News & Media
Remembrances of the late David Colman
June 3, 2011
Thank you for this opportunity to add a few words in memory of our dear, departed leader, colleague and friend, David Colman, who was for the past decade such a tower of strength for this institution. I do so with reverence and sadness, both personally and in my capacity as Chair of the MUHC.
David Colman was a truly remarkable, indeed extraordinary and inspirational human being. I was privileged to enjoy a unique relationship with him, both professionally as Director of The Neuro, and as a special friend.
The first time I saw and met David, I was somewhat taken aback. I have a vivid memory of this kind of cool, casual, unshaven guy in faded blue jeans, sneakers and a rumpled shirt entering the Montreal General Hospital conference room for an MUHC Directors’ Meeting circa 2004-2005.
He sat silently at the end of the table for most of the meeting. Then, suddenly, after a rambling and inconclusive debate amongst the others present, he intervened and with his persuasive New York accent, disagreed with virtually all that had been said, summed up the issues crisply and concisely and “eureka”, the matter was resolved, leaving the rest of us wondering what we had been arguing about anyway. David then got up and left.
I followed him out, introduced myself and asked him who the heck he was, adding that I really liked his style. We agreed to meet for lunch or dinner at an early date, which we did a week or so later.
I marvelled at his keen intellect and his wide-ranging knowledge of and curiosity about so many subjects. It didn’t take him long, however, to start drilling into me the basic tenets of scientific research and the virtues of an integrated research and clinical institution. As well, he talked passionately of his dream or mission to establish and develop a modern neuroscience. He told me the timing was perfect for Canada generally, and The Neuro in particular, to take the lead in funding research as the US was cutting back on medical research funding due to its massive financial commitments on the international scene. Brilliant young scientific scholars were looking for opportunities in Canada to pursue their research projects. The bottom line was that he was developing a plan to convince the federal government to increase its support for medical research and especially in neuroscience. He urged me to show him around Ottawa and introduce him to the key players so he could get the message out in clear and understandable terms.
But first, he insisted, I must see and understand the exciting things going on at The Neuro. He brought me here, personally conducted several tours of the labs and other facilities, described several breakthrough research initiatives that were underway and introduced me to his team of brilliant young researchers from all around the world.
Then, shortly after the 2006 General Election, it was off to Ottawa. He and a couple of his Neuro colleagues met with the Government Senate Caucus, various Ministers and other influential players, preaching The Neuro and neuroscience research gospel. He captivated everyone he met, be they English or French, with his energy, enthusiasm and passion.
Especially important were meetings with Finance Minister Flaherty and three successive federal Ministers of Industry, Max Bernier, Jim Prentice and Tony Clement. All three visited The Neuro at David’s behest, in some cases more than once. There were numerous positive offshoots of these initiatives. For example, Minister Prentice came to The Neuro and delivered the Penfield Lecture in 2008 and, more importantly, an early Flaherty Budget designated The Neuro as one of the first Canadian National Centres of Excellence in Research and Commercialization eligible to receive a special funding of $15 million.
I shared numerous fascinating and often quite humorous breakfasts, lunches and dinners, even some political raising events, with David, who always evinced a voracious appetite for Canadian politics generally and contacts with influential political figures in particular, all of course so he could enhance their understanding and knowledge of the critical importance of scientific research and its need for promotion, support and funding by the government.
Typical of David and our relationship was when he commented over lunch one day at L’Orchidée de Chine, “Don’t you think it’s great, David, that here we are — ME, a very liberal (small “l”) New York Jew working so effectively and harmoniously with YOU, a committed conservative Westmount WASP!?”
From that day on, he would sign his e-mails “Rab” or “Your Rabbi”, and he addressed me as “Charlie”, after legendary US Senator Charlie Wilson, who reputedly could always make things happen!
David Colman was an “open door” guy, always available and accessible for advice or input on almost any subject. As MUHC Chair and personally, I was able to take advantage of this often. How lucky I was!
Our late friend had sound judgment, plus so many other rich qualities which combined to make him truly a man of wisdom. Words like passionate, visionary, empathetic, determined, witty, steadfast and strong, all — in my view — reflect David’s persona perfectly.
What a neat man he was! We are so fortunate he came our way. I simply cannot believe he is gone. We will all miss him so much.
May God Bless You David and may you now forever rest in peace.
