DR. GORDON R. CUMMING

Condolences & Memories (28 entries)

• Dr. Cumming was my Cardiologist. I was born with AORPA and at 14 days he preformed surgery! I also had angioplasty at 6 yrs old. I remained under his care into my 30s before transitioning to the adult congenital heart clinic! Now almost 50 I'm trying to connect with others with CHD & patients of this amazing surgeon. - Posted by: Carol (Patient ) on: Nov 02, 2024

• Doctor Cummings saved my life literally.. when born I was diagnosed with ventric septal defect I had 2 holes in my heart and was sure to die if not operated on... with his care and finding the right surgeon for me I'm a survivor even today ... I'm a week away from turning 57 .. he actually managed to get my file in the hands of the surgeon that invented the technique of how they still do it today .. I was a learning platform for the surgeon who taught others how to do it.... anyway I will forever grateful for this man and hope to see him one day on heaven.. rest in peace Dr. Cummings - Posted by: Gerhart Wutschke (Patient ) on: Aug 27, 2023

• It saddened me to read about the passing of Dr. Cummings. I just recently went to Winnipeg clinic, for a EKG. The same guy was still there who told the news of his passing. Dr. Cummings was my cardiologist since 1963 when I was a baby. And had many appointments with Dr. Cummings and scheduled my surgery when I was 7 years old April, 1970. Dr. Cummings was assisted with Dr. Fresien for my open heart surgery in April, 1970. I seen Dr. Cummings until he informed me that he will be finally retiring. And I asked him "so how old are Dr Cummings?" And he replied I'm 84. I looked at my daughter with amazement and Thanked him for being my doctor and will miss see him. Yes told me to take care if myself and say Hello to my mom. I jokingly asked " Dr. Cummings I still remember when you told me, after you get better, you buy me a bike" (that's when I was going under before the for my heart surgery)... we laughed and he said you remember that, I told him of course lol. I Thank you Dr. Cummings for being my Cardiologist. Condolences to your family, sorry for the late comment. - Posted by: Joey Martin (Patient ) on: Jul 04, 2023

• Dr Cummings was my cardiologist after I had transposition if the greater arteries surgery in Toronto when I was 6 months old. I know what compassion is because of him. He was the best doctor anyone could ever ask for and such a great soul. Thank you Dr Cummings for literally saving my life. - Posted by: Scott Bouska (Patient ) on: Jun 22, 2023

• What a kind Man!! He was my cardiologist since I was born with a VSD. He saw me well into my 40s. I always looked forward to my appointments with him. May his soul Rest in Peace. I am sorry for his loss. - Posted by: Laurie Pelepetz (Patient) on: Mar 13, 2023

• Dr Cummings was a wonderful Doctor anyone would love to have . He pretty much watch my son and I grow up. We have a heart disease that he help educate us on and we stayed healthy under his care . He did help us when the time came for my son to have surgery and located a great Doctor in Toronto. My heart breaks with the passing of Dr Cummings, I’m sure he would have been very interested in our outcome with our many surgery’s ... God bless to the family and know they have gained a beautiful person in heaven - Posted by: Candace/ Curtis Mondor (Past patient) on: Jan 26, 2021

• I was born as a CHD patient and 3 months later was placed under the care of Dr. Cumming who sent me to Toronto Sick Kids at the age of 16 for surgery and then continued on with him for 50 years at which time he then retired but not before referring me back to Toronto for a second surgery at the Toronto General Hospital which took place at age 51 and then eventually wound up with a heart transplant at age 53 when I eventually went into heart failure at the same TGH under the care of the same surgeon. Thank you for all that you have done for all of your other patients as well as me and I know that God has a special place beside Him for you to sit and watch over us all. Blessed be you Dr. Cumming 🙏 - Posted by: Curtis Jourdain (Patient) on: Sep 16, 2020

• Dr. Cumming was my cardiologist from when I was just a baby to when he retired. I am now 41. I still miss my yearly appointments with him. He was so kind and compassionate. He had the gentlest way of communicating health information that might be difficult to hear and always ended with hope. I always left his office with high spirits and hope. He brought healing not just to the physical body, but also to a person's spirit. I have never had a doctor equal to him. I also remember walking into his office and hearing about the accomplishments of his children and how he enjoyed the company of all his grandchildren. This accounted for most of the visit. He was so proud of all of you! Rest in peace Dr. Cumming and my condolences to you his family. - Posted by: Vanessa Harms (Patient) on: Aug 18, 2020

• Dr. Cumming became my cardiologist in 1970 when I was a six years old. I was born with a coarctation of the aorta and was referred to him by my family physician to investigate high upper-body blood pressure & nightly nosebleeds. After surgery to repair this narrowing in my aorta, I saw him regularly for checkups (once every three years and, in latter years, annually) until he retired. The checkups included running on a treadmill (about 15 minutes), an examination (maybe 15 minutes) and then talking to him for another hour (or so) about life (not just mine but all of his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s). With great pride, he told me about summer gatherings with family at the cottage and the successes of his children & grandchildren; his laughter was infectious and I mostly just listened. He counseled me on running marathons; with a twinkle in his eye, he would say: “Well, I won’t say you shouldn’t be running them” and then embarked on a discussion on quality (versus quantity) of life. I got the message and, as a result, I have completed 15 full marathons (and numerous half marathons) and would likely run more if it weren’t for my knees (and not my heart); the quality of my life has been better because of him. I am deeply saddened by his passing and want to extend my condolences to his family; he was a remarkable man and will be missed. - Posted by: David Mitchell-Dueck (Patient) on: Aug 17, 2020

• We met Dr Cumming when Mary was referred to him as a newborn. He sent us on a whirlwind teaching experience of pediatric cardiology. She was given 6 months to live but thanks to his knowledge she was sent to Sick Kids numerous times, Toronto General twice and Harefield Hospital in London England three times. She will soon be 40 years old. His office visits always ended up with my being given some research to do on what she needed done. These results would often make him butt heads with other doctors The Free Press did an article on her journey to the UK and how we managed to get there. This was the most amazing, compassionate man who never rushed you out of his office and we will always remember him. Susan and Mary - Posted by: Susan and Mary Shallcross (Patients) on: Aug 08, 2020

• I remember attending a lecture by Gordon Cumming circa 1976 when I was a second year medical student. He must have walked over between procedures at the Children's hospital as he was in his greens. As a pediatric cardiologist, he likely had just finished a heart cath - his kodachromes indicated he was highly specialized, knowledgable and experienced at what he did. One could not but marvel that such a mountain of a man performed such intricate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on such small living beings. As a role model, he was up there with other accomplished U of M faculty including Morley Cohen, Lionel Israel, and John Forester. It was special that I was also able to interact with him and Marianne on rare occasion at the lake. - Posted by: David C Lyon (student) on: Aug 05, 2020

• Dr Cumming was my paediatric cardiologist and took care of me till from the age of 3 till I was 25. He restored my trust in doctors and always made me smile. I would say he saved my life and I will forever be indebted to him for his years of care. I am sad to hear he passed and send my condolences to the family 💕 - Posted by: Sara Aysan (Patient) on: Jul 29, 2020

• I first met Dr. Cumming in 1957 when I was 3 years old. I remained his patient until his retirement some 50+ years later. He kept me alive by advocating what I needed (surgeries, valve replacements and a pacemaker) with others in the cardiology team. He also wasn’t afraid to send me (and other patients) to cities that would do better for his patients than staying in Winnipeg. I remember many times over the years sitting in his office talking about his children and grandchildren and seeing and hearing the pride in his voice. Of course I send my condolences to his whole family, but I’m much happier remembering the wonderful man who saved countless lives (mine included), and will be forever grateful that he was part of my life for so many years. God Bless you Dr. Cumming. There is absolutely another angel in Heaven. ✝️✝️🙏🏻🙏🏻 - Posted by: Rodney Kebicz (Lifelong patient ) on: Jul 28, 2020

• My honour and privilege to have had him as a colleague and friend. Brilliant and humble, and always greeted me with a smile, even when I was still a trainee at the hospital. A scholar to his patients and peers. My condolence to his family - Posted by: Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, PC, OM. (Former colleague at Winnipeg Children' Hospital) on: Jul 28, 2020

• I worked for your father from 1965 -1974 as a cardiac tech and it was the most rewarding and learning work experience I had in my life. We had such a cohesive staff at that time, doing heart caths in the morning and seeing patients in the afternoon. We did experience one annoyance, at least several times a week. We thought we were finished for the day seeing our last patient at 4:30 , getting ready to leave when in walks a patient , no appointment but who had managed to get pass the secretary and speak with Dr. Cumming . He always told them to come right in, ( but didn’t tell us) that was the kind of Doctor he was, very concerned and caring. And one more thing we dreaded was the bike. Pretty well all patients had to do some form of exercise,with an EKG hookup,either the bike, or treadmill. And we had some fun Christmas parties in the Childrens Hospital basement office. Your dad made a mean punch! And of course, there were some Summer weekend calls from Minaki saying he was on his way in and to get ready for a cath. I do remember he told us that he always went swimming on May long weekend, and perhaps some of you did too. Brrrr. My deepest sympathy to all of you , he will be missed by many, and it was an honour to work with him. - Posted by: Cassie Rogoski (Former employee) on: Jul 27, 2020

• Deepest sympathies to all. A gem through and through. Like many who skated we just knew Dr. Cumming as a dedicated Dad who loved the sport and was good with a starting pistol on occasion. I recall him zooming in last minute toMoose Jaw for the annual competition. Now I know why - he was juggling a million balls. As I became a Registered Nurse I quickly learned of many of his achievements and was in awe that this accomplished and gifted and respected man, was in his heart just a skating Dad. May he be at peace. His legacy shall be everlasting - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Speed-Skating Family) on: Jul 27, 2020

• Besides being a pioneer in his field, all his accomplishments, honors and accolades...he was simply a fabulous human being. The simple truth and fact is; before I even knew who he was, he is the reason that I am here today. I was born with a congenial heart defeat in 1980. His close friend Dr. Jack Armstrong who was my pedestrian at the time, recommended my parents seeing Dr. Cumming. On Dr. Cumming advice I had my surgery done at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and not in Winnipeg. That decision saved my life. There are no words or fancy phrases that I can say that would acknowledge the depth of gratitude I owe him for what he did for me. I will however, share a few memories. I saw Dr. Cumming ever year for an annual check up. Most of my fondest memories came when he was working Winnipeg Clinic in the late 90's and 2000's. I remember a specific photo in his office; I believe his grandchildren (or great grand children) they were hugging him in from of the Petronas Towers in Malaysia. I remember thinking there is so much joy and happiness in the photo. Our regular 10 min appointment would turn into hour or so long story telling session, me mostly listening, as we chatted about life, family and careers. I could tell he genuinely cared about me and my family. I could feel how proud and honored he was when he spoke of his. His belly of a laugh as he joked around was unmistakable. Truly blessed knowing him. Warmest regards and condolences to all his family. Thank you for saving me life, Kur Preiss (Uyen), Beverley Preiss, Chris Preiss - Posted by: Kurt Preiss (Patient) on: Jul 27, 2020

• To my cousins and your families...I grieve with you. We spent a lot of time together growing up. I very much enjoyed all the time spent at Minaki and have fond memories of Uncle Gordon. Evenings were such fun with card games. Uncle Gordon was always laughing about something. He took great enjoyment in family time together. I remember crawling under the new addition at the old cottage with him, helping put up the vapour barrier, and my mom on the roof helping him shingle. He taught me to water ski, and as soon as I was able to stand, spent as much time trying to get me to fall. There were many misadventures around boats, and I think I understand now why one of my cousins was always following us with another boat. Christmases at the Cumming house were equally as fun. Big gatherings. I believe Uncle Gordon loved to have everyone around, and always had something new to try out, with much amusement. I also remember family picnics. Usually involved some game after. He was very much about being physically active, but I didn’t realize how involved he was in the sport community. What a legacy. Uncle Gordon was the heart surgeon for my sister-in-law when she was an infant, long before I met my husband, and before he married Aunt Dorothy. Deepest sympathies to all. - Posted by: Cindy Risi (Family) on: Jul 27, 2020

• Dr. Cumming was my cardiologist from 3 yrs old until 16 yrs old when I had to move to Winnipeg General Hospital for care. He turned my care over to Dr. Ted Cuddy who implanted my first permanent pacemaker on Dec. 7, 1967. Yes almost 53 yrs ago. Dr. Cumming did a heart catherization on me on my 6th birthday. I absolutely loved Dr. Cumming as he was always so good to me and I received great care, even when he told my mom and I that we would have to pray for a miracle as there was nothing he could do for me at the time. My pulse was between 20-40 beats per minute. Finally Dec. 1967 I finally got a pacemaker which has saved my life. I send my deepest condolences to all the family, he was a very special man and I thank your family for sharing him with all CHD patients that needed him. ❤️❤️🙏🙏 - Posted by: I Judy Preston (Prieston) (CHD patient) on: Jul 27, 2020

• Gordon was the nicest person. My son's pediatrician at the Manitoba Clinic referred us to Gordon for Paul's atrial septal defect in the early 1990's. It was a birth defect. Thankfully Gordon set us up with Dr. Black at Sick Kids in Toronto and we got it fixed. Good thing, because Paul turned out to be 6'5" and very solid. Dr Cumming was the kindest, gentlest doctor that has ever lived. - Posted by: Doug Gillis (co-worker at GWL and father of patient) on: Jul 27, 2020

• Condolences to the family. Your father/grandfather was a GREAT man. I know you will all miss him dearly. His career was an amazing one and Winnipegers were blessed to have him living here. He did so much for mankind. - Posted by: Loretta (Friend) on: Jul 25, 2020

• I spoke with Dr Cumming many times over the years and always enjoyed our talks. Very kind and interesting gentleman. I hope all your wonderful memories support you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Lorraine MacLennan (Great-West Life Human Resource employee) on: Jul 25, 2020

• My family moved next door to the Cummings on Aldershot in 1986 and we were neighbours until we moved in 1994. They were lovely people, kind, caring and generous. Your black lab (Star?) babysat my daughters when they were small. She had had many years of experience watching over the Cumming brood, and was very diligent in making sure that no cars passed when they were out playing by lying in the middle of the road! My younger daughter often went to your house to play with Oliver, your Springer Spaniel puppy, who sadly disappeared one day when Dorothy was outside gardening. Your Dad was a gentle giant, so accomplished, but so modest and unassuming. I have many fond memories of Dorothy and Gordon. - Posted by: Sandy Tapper (neighbour) on: Jul 25, 2020

• To the family and friends of Dr. Cumming, I send my deepest condolences. This wonderful human and brilliant doctor became a part of my life within my first year of birth. I saw him every year for 33 years and sometimes more than once. He was extremely professional and personable and shared stories of his children’s successes including his grandchildren. After 33 years he sent me away to get my heart valves replaced and upon return to Manitoba he continued his care. I owe this man my life for the high degree of knowledge and care he provided over the years. My heart goes out to you all, he truly made impacts during his time on earth. Jennifer Ramjohn - Posted by: Jennifer Ramjohn (Patient) on: Jul 25, 2020

• I am saddened to learn of Gordon's passing. I owe so much of my life journey to the Big Teddy Bear. As he did each year he offered this new Physical Education grad an opportunity to explore a slightly different path of care and research in paediatric cardiology. I learned so much more about the critical link between physical activity and well-being, developed life-long friendships, including my life partner, and was part of leading edge research under the guidance of a world class person. Even as a sport medicine professional he gave me insight into the next phase of my career in athletic therapy and junior hockey. I think of him often and will continue to with cherished fondness. My most powerful memory will be of the gentleness with which he would hold a newborn in one of those giant paws of his. Rest now, good fellow. - Posted by: Howard Skrypnyk (staff colleague) on: Jul 25, 2020

• Dr. Cumming was my cardiologist since I was a teenager. I am now 75 and was still seeing him up until the time he retired from the Winnipeg Clinic. He was a wonderful doctor and a wonderful person. He always had time to talk to you. Never was in a rush to get you out the door. I began seeing Dr. Cumming when I was a Pediatric patient and saw him at the Children’s Hospital. Rest In Peace Dr. Cumming. - Posted by: Linda Nazer (Former patient ) on: Jul 25, 2020

• What an amazing and fulfilled life. - Posted by: Ernest Babynec (none) on: Jul 25, 2020

• I worked in Dr. Cumming's research lab when I was a Med student. I learned lab techniques that were invaluable in my own research in later years. Most importantly I observed and received his calm and compassion. Good memories of a good person. - Posted by: Roger Lyons (Friend/ student) on: Jul 25, 2020