Former Professor of Anesthesia at the University of Toronto and Chief of Anesthesia at University Health Network, Dr. David Richard Bevan
The Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine is saddened to share news of the passing of Dr. David Richard Bevan.
Dr. Bevan was a long-standing member of our department; he was a former Professor of Anesthesia at the University of Toronto and Chief of Anesthesia at University Health Network (2000–2006).
He was also a leader in the field of anesthesiology and pain medicine, having served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesia at McGill University from 1985 to 1991 and Professor and Chairman of Anesthesia at the University of British Columbia from 1992 to 2000. Dr. Bevan was an outstanding clinician and a highly supportive mentor to many. He was a cherished colleague and friend to many members of our department. A more comprehensive tribute to Dr. Bevan will be provided in the future.
On behalf of the department, our chair, Dr. Beverley Orser, extends our sincere condolences to Dr. Bevan’s wife, Dr. Joan Bevan (a pediatric anesthesiologist), his family, and a worldwide network of his friends and colleagues.
Biography
David Richard Bevan died on May 9, 2024, after a distinguished career in anesthesiology and a fulfilling family life. He was born in Mountain Ash, Wales, into a medical family. His father, Richard Bevan, was Chief Medical Officer of the Welsh Office, and his mother, Beryl Bevan, was a pathologist. His brother, John, became a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, and his sister, Catherine, became a dentist.
His education began as a chorister at Llandaff Cathedral School, and he was one of two boys taken by the Archbishop of Wales to sing at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He attended Clifton College, Bristol, where he was Head Boy and represented the school in rugby, cricket, and hockey. He won a closed scholarship to Cambridge University in 1959 and went to Clare College for his first degree. He obtained his medical degree from Guy's Hospital Medical School, London, graduating with distinction in 1965. His commitment to a short-term commission in the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps) did not interrupt his training in medicine, as he completed his specialty in anesthesia (FRCA) and medicine (MRCP) at the same time. After his discharge, he was a senior registrar in anesthesia at Hammersmith Hospital, then a senior lecturer and consultant at St. Mary's Hospital, London.
He married Deryn Walton in 1963, and they had two sons, Andrew and Simon. After their divorce, he married Joan Claire Scott, a pediatric anesthesiologist, in 1972. They had a son, Peter, and a daughter, Siân. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Professor Sir Gordon Robson, David immigrated to Canada in 1978.
David thrived in the developing specialty of anesthesiology in North America, combining clinical and administrative leadership with research into the new neuromuscular blocking agents, editorial roles, and scientific publication. In 1978, he joined the staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Department of Anesthesia at McGill University in Montreal. He became Professor and Chairman of the Anesthesia Department, which attracted anesthesiologists and trainees from around the world. He was the first incumbent of the Wesley Bourne Endowed Chair and established the Harold R. Griffith Endowed Chair. His submission to Canada Post to issue a commemorative stamp to honour Dr. Griffith, who made the landmark introduction of curare into anesthesia fifty years earlier, was successful in 1991.
In 1992, David moved to Vancouver, where he was Chief of the Department of Anesthesia at Vancouver General Hospital and Professor of Anesthesia at the University of British Columbia. During this time, he expanded his reach internationally, promoting Canadian anesthesia worldwide in his roles as Editor in Chief, Canadian Journal of Anesthesia (1988–2000), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Anesthesia Research Society (2005–2006), Chairman, Scientific Organising Committee, World Congress, Montreal (2000), and Vice President, World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (2003–2004).
David took great satisfaction from his time as Professor of Anesthesia at the University of Toronto and Chief of Anesthesia at University Health Network (2000–2006). He built on its strengths, and the department flourished in clinical and academic productivity. He supported his department members during their time in Toronto and after they left. Challenged by the chronic shortage of anesthesiologists in the Canadian healthcare system, his actions in closing operating rooms due to dangerous staffing levels were controversial; however, he knew it was the right move. It eventually led to the introduction of the Anesthesia Assistants program, which has become a model for physician assistant roles in a number of disciplines.
After retirement in 2006, David enjoyed a few years in part-time clinical practice at Huntsville Memorial District Hospital, Huntsville, until 2016, when he and Joan retired to Riverbend Golf Community, London, Ontario. His interest in sports continued throughout his life, and he later added golf, ice hockey, and baseball to his essential rugby and cricket. He had a love for classical music and a keen interest in historical and current world events.
He proudly followed the successes of his previous colleagues, but his joy came from his family: Andrew (Melissa Armstrong), Simon (Laurie Bevan), Peter (Lauren Patton), and Siân (Bruno Malta). His seven grandchildren, Gillian, Lindsay, Oscar, Owen, Rachel, Madeleine, and Emma, were a constant source of enjoyment. He will be missed by all the family, and his loss is deeply felt by Joan, his wife of 51 years, closest friend, and professional colleague.
According to David’s wishes, there will be no service, but the family will gather for a celebratory dinner in Riverbend and the scattering of his ashes in Toronto.
We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
