DR MIREK STRANC

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

• JUST GOT CAUGHT UP RECENTLY. I ALWAYS WAS APPRECIATIVE OF HIS CAPABILITY OF LISTENING AND SOMETIMES ADVERSE ARGUEMENT. HE WAS A GIANT IN CANADIAN SURGERY AND WILL BE REMEMBERED BY HIS COLLEAGUES AS SUCH BON VOYAGE MY FRIEND DUNCAN SCURRAH - Posted by: John Duncan SCURRAH (collegue) on: Nov 26, 2023

• Dearest Wanda, Leone, Chris and Anton, I am really sorry to hear about your father's passing. I have such wonderful memories spending time with your family at Lake of the Woods. I will always remember him fondly as a wonderful father, surgeon, and want-to-be competitive long distance swimmer, windsurfing instructor and wood worker extraordinaire. Thinking of Mirek makes me smile. Big hug to all of you, Anna, Jadzia I Wojtek - Posted by: anna sylwestrowicz (Family friends) on: Oct 02, 2023

• I have several stories too long to mention here of wonderful times working with Dr Stranc. I can still see his sparkling eyes above his mask although it has been many years since I’ve worked with him. He was a joy to work with, a very kind soul, and an excellent surgeon. It saddened me greatly to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to all his family, he spoke highly of you. He will be sorely missed, a talented gentle soul. - Posted by: Marlene Dieter (OR Nurse ) on: May 13, 2023

• Dear Wanda, Leonie, Anton and Chris. I have known Mirek as his student, colleague and friend since he became the Head of Plastic Surgery at the U of M. He had a prodigious knowledge of plastic surgery and a particularly keen interest in craniofacial surgery. When I completed my training, I was honoured to be invited to collaborate with him when he introduced craniofacial surgery to Winnipeg. During the 20 years we worked together I often listened to his personal anecdotes and pearls of knowledge related to the exacting and pioneering surgeries he had performed in his early career. He shared with me the harrowing times, unimaginable challenges and ingenuity required to live from day to day during his arduous life-threatening journey to the United Kingdom to study medicine. If one were to discuss with Mirek the challenges facing medical practice today, he would humbly note that they could not compare with those faced by his generation of displaced Central European youth forced to emigrate to pursue their education. Mirek was a vigorous medical practitioner who made important contributions to the evolution of his field; many are documented in his wonderful autobiography “Plasticity”. Students learned from his strong commitment to patients. He would challenge any impediment to providing them with the best available care and would not be dissuaded from doing “the right thing“. He demanded excellence from those with whom he worked, disdaining mediocrity. If needed for advice or assistance in urgent or complicated surgeries, he would invariably respond promptly “24/7”. Of the residents he mentored many became highly successful leaders, emulating his role in pushing the envelope in plastic surgery. He did not ever consider himself too senior, or too experienced, to learn from his colleagues, whether they be his peers or students. He had high regard for Healthcare workers at all levels and showed them his respect. The vulnerable and less able had a special place in his heart. Mirek was a courteous and erudite professor who enthusiastically shared the vital lessons he had learned about the art and science of medicine. Most of all he was a loyal and generous friend. I will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Michael West (Friend and Colleague) on: May 11, 2023

• I was very saddened to read about the passing of Dr. Stranc I had the honour and pleasure of meeting Dr Stranc when he joined the Plastic Surgery OR Team as head of the department at HSC in 1976 I was the Charge Nurse of Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery at the time. Dr. Stranc was a wonderful human being always willing to share his knowledge teaching the residents, interns and the OR Nurses. I was priveledged to learn so much under Dr. Stranc's guidance and teaching. He will be very missed by many. I send my sincere condolences to his Wife Wanda and his children, extended family members. Rest in Peace dear Dr. Stranc You gave so much to so many, - Posted by: Carole Rickey (co worker) on: May 11, 2023

• Dear Wanda, Leonie, Anton and Chris. I have known Mirek as his student, colleague and friend since he became the Head of Plastic Surgery at the U of M. He had a prodigious knowledge of plastic surgery and a particularly keen interest in craniofacial surgery. When I completed my training, I was honoured to be invited to collaborate with him when he introduced craniofacial surgery to Winnipeg. During the 20 years we worked together I often listened to his personal anecdotes and pearls of knowledge related to the exacting and pioneering surgeries he had performed in his early career. He shared with me the harrowing times, unimaginable challenges and ingenuity required to live from day to day during his arduous life-threatening journey to the United Kingdom to study medicine. If one were to discuss with Mirek the challenges facing medical practice today, he would humbly note that they could not compare with those faced by his generation of displaced Central European youth forced to emigrate to pursue their education. Mirek was a vigorous medical practitioner who made important contributions to the evolution of his field; many are documented in his wonderful autobiography “Plasticity”. Students learned from his strong commitment to patients. He would challenge any impediment to providing them with the best available care and would not be dissuaded from doing “the right thing“. He demanded excellence from those with whom he worked, disdaining mediocrity. If needed for advice or assistance in urgent or complicated surgeries, he would invariably respond promptly “24/7”. Of the residents he mentored many became highly successful leaders, emulating his role in pushing the envelope in plastic surgery. He did not ever consider himself too senior, or too experienced, to learn from his colleagues, whether they be his peers or students. He had high regard for Healthcare workers at all levels and showed them his respect. The vulnerable and less able had a special place in his heart. Mirek was a courteous and erudite professor who enthusiastically shared the vital lessons he had learned about the art and science of medicine. Most of all he was a loyal and generous friend. I will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Michael West (Colleague and Friend) on: May 10, 2023

• I celebrate Dr. Stranc's life, he was an important man that helped with my surgery for cleft lip and palate. My condolences to his family, a very special man has moved on to a beautiful place. I want to thank you for sharing him and his brilliance with many, many people. - Posted by: Donna Porter (Porter) (paitient) on: May 09, 2023

• To Dr. Stranc's family, my condolences. To Leonie, to know you is to know of your sheer adoration of your father. Through our many talks, and by reading his obituary and his remarkable autobiography Plasticity, I understand why. He had the head to teach, the hands to heal and the heart to change lives for those whom, without his help, would have suffered so. Often without remuneration and at his own costs when voluntering abroad. Many of us have touched a life or two. Your remarkable father has changed destinies. And just think of the exponential impact of all those he taught. His mastery lives on. I pray that brings some comfort. - Posted by: Vivian M Bicknell-Lynne (Friend of Leonie ) on: May 07, 2023

• My condolences to the family. I worked many years at the hospital and he was a gentle soul and a lovely person .. Rest in peace Dr Stranc - Posted by: Tina moore (former VGH staff) on: May 07, 2023

• Dear Anton and Erica. I am so sorry to hear of your dad/grandfather’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. While I never met your father, I have to say what an amazing life story. Your father was a very accomplished man. Anton, I always considered you a great teacher, be it windsurfing or sharing your knowledge on many subjects over the years. Now I know where it came from. You obviously learned from the best. - Posted by: Dorothy Albrecht (Friend of Anton) on: May 06, 2023

• Dear Wanda and family. Ken and I enjoyed those times with you (Wanda), and Marek, listening to your beautiful stories about the people that you'd visited, and helped in other countries As well as the various woods utilized for the many beautiful pieces that he made for others. His wood shop is still the best that we have ever seen in a private home place. Thank you for sharing him with us during those past years! We are assured that he is in Heaven, and safe and full of love around him. God's peace and comfort are with you all. Ken and Cyndi Slapinski nee: Croll - Posted by: Cynthia and Ken Slapinski (Friends) on: May 06, 2023

• I was very saddened to learn about Mirek's passing. A flood of memories came to mind. His distinguished career, so well summarized in his obituary. His contributions, so many, so important and lasting. On a personal basis, I often consulted with Mirek not only in clinical, but also on Departmental matters. I could always count on his honest advice, even when he knew I was hoping for a different answer. And he delivered it with this smile that is so well reflected in his picture. But that is why his advice was so important. It was what he thought was right, not what one wanted to hear. As has been described, he built an outstanding Plastic Surgery Section, as well as new, crucial programs, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and cranio-facial surgery (in collaboration with his very good friend, Dr. M. West). This work gave hope of infinitely happier lives to countless children here and in Paraguay. Years after he stepped down as Section Head, I asked for his help in a time of trouble for the group, and as always, he obliged. He came back and made it possible for the group to recover, remain accredited and successfully recruit the present Leadership. Always ready to help, do the right thing, and always with that smile. Thank you so much Professor Emeritus Mirek Stranc, a good friend, for everything. We owe you so much! - Posted by: Luis Oppenheimer (Colleague. Former Department Head) on: May 06, 2023

• Thank you for this beautiful tribute. Leonie and Chris, my sincerest condolences on this deep loss, to you and to your Mom and Anton. I have fond memories from years ago of him taking the time to talk, to play chess, and teach me how to wind-surf (or at least try!). Your Dad was a great inspiration to me, and played a key role in my decision to go into Medicine, which has shaped my life. In medical school I was privileged to see his passion for teaching and excellence in Surgery first-hand. He was a truly caring and accomplished Surgeon, and a wonderful man. May you rest in peace Dr. Stranc, you are remembered and you are missed. - Posted by: Julianne Klein (Friend of Leonie and Chris) on: May 06, 2023

• I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Stranc in the Children’s Hospital Operating Room for many years as the nurse in charge of plastic surgery. He was such a good surgeon and teacher, instilling and expecting the best in all of his staff. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Karen Steindel (Colleague) on: May 06, 2023

• As a former anesthesia colleague, I enjoyed working with Dr. Stranc. I appreciated his skill, compassion, sense of humour, and his ability to stay calm during difficult situations. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Harley Wong (Professional colleague) on: May 06, 2023

• I am so saddened to hear of Mirek's passing. Of course I have always respectfully called him Dr. Stranc since our meeting 33 years ago to to the date of his passing. You see he and his wife were my first contact with the Cleft lip and palate team in April 24, 1990 when my daughter was born with a cleft palate. As he was to so many families he was kind and gentle, firm and positive as he reassured me that my baby would be fine he was there to help. Who knew that I would then continue as a colleague as well in my carrier as a Pediatric Nurse. I learned so much from him. His knowledge was truly amazing, his skill outstanding and his life story an inspiration. May he rest now as his work here on earth is done and his legacy will be spoken of for centuries to come. Our family extends our condolences to his family during this time. - Posted by: Cynthia Pantel (nee Bonneteau) (Colleague ) on: May 06, 2023

• I'll always recall with great fondness our time spent between cases in the VGH surgeon's lounge, playing chess (You let me win on a few occasions), hearing of the next woodworking project and your advice on life in general. Rest well, my friend. - Posted by: Rod Onotera (student and collegue) on: May 06, 2023

• Such a wonderful, warm tribute to an accomplished skilled man. Like magic our daughters cleft was gone without a trace; we have never forgotten the genuine care and thoughtfulness of Dr. Stranc. Took 2+ hours to do a 45 minute procedure - he just wanted it done perfectly. And it was. His care and pride has made a very, very big difference. And I am sure his philosophy has imprinted onto all his medical students and in turn so many patients. One guy making a world of difference. - Posted by: Roger Burns (a patients pappa) on: May 06, 2023

• I’m so very sorry to hear the passing of Dr. Stranc. A beautiful soul in our world who now is in Heaven, he’ll be missed so dearly til we meet again. He did indeed make the world a better place. The warmth was ever present when he was in the room. May he rest in peace xox - Posted by: Karen Evans (Friend ) on: May 06, 2023

• Leoni, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Although I did not know your father, through our many conversations when you and I worked together, I know how much your father meant to you and how very proud of him you are. May the fond memories you hold bring you solace at this very difficult and sad time. Your friend, Jan Labovich - Posted by: Jan Labovich (Friend) on: May 06, 2023