Date of death: December 14, 2024
A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday December 18, 2024, 11:00 am at the Temple Anshe Sholom Cemetery, 427 Limeridge Road East, Hamilton.
A reception will be held at 1:30pm following the service at the McMaster Alumni Memorial Centre (formerly the Faculty Club). All are welcome.
Eugene Vayda passed away at the age of 99 surrounded by his wife of 75 years, Elaine and loving family. He was comfortable and cared for by the team at Amica Retirement Home in Dundas. Beloved father of Paul and late Joseph, father-in-law of Susanne, and son of Sol and Sophie, he is survived by three grandchildren, Marc, Jessica and Erik; and three great-grandchildren, Rupert, Lorelai, and Felix. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and caregivers.
Eugene Vayda was a physician specializing in internal medicine and a university professor. He was a writer in medical journals on health care policy. An avid fan of theatre and art, he enjoyed the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Soulpepper theatre and collected artwork from the Canadian arctic.
Eugene and Elaine were married on June 18, 1949, and received a recognition on their 60th anniversary from the Queen and Prime Minister. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1925, he moved to Hamilton in 1970 and then resided in a historic home in the Toronto Annex. A passionate sports fan, he watched the Cleveland Guardians and Browns often all day on Sundays.
Eugene Vayda was trained at Case Western Reserve University. Initially in private practice, he then founded the Community Health Foundation, which offered full pre-paid medical care, supported by the Steelworkers and other local unions. Moving to Canada, he was one of the founders of McMaster Medical School. As a professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, he engaged in research using an endowment from the Millbank Memorial Fund Fellowship, which allowed him to study health care delivery all over the world, culminating in comparisons of different local medical systems. He was always a supporter of the Canadian medical system, and helped to develop group practices in Canadian communities.
In 1976, he moved to the University of Toronto and became Dean of Community Medicine. After retirement, he worked as a consultant in various provinces
and countries to improve health care systems.
and countries to improve health care systems.
Donations may be directed to Case Western Reserve University, in support of a free comprehensive health care facility that Eugene and Elaine helped establish. Anyone interested in doing so should contact Colleen Sporar at CWRU through case.edu
I was reminded of Gene and looked him up this morning at an unrelated mention of “galley proof”. Gene was a refreshing addition to the faculty of UofT Health Administration in my time there as a student in the mid-70’s. He was always a helpful and wise advisor to me and others. And a delightful personality. One day I recall his excitement upon receiving a galley proof of yet another article he was about to publish. He so relished the intellectual and practical pursuit of health care systems and took deserved pride in sharing the findings of his research. It was inspiring for this young student. A real Mensch. Belated condolences to the family. John Gross
I am so sorry about your loss. I was just reminiscing about Elaine and Eugene and had no idea that he had passed on. Forgive me for responding at such a late date.
I was fortunate to have gotten to know Eugene through Elaine, who was the most important mentor in my career. She encouraged me to uphold the highest standards of professional practice and to be creative and think outside the box. She was also a dear friend and guiding light that remained a constant support in my life until her later years. We were there for each other to witness and partake in many important family celebrations and milestones. Needless to say, she made a significant and indelible impact on my life that I will forever be grateful for.
Eugene was always playful and intellectually curious. We bonded over our mutual love of sports, theatre, and humanity.
Eugene would ask my thoughts about American football as I preferred it to Canadian. He would inquire about the latest plays I attended both here and in the U.S. His understanding and appreciation of theatre was most impressive.
Eugene would inquire about any trends in my practice. His intellectual curiosity was boundless. His humanity always came through when considering the research implications of his questions.
Most and foremost, I admired the love and dedication he had to his wife Elaine and children.
He will be sadly missed.
Lovingly,
Susan Leventhal
on behalf of Eugene’s great grandson, I would like to say I miss him so much but I’m happy the times I got to spend with him. -Rupert
On behalf of the Academy for Lifelong Learning, Toronto, we wish to acknowledge the long and productive participation that both Elaine and Gene played in the Academy. Particular condolences to Elaine.
Sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Eugene Vayda, especially to his son Paul and daughter in law Sue. Such a passing is hard to take even though it has come after a long and productive life. May his memory bring much comfort and support to you all in the days ahead.
Thank you Tony. Good to hear from you.