Neuro News June 2011
Tribute to David R. Colman

Much was said in the days, indeed hours, following the unexpected passing of Dr. David R. Colman. His professional credentials in and of themselves are sufficient to comprehend a natural sense of loss. However, I sense that the outpouring of emotion is also because the spirit of the man himself was as much a gift to the world as his mind was to the international scientific community. Despite the ups and downs in his health, he always had a joke or a story to share.

One of my favourite stories involves his firm belief that there must always be place for unconstrained scientific exploration. He equated such exploration to that of a man looking for a needle in a haystack and coming up with the farmer’s daughter. Such gems complemented his professional accomplishments, his passion for encouraging young minds to pursue neuroscience and his wonderfully aggressive New York approach to selling The Neuro within our immediate community and farther afield within the political arena. Some may have had issues with his style, but I maintain that this was most likely borne out of sheer jealousy. After all, Dave got things done.

Dave delivered his messages to every audience he ever targeted. Dave built a powerful board and equally strong relationships with anyone who would help him push the boundaries of neuroscience and translate that knowledge into practical applications. Thanks to Dave’s vision and perseverance, The Neuro was named one of Canada’s seven national Centres of Excellence in Commercialization and Research.

In 2009, on the occasion of The Neuro’s 75th anniversary and its Pathways of Discovery scientific symposium, I noted that Wilder Penfield once stated that “the only certain virtue” that came into the world with him at birth was “tenacity of purpose.” While he was reflecting about his time on earth near the end of his own life, I couldn’t help but wonder at the time if instead a part of him was still thinking subconsciously of others. Penfield trained around the world and brought his expertise to Canada. He influenced neurologists and neurosurgeons clear around the globe with his discoveries, his skills. I would argue that one of his greatest lessons lives on with those three words;—a guiding principle, I believe, that Dave and I shared.

Dave’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, world-recognized research, impeccable work ethic, down-to-earth zest for life, and loving family represent a powerful legacy. That he has left a singular imprint upon countless lives and The Neuro, no one will ever doubt. I was privileged to work with him. He quickly saw the symbiosis between the Institute and the Hospital and helped me develop a relationship document that would allow us to build a bright future together, returning in 2005 the administration of both the Hospital and Institute to the pre-1963 model of one director. This is a story whose last page is not yet written.

Our work on behalf of those who Dave rallied and inspired on a daily basis at The Neuro, not to mention the curious youth beginning to carve their way, must be completed. I am confident that we will arrive at our mutual goal, that tenacity of purpose will prevail and that the warmth of Dave’s smile will be felt in the hearts of those who counted him as a friend,—as I did.