farewell to my closest friend.

It feels like the lump in my throat will never go away and that as much as I will try to patch the hole in my life, things will never be the same.

Sean, you were a giant among men, and you underestimated the impact you had on those around you, from the thousands of lives you saved to the countless friends you were there for, as they struggled with the curveballs that life dishes up.

Your achievements in life were staggering, but to me you were always just Sean. You always had a thoughtful gift for my birthday or for Christmas or just because, and as I learned on Saturday, I wasn’t alone. You were always listening and whether it was M&Ms, fishing lures, bobble heads or Oilers paraphernalia, you would randomly surprise people with something heartfelt that they weren’t expecting. No two gifts were ever alike.

I couldn’t help but laugh for the first time in days when I received a final posthumous Christmas present from you, an ugly Christmas toque. A nod to the evening after a Flames game, when you were wearing a truly awful toque inside the pub, bobbing your head to Haddaway’s song What is Love from A Night at the Roxbury.

I will always treasure the memories of our trip to Nashville (I don’t know how many distracted driving calls we made, holding the phone up to the speakers when Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” came on to blare it in each others ears), our trip to Vegas, our craft brewery tour through northern Alberta, our trip to Edmonton to watch the Oilers together, the time you took me to see your favourite band the Tragically Hip, playing hockey together, your “bif, bif” sound effects hitting the heavy bag at boxing class and the countless times we went out to a pub just to regale each other with stories of what stallions we were in our younger years.

We always joked that someday we were going to be like those two crotchety old guys on the Muppets, sitting in the upper balcony of life poking fun at people, but now that is not to be.

You were there for me during one of the darkest times of my life, and the pain burns deep now that I feel like I failed you in yours, leaving me with a debt I can never repay. I will try my best to somehow honour your memory and pay it forward from here on out.

Sean, I love you and miss you and I hope that God grants you the peace you deserve as you were truly one of his greatest creations. I can only hope you passed on knowing how much you and your friendship meant to me.

I’m a better man than the day we met because of you. It was an honour and a privilege to call you my friend.

Our deepest sympathy and wishing you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Sean was surely a gem of a person who will be missed. Donna Maziak & Adam Tayler, Ottawa

Dear Grondin Family,

It goes without saying that how deeply shocked and saddened I was upon learning of Sean’s passing….In my many brief interactions with Sean, in the hospital lounge and hallways, I have only the best memories and respect for who he was, a dynamic individual, a great colleague, a cornerstone of surgery, and globally known as a talented, accomplished and kind thoracic surgeon. In my many offline clinical chats/queries/consultations, he was always generous with his time and meaningful advice.

While this is a most difficult time by any measure, please know, as you well do, that Sean in his most unique and wonderful ways, touched the lives of so many….. I will truly miss him.

Respectfully,

Garnette Sutherland, Neurosurgery.

I am so sorry to hear of Sean's sudden passing. I had hosted him in Edinburgh as a James IV Travelling Fellow in November 2016 and have good memories of our walking around the Old City and of having dinner at the New Club where we were able to chat and reflect on life as we looked out over Edinburgh Castle.

I was delighted that he assumed the role of the Secretary of the James IV Canadian group and looked forward to many meetings during my Presidency of the Association. Alas that was not to be. Our British James IV group met in London last week and we paused in our meeting to reflect on his life and major contributions to surgery.

He was such and engaging individual and an excellent ambassador for Canadian surgery. I cannot imagine the loss for those close to him. My sincere condolences to his family.

Professor James Garden CBE FRCSEd FACS(Hon)

My sincere condolences. Sean was a great colleague whom I could entrust patients requiring the best care. He will be deeply missed by his family an all who knew him.

I met Sean a few months into my anaesthesia residency when I rotated as an off-service resident with the general surgery service at the Old Halifax Infirmary, where he was Chief Resident.

This two-month rotation would be the catalyst that changed the course of my career. Sean likely never knew this as he subsequently graduated 6 months later, but his leadership by example, approach to the whole patient, technical skills, and his ability to challenge me to problem solve and dig deeper, was one of a few notable experiences that led me to eventually become a paediatric airway surgeon.

This early mentorship was invaluable and no doubt reflects the special qualities that made Sean the great leader he became.

I am forever grateful for Sean’s presence in my career. I am deeply saddened by his loss and send my heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.

Dr. Liane Johnson

My condolences to the the Grondin family. I came to know Sean during his time on the ACS BOR. Whether in person or meeting virtually, I enjoyed getting to know Sean. He was fabulous to work with, insightful, thoughtful and a gentleman. I will miss him terribly.

Dave Welsh

We send love and hugs to Cathy, Ben and Kate! We are so blessed to have so many memories of your time in Chicago as our neighbors: many fun gatherings in our backyards, our kids running back and forth between the houses, mornings spent chatting and drinking tea on your front porch swing, the infamous boys’ golfing trip to Alabama, ‘Sean’s Day Off’ recreating Ferris Bueller’s hijinks in Chicago and many shenanigans instigated by the girls.

Sean also had a very major impact on my nephew who had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the nervous system and was recommended for a new procedure that his surgeon had just learned the prior week from Sean. Amazing!

We are grateful for our time with Sean, Cathy, Ben and Kate and hope that his family finds peace in all of their wonderful memories of Sean and his enormous impact on the world!

Cathy, Ben, Kate, Dee, Con, Sheila and Tanya

We were terribly saddened to learn of Sean’s passing. We met Sean on a couple of occasions at my sister Dee and Con’s home when he was a young boy. On one visit I recall him battering a tether ball for a good half-hour, rarely missing the ball; a sign of athletic and surgical prowess to come. Later, Margo and I attended his and Cathy’s wedding, which was a beautiful event. Since then, we have followed his amazing career through family news.

Now that budding athlete is a ‘townsman of a stiller town” and, we are sure, making that a better place for his presence.

Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this incredibly sad time.

Mike, Margo, Geoff and Chris Thomas

“Heaven is a better place today

Because of this, but the world is just not the Same”

The Tragically Hip 2004

Sincere condolences to Sean’s family and friends

Jacques Bouchard

We are sorry to hear of Sean's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Sean touched so many people in so many ways. I met Sean through our connections with the James IV Association of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. I last saw him boarding the plane heading home from San Diego at the ACS Clinical Congress and Board of Regents meeting. He was making plans to pick up a new puppy and couldn't wait to get home. My deepest sympathies to Sean's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

BJ Hancock (Pediatric Surgeon and Intensivist, Winnipeg MB)

Sending our heartfelt condolences to Cathy, Ben and Kate. We are so saddened to hear of Sean’s passing! We knew Sean, Cathy & the kids as neighbors in the Chicago

area. We have treasured, long lasting memories from our time together. Sean was a wonderful, easy-going friend, who adored his family and exuded kindness & generosity to all. Wishing Cathy, Ben & Kate peace & strength now & in the days ahead! Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cathy, Ben, Kate, Conde, Dee, Sheila,Tanya.

I share in your immense loss, and grief. Sinceres condoleances from my family.

I consider myself very fortunate to have had Sean as a best friend.

Daniel Albert

Cathy, Ben and Kate,

From our family to you and all of your loved ones, our prayers and sincere heartfelt condolences.

The Laidlaw family - Jim, Dar, Liam and Jane

Cathy, so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cathy and family, I was so sad to see Sean’s obit this morning here in Halifax. Just wanted to send my love and let you know that I am thinking of all of you.

Sara Gorelick

Cathy, Ben and Kate,

Our immediate family and the extended Stewart/Godfrey clan were shocked and saddened to learn of Sean’s passing.

My sisters (Donna Bresee, Kathy McAlister and Aileen Kornelson) and I remember Sean, you and the kids visiting our Mum (Gerry Stewart) a couple of times in Okotoks not long after you arrived in Calgary. We also remember and are grateful for Sean, Ben and Kate visiting Mum during one of her stays in the hospital.

Caron and I are In Phoenix so we are unable to attend the celebration of life for Sean.

I know from many friends and acquaintances how well was Sean was respected in the Calgary medical fraternity.

Sincere condolences from our family,

Michael, Caron, Brendan and Samuel Stewart

Dear Cathy, Ben, Kate, and family,

On behalf of the Alberta Children's Hospital, we are sending our condolences on the passing of Sean. We worked with Sean as he led the Department of Surgery. He worked with integrity, as he placed patients and families in the centre of his decision-making. You are in our hearts during this time of great grief.

With deepest sympathy,

Margaret Fullerton, RN, Senior Operating Officer

Alberta Children's Hospital

Very shocking to hear of Sean's passing, deepest condolences to Cathy, Ben & Kate. "Doc" was a valued hockey team mate for many years, always humble yet competitive and honest. Sean will be missed, we have lost a special person.

Jim Egden

Vernon, BC

My sincere condolences to Sean's family. We became friends thru our time on the Royal College Thoracic Surgery Exam Committee and went on several hunting trips together. Sean was a great friend and a great support to me. I only wish we had kept in touch more often after I retired. I will miss his insight and gentle humour

I only got to know Sean this year. As a new member of the ACS Board of Regents, I got to meet Sean at our June meeting, then again just last month in San Diego. As a recent new guy, himself, Sean was kind enough to approach the "new guy" to welcome me to the group. I learned a bit about thoracic surgery in Canada from Sean, but also about hockey and donuts. He was such a down-to-earth, friendly, approachable colleague to me. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences go to his family.

Sean was a wonderful person. In my interactions with him on the ACS BOR, I always found him to be thoughtful and practical. He had a way of focusing on the important issues which he eloquently discussed. Mary Pat and I had yet to meet his wonderful family. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are in our hearts and prayers !!

Chris Ellison and Mary Pat Borgess.

Heart breaking. My deepest condolences to Cathy, Ben, Kate, and the entire family. I knew Sean when he and Cathy were raising their very young children in the Chicago area. We were neighbors and good friends, as were our children. Sean was a great father, beyond loving husband to Cathy, and an all around wonderful person. Humble, Kind, and could be counted upon to insert a hilarious zinger into every social conversation. My husband and I enjoyed him immensely. He was a staple with the boys when it came to any weekend golf outings.I have such fun, joyful, and amazing memories from those early days of parenthood with Team Grondin. He was very much loved by so many and will be missed. The memories he helped create for his family, friends, and neighbors will be cherished. Prayers for peace in the hearts of those left behind. Katy

To Sean’s family, colleagues, friends and patients. I was very sorry to learn of your loss of Sean in the Fredericton Gleaner this morning. He was a student of mine when he was at Dalhousie Medical School and I remember him as bright and enthusiastic with a great personality. I always kept an eye out for former students as they advanced their careers and Sean was a star. His all too brief a career left it’s mark on medicine. Best regards, Dr. Peter Fraser, Fredericton

David and Norma Mulder Montreal Words cannot express our sympathy to Sean's wife and family. We will always remember his kindness on our visit to Calgary. We shared a love for hockey with lots of management proposals. We will miss his leadership as a colleague and a friend. Our hearts are with the Grondin family.

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences are sent to Deirdre (Dee) and Conde Grondin at the loss of their beloved son Sean and to Dr. Grondin’s entire family. It is obvious he lived a full, rich, accomplished life and was well loved by his family, friends and all who knew him.

- Judy and Ronald Roy

Flowers Cove, New Brunswick

A gentle, kind, wise man, and an incredible thoracic surgeon. He saved my life. You love someone who does that. I can’t believe that he’s gone and that I’ll never get to see him again. I will miss him. I cannot imagine the sadness and pain that his adored family and friends must be feeling. I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to them. Thank you Dr. Grondin with my love, Barb Bain

Sean, friends for life and now; beyond. It is difficult for me to remember days before he was part of my life. Growing up together, very few weeks passed without us see each other. He was there days when I was on cloud 9 but he was also there the days I crashed and burned, the reverse was also true.

Later in life, we could go years without communications, but I always knew, what if I needed a friend, he would be there for me and happy to be. He had my back, and I had his. Our live took different roads but whenever our path crossed, we had nothing to prove, nothing to show, we were just happy to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.

My friend, my brother, I will miss your sense of humor, our calls, our meet ups and most importantly, your love.

My name is Tim O'Hara. I started a game of hockey Monday nights at Westside Recreation over 20 years ago. It is a group of guys out to touch the competitive spirit in as safe an environment as we can for fun and enjoyment. About 11 years ago Sean joined us. He loved to play. We understand he could play goal but that was behind him, he was a skilled forward with us. As I got to know him, It became apparent how impressive an individual he was. Accomplished, athletic, interesting. I felt privileged he would play hockey with us. He was helpful and congenial always. I told him once that a conference wasn't a good enough reason to miss hockey, "Tim," he intoned, "I am giving the conference." I asked him once if he has anything to do with the Med School, "Tim,' he intoned, "I am head of the department..." I think I quit asking him after that. Mondays will never be the same. But since this is a hockey team, a manly farewell to you Dr. Sean. Peace. From all of the Calgary Westside Cayugas.

Very sorry to hear of Sean’s passing. One of my earliest and most gifted of surgical residents.

Bernie McIntyre

I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Dr. Sean Grondin. He was a consummate professional who provided top notch medical care with a truly personal manner. I was referred to him in the spring of 2020 for his opinion and care in respect of a problematic dark spot on my left lung , which appeared after a bout of pneumonia. He kept track of my odd issue and provided a CT scan and consultation to me every six months. In the spring of 2022, Dr. Grondin and his radiologist colleague observed a mass that was growing in my abdominal cavity below my left lung. Dr. Grondin immediately arranged for oncologists at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic to check on me. This led to a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, out of the blue, without prior warning signs. In turn, this has led to monthly immunotherapy treatments, which are helping to reduce and stop this cancer that is within me. Dr. Grondin most recently spoke with me on October 24 when he reviewed with me the results of my CT scan of October 5. I am deeply indebted to Dr. Grondin for his thorough review of my scans and for his prompt referral to the specialist oncologists. Without his vigilance, my chances for survival would have been reduced significantly. I am A Grateful Patient.

So sorry to hear of Sean’s passing. We shared the same dressing room for many years at Monday Night Hockey. I enjoyed both playing the game with “Doc” and the conversations that we had in the dressing room before & after the game. I knew he was a surgeon but at hockey he was just one of the guys. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Cathy, Ben, Kate and Family,

Words cannot express how sad I was to hear of Dr. Grondin's passing. He was just stepping into his role as Dept Head of Surgery as I was joining the team ... he was an absolute pleasure to work with. I especially enjoyed organizing events for him .. fond memories of picking out the food and him saying "make sure there is enough food, we cannot run out of food"! Such a tremendous loss to health care and more so to you and all his friends. He will be missed. Sending you all love, strength and prayers.

Jo-El Buerlen

Cathy, Ben and Kate and Family,

Please accept our deepest condolences. Ten years ago, Sean saved my dad’s life and gave him 10 more years with us for which I will always be eternally grateful. We are sending our love and thoughts to you at this difficult time.

Carol, Kristin and Nicole Larsen

My deepest sympathies to your family Dr. Grondin. I learned so much working with you at FMC. For that I am forever grateful. R.I.P. Sean. You will be missed

Dr. Grondin saved my life 11 years ago from lung cancer. He was an amazingly kind and gentle man and this is such a huge loss for our World. Sending love and condolances to everyone in his life … he was a great man!

I am devastated, along with the whole community of academic surgeons in Canada. Sean was such an important figure in our part of the world. He will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to the family.

Very sorry top hear of Dr. Grondin's passing. I was a patient having been referred from Edmonton by his friend Dr Stewart who performed surgery on my lung 19 years ago. He was a great Dr.

Larry Keller

Sincere sympathies to the family.

I have known Sean since he was a resident in Halifax. His admirable personality and skills were evident early. We watched him add success to success in his career. It was very satisfying to be paired together again in the James IV Association of Surgeons. Sean was our go-to man.

The association sends its deepest condolences to Cathy, Ben and Kate and to Sean's parents Drs. Deirdre and Conde Grondin. We share in your profound grief.

Cathy: I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sean's passing. Years have passed since we last saw each other but I have great memories of Sean - one of the kindest, most gentle souls I have had the privilege to know. You and Sean were there for me 25 years ago when my mother passed at TGH and I was working in cardiac surgery while Sean was our resident. Fond memories of our times together.

Words cannot express how great a loss this is for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Embracing you all with love.

Matilde Crescenzi Huber

Hearing about Dr.Sean passing was shocking for me..I’m so grateful that I had the privilege knowing Dr.Sean and his family. I know how lucky I m that The Universe 20 years ago made that possible.He was one of the most kind and loving people that I know.Just a few days before his passing,his beautiful wife offered me a pecan pie that he made to take home and I didn’t have a chance to say to him how tasty and delicious it was .

Dr. Sean you will be greatly remembered and deeply missed.

“For this is a journey we all must take;

And each must go alone. It’s all part of the master plan a step on the road to home.”

May your soul find a resting peace!

My deepest condolences to Cathy,Ben,Cate ,Scout and rest of your family and friends.

Mersa T.

He and I travelled to China to teach a number of years ago and remained friends. He was very kind and giving and will be missed. Words cannot express my shock and sorrow at hearing of his death. Condolences to his family.

Sean, I will always remember your laughter and friendship in High School. École Sainte-Anne was a special time for all of us. The bonds of friendship were very special. My heart is broken to hear of your passing. We love you and miss you. Until we meet again 'little grover". God Bless your family and friends. Cheryl Mantha Richard

It is with great sadness and shock that I received the news of Sean's passing today. I had the priviledge of knowing Sean during our rotationg internship year at the Grey Nuns hospital in Edmonton. We became close friends along with Dean and we were pretty much inseparable. Sean was gentle spirited, immensely talented and extremely loyal. Sean was popular and had an appetite of constantly improving himself. He loved his family. Even though we lost contact in the last 20 years, I thought of him frequently. Whenever there was a need, Sean was always available to help. He had a great sense of humor. I can honestly say it is an honour to be able to call Sean my friend, and I will forever miss him. Condolences to Cathy, Ben and Kate and the rest of his family and friends.

I worked with Sean for many years at the Foothills Hospital. During this time, I enjoyed many interesting, often humorous, conversations about many topics over coffee in the doctors’ lounge. More recently I worked closely with Sean when he served as Head of the Department of Surgery. During the latter period our conversations took on a more serious tone due to the volume and complexity of issues he was faced with. I very much admired the number and breadth of initiatives that he tried to move forward as Department Head under very challenging circumstances. Behind what seemed like a frenetic life at work, I always sensed a great love and pride in you, his family, and how he was looking forward to your next time together in Prince Edward Island. I really appreciated the opportunity to view his 2022 STS address, where I saw a different side of Sean than I had previously known; I came away from it with some valuable personal insight. Cathy, Kate and Ben, I offer my sincere condolences in this difficult time. Sean, I hope that you are now enjoying a well-deserved beer with Gord Downie. Goodbye, Sean and thank you for our time together.

I've played hockey with Sean for many years across a couple of teams and a number of post-game outings. He never needed to be the loud, centre of attention, but really gave you his full attention when chatting with him. I'll always remember him as a calm, humble, fun, positive friend who loved to smile. Whether chatting about his career, family, worldwide conferences, trips to the east coast or the Flames, he was a great friend to me.

He'll be sorely missed; my thoughts are with the entire family and I'm sorry I never met any of you in person, but I thought I'd share how I knew the great teammate I've had over the years. The hockey games and post-games won't be the same without him, but I'm sure he'll be skating along with all of us in spirit, setting us up for the win.

With much love,

Ryan Turner

He was very kind to me during residency. He rescued me from a dark place. I will miss him

Thanks Sean for being an excellent academic surgeon leader. Thank you for paving the way for so many of us in so many ways. We recognize your true greatness and talent. We will miss you dearly. Thoughts and prayers for Cathy, Kate, Ben and family.

Kevin Hildebrand

Department Head, Surgery. Calgary

My Deepest condolences to all of his family, friends and collogues. I was deeply saddened by his passing away, I was a junior resident with Dr Grondon at Mount Sinai hospital and Toronto General Hospital in 1997 when he was finishing his fellow ship in thoracic surgery, I knew him after in meeting and on conferences. he was very kind man, excellent teacher and surgeon. I hope his family will find tranquility in the upcoming days; we will all miss him.

Dr A Elalem

Thoracic surgeon in Windsor Ontario

I had the privilege of collaborating with Sean on the ACS Board of Regent. He was wise, diplomatic and insightful while dealing with controversial issues and most knowledgeable of scientific and medical education matters. He exemplified the best of Canadian values, medical leadership and surgical excellence. I will keep fond memories of our last meeting of the ACS congress, by the marina in San Diego: he was happy. Let it be known that Sean was respected and loved by all his colleagues. Thank you to his family for sharing Sean with us. My condolences to his family for this unbearable grief. Respectfully, Dr Francoise Chagnon MDCM, FRCS, FACS, ACS Board of Regents