DR. ARNOLD GERALD ROGERS

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DR. ARNOLD GERALD ROGERS Dr. Arnold Gerald Rogers peacefully, on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 76, with his wife Erica at his side. Dr. Rogers is survived by his wife Erica; his daughters, Susan and Lori; son Michael (Jeannie) and three grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah and Jonathon; sisters, Molly Brickman and Beatrice Zack and their families; lifelong friends, David Korn and Gordon Pullan; and other relatives. He will be missed by his little dog Minnie. Dr. Rogers was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Celia Rogers and his wife Patricia. Dr. Arnold Gerald Rogers was the third of three children of a very close knit family. He attended St. Johns High School where, despite a lengthy illness, he graduated with the Isbister Scholarship. On graduation from the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1950, he was awarded the Gold Medal in Medicine for the highest standing in the fourth year and as well the Gold Medal for the full course of studies. He continued his education at the Mayo Clinic where he specialized in gastroenterology and earned his Master of Science in Medicine from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Rogers returned to Winnipeg and established his private practice. He was also a consultant in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Rogers joined the staff of the Misericordia Hospital in 1953. His contribution to the hospital in the areas of patient care, administration and teaching span the course of over 30 years. As well as being a consultant, Dr. Rogers served on the Medical Executive Committee as Head of the Department of Medicine and as President of the Medical Staff. He also played a pivotal role in establishing and contributing to the Misericordia Hospital Research Foundation. In 1984 he was awarded the Dr. Ian Goldberg Award for meritorious service to the hospital. Dr. Rogers professional life has been marked with a love of learning and a deep commitment to education and scholarship. He coordinated the undergraduate program in clinical skills at the Misericordia and monitored undergraduate medical students, nursing students and practicing nurses. As well, the majority of his research papers have, as first author, the students who had sought him out and asked to work with him during the summer or other times away from their formal study. Dr. Rogers was also involved with medical care in Manitoba. He was appointed to the Medical Review Committee which was established at arms length from Manitoba Health, to carry the responsibility of reviewing medical practices and the authority to deal with questionable patient care. He remained a member of this Committee from 1975 and served as Chairman for over 10 years. He also served briefly as a Medical Examiner after his retirement. As well, Dr. Rogers was the Chairman of the Medical Executive Committee of the Sharon Home. His lifelong love of learning and of books and his belief in the practice of the art and science of medicine are reflected both in his involvement with a number of medical and historical organizations as well as his continued effort to ensure that the Medical Librarys collection support a range of material in history, biography and ethics. Dr. Rogers not only encouraged young people in work but also in deed. At the University of Winnipeg, he established undergraduate scholarships for students, funded an annual award to recognize faculty for excellence in research and commissioned artistic works which adorn the Universitys walls. His contributions to the University were recognized when an Honorary Degree was conferred upon him in June 1989. At the University of Manitoba he endorsed student scholarships, established a trust fund at the Medical Library and encouraged additional public support of the library and contributed to the building of a History of Medicine Area in the Neal John Maclean Library. His service to the University was recognized in June of 1994 when a Distinguished Service Award was presented to him. Other community activities centered on Ben Gurion University, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Sharon Home and St. Amant Centre. His has been a life of duty, of service to his family, his profession and his community, and was filled with laughter, reward, tears and pain. A beloved physician, a remarkable teacher, a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, this is a man who has throughout his life lived the tenents of his faith: "love God, love learning and do good deeds". We shall not look upon his like again. Graveside services were conducted by Rabbi Henry Balser on December 14, 2001 at 12:00 noon at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of ones choice. The family extends their heartfelt appre-ciation for the dedication and professionalism of his physicians, Dr. Sheila Domke, Dr. Oscar Domke, Dr. Wayne Manishen and Dr. Sheldon Koven. The family would also like to extend their thanks to the medical and nursing staffs of St. Boniface Hospital for their kind and compassionate support of Erica and Arnold during his last hours. As well, they thank the medical and nursing staffs of Grace Hospital and Misericordia Interim Care and the Sharon Home for their warmth, concern, dedication and compassionate care. They further appreciate the work of physiotherapist Melba Moore whose efforts eased his physical discomfort. To Gurmakh and Narincler Rukhrah for their love and devotion which made a difficult situation easier for Dr. Rogers and his family to bear, you will not be forgotten.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2002