On July 24, 2016, we lost a wonderful person, and longtime friend of the CBR and many others.

Dr. Sheldon (Shelly) Naiman was born in Toronto in 1937, and after completing medical school, moved to California and then to Vancouver, where he became the founding Head of Clinical Hematology in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Naiman established the first Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Vancouver General Hospital, and later became head of the hematology laboratory at St. Paul’s Hospital until his retirement several years ago. His late wife, Dr. Linda Vickars, was also a Clinical Professor in the Division of Hematology. She led the development of the first comprehensive programs in hemophilia, hemoglobinopathies and hemosiderosis.

Together, this amazing couple provided a remarkably stimulating, motivating and highly academic environment in hematology, devoted to delivering the best care for patients and their families. Shelly and Linda were admired by all, and leave a wonderful legacy in their families, friends and all those whom they touched – students, paramedical personnel, and professional peers.

For a touching tribute written by Dr. Vera Frinton, a longtime friend of Shelly and Linda, please click here.

Shelly and Linda were dedicated to promoting excellence in research, education and training in benign hematology. They therefore created the Sheldon Naiman and Linda Vickars Hematology Endowment Fund at the Centre for Blood Research, to which donations can be made.