In Memoriam

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine remembers Amber Shurb-Beach (SLP '16)

Amber’s friends, family and the speech-language pathology class of 2016 are organizing a donation to support the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Camp in her memory. More...

In Memoriam: Barrie Pickles (BScPT ’70) 1932–2017 

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine family remembers Mr. Barrie Pickles of Kingston, Ontario, who passed away on July 7, 2017.

Barrie was part of a number of firsts for the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine during his early career.

He was among the first graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy program at the U of A School of Rehabilitation Medicine, after its diploma program was replaced by a degree program in 1969–70.

Barrie served as Head of the Physical Therapy Division in the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy from 1975 to 1976. He was a strong supporter of the program's development and transition from a school to the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine with three distinct departments, and was appointed the first Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy (1976–79) when the school gained faculty status.

Barrie made significant contributions to rehabilitation medicine in Canada. After the University of Alberta, Barrie moved to Queen's University in Kingston, where he became the third Director of Rehabilitation Medicine. The U of A Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine family sends our condolences to Barrie’s family and friends.

Barrie Pickle's obituary.

Benita Fifield: Remembering an educator, innovator, mentor, pioneer and philanthropist

Fifield made lasting contributions to the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. More...

In Memoriam: Marcy Lynn McCaw (Heschuk) (BScPT ’95, BPE ‘96) 1971–2017

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine remembers Mrs. Marcy Lynn McCaw (nee Heschuk) who passed away on July 7, 2017 at the age of 46.

Read Marcy’s obituary.

Marcy was an alumna of the University of Alberta’s Faculties of Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Education and Recreation, and a Panda’s athlete. She positively impacted many lives through her career as a physical therapist.

The UAlberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine family sends our condolences to Marcy’s family and friends.

A Memorial Fund has been created in her name to support a student award in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Online donations to the Memorial Fund can be made at bit.ly/MarcyMemorial.

In the “Direct my donation to” area, enter the donation amount in the “An area not listed” box; in the tab labelled, “Would you like to direct your gift to an area not listed?” please click on the green “+” to expand the area and enter “Marcy Lynn McCaw (Heschuk) Memorial Fund” as the name of the area.

Sabine Liselotte Reich BSc(PT) '71

Sabine Liselotte Reich of Edmonton, Alberta passed away in November 2016. 

Remembering Sylvia Helen Lofto: April 21, 1942 - February 9, 2017

Sylvia Helen Lofto was born on Apr. 21, 1942. 

Her career at the University of Alberta spanned several decades in the Departments of Zoology, Materials Management, and Occupational Therapy.

Sylvia joined the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine's Department of Occupational Therapy as an Executive Assistant in 1985. She was a vital and major contributor to the design of the Department's administrative infrastructure during its significant growth period in the mid-1980's.  

Her logistical prowess and coordination oversaw the timetabling, budgeting and offering of the accelerated program, and the initiation of the country's first Master in Occupational Therapy. She also played a vital role in the remodeling of Corbett Hall upon further departmental expansion. Within the University, she was a strong advocate for the Department and its programs.

Sylvia, who retired from the University of Alberta in 2001, will be remembered for her integrity by those who worked closely with her.