DR. KENNETH JL VAN AMEYDE

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

• I knew Dr. Van Ameyde as a junior Nursing Assistant working at the Green desk. He cared for the well being of his support staff! Offering words of encouragement.. that have stayed with me throughout my career. - Posted by: Robert Kunze (coworker) on: Oct 22, 2025

• Dr Van Ameyde was a legend of internal medicine at HSC and one of the finest physicians I have ever worked with. He motivated us with his knowledge, his teaching and his high expectations. Thank you for everything, Dr Van Ameyde. - Posted by: Purnima Rao (Former student) on: Oct 20, 2025

• I was a patient of Dr. Van Ameyde’s at the ambulatory care clinic at HSC for ~20 years. When I first met him, he was the fourth doctor I was sent to. No other could figure out what was going on. Well, he sure did and was quick to do so as well. Ken was an incredibly intelligent man, direct, pragmatic and empathetic. He cared a great deal, and had such a dry sense of humour. His relentless teasing about farmers in general (which I am) always made me smile. Our appointments were always productive, and I always left feeling better and that he’d sort out the problem. He made my life immensely better, and I will always be grateful to him. He will be sorely missed by so many. My sincerest condolences to his family on their loss. - Posted by: Laurie Campbell (patient) on: Oct 17, 2025

• I met Dr. Van Ameyde while I was taking training for northern nurses - extended clinical skills course -many years ago. His reputation as a skilled, knowledgeable and exacting physician was well known. He was also very patient and methodical instructor. His teaching was exceedingly valuable to my practice in the northern communities of Manitoba. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Karen Beardy (Community Health Nurse, Health Canada) on: Oct 17, 2025

• I was fortunate to learn from Dr. Van Ameyde while working on the accreditation of the Manitoba Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program at HSC. It was a requirement for the Program to ensure that stem cell donors had freely agreed to donate, and Dr. Van Ameyde was the physician who interviewed the donors to confirm this. Despite sporting a casual attire, there was nothing casual about his professionalism, and I always appreciated his no nonsense approach and his extensive knowledge. My sincere condolences to his family on the loss of this very good man. - Posted by: Karen Howell (Former HSC BMT Staff) on: Oct 16, 2025

• It was with sadness that I heard about Ken’s death from colleagues in Winnipeg. I trained under him decades ago, but his mentorship, guidance, and sense of humour continue to mean a great deal to me in my practice. Whether facing difficult cases, teaching, or dealing with routine hospital issues, I often try to channel his wisdom and his unique, caring approach — and it invariably helps. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to all his many colleagues, patients, and trainees who are no doubt mourning the loss of an exceptional teacher, leader, and physician. - Posted by: Bruce Campbell (colleague) on: Oct 16, 2025

• I like so many others had the great privilege of working with Ken at HSC. I was a manager- a role that as many of you know he did not have much respect for and yet … through our mutual passion for quality patient care and his wonderful sense of humour we were able to create productive working relationship. He was an exemplary physician and tireless in mentoring and challenging novice healthcare professionals. On a personal note he was someone whose council I trusted. He was a kind man and thoroughly authentic. I am so grateful I knew him and though it’s been too long since last we met I will miss him … - Posted by: Eliette Allec (Co worker) on: Oct 16, 2025

• Dr Ken Van Ameyede was one of the first doctors I ever worked with at GH4 at HSC when I was a new RN 20 years ago. I will never forget him. Hospital scrub top, blue jeans and grey beard as his standard uniform, he was always a good teacher, worked well with the nurses, and passionate about the care of his patients. He was always incredibly direct and common sense and we all loved him for it. He was known as a legend and if he was happy with our care, then we knew we had done right. I’m now an assistant professor (teaching) at the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing, and his very direct nature, patient teaching and passion for advocacy and quality care is the model that I use for my own teaching. Always a legend, you are truly missed. To the family, please be comforted in small part in knowing there are likely thousands of us who are taking his teachings to deliver impeccable patient care all over the world, and many of us are passing it down to the next generation. - Posted by: Megan Keszler (Nurse who worked with him.) on: Oct 14, 2025

• I worked with Dr. Van Ameyde for many years at the HSC. He was not just a great physician, but a wonderful mentor to new doctors and nurses. He worked in some of the most very stressful areas but with a calm and reasonable demeanour, I think I recall him even singing at times. Rest assured his care and skill changed many lives for the better. Sympathies to all. - Posted by: Elizabeth Nicolson (Colleague) on: Oct 13, 2025

• Dr. Van Ameyde, thank you for everything. - Posted by: Dasa Thiessen (Student/colleague) on: Oct 12, 2025

• Dr. Van Ameyde, thank you for everything. - Posted by: Dasa Thiessen (Student/colleague) on: Oct 12, 2025

• Our sincerest condolences and sympathies on the passing of Ken. May he Rest In Peace and his memory live on in the hearts and minds of all those he has touched over the course of his life. The Boivin family - Posted by: Phil Boivin (Cousin) on: Oct 12, 2025

• Deepest condolences to Dr Van Ameyde's family and friends. He treated my husband Gordon in 2018 as a patient in HSC and for a year after as an outpatient. He was an amazing Dr and wonderful person who's care & concern turned things around for Gordon. We are thankful for meeting him & grateful for his care. He was one of the best. - Posted by: Linda Demers (Former patient) on: Oct 11, 2025

• One of the greats in medicine in Manitoba. He oversaw many trainees as we came up through the ranks and struggled to amass as much knowledge and wisdom as this legend could dole out. He worked tirelessly through the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic and his catchphrases and pearls will survive him for decades to come. RIP. And sorry to let him down one last time-I own zero blue jeans. - Posted by: Anonymous (trainee) on: Oct 11, 2025

• Dr Van Ameyde was an amazing doctor. I am alive today because of him. In fact he saved my life multiple times. He was wickedly intelligent, stoic, and cared so deeply. I had the honour of both laughing and crying with him. He broke the mold and there will never again be a man like him. He may be physically gone but he will remain in the hearts of all who knew him for the rest of time. - Posted by: Lauren Duncan (Patient) on: Oct 11, 2025

• Thank you Ken for your good teaching and your humanity. Stewart Wakeman (physician colleague). - Posted by: Stewart Wakeman (Physician colleague) on: Oct 11, 2025

• I knew Dr. Van Ameyde through working as a paging operator at HSC. He was a kind and well respected physician. On one particular occasion he helped me to advocate hospital admission for a friend and completely turned things around 180° for my friend and his family. I will always be immeasurably grateful to have known Ken. - Posted by: Judi McFarland (Acquaintance) on: Oct 11, 2025