Two years ago, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario gave Dr. Hui Lee a prestigious award recognizing physicians who come closest to meeting society's vision of an 'ideal' doctor.
This weekend, Sault Ste. Marie's medical community is in shock after the unexpected death of the popular Group Health Centre specialist.
Dr. Lee, an internist, collapsed Friday night at a Toronto swimming pool. He was competing this weekend with the Soo Masters Polar Bears Swim Team, personally finishing second and third in two provincial championship races in which the winners set new Canadian records.
The news hit hard at Group Health Centre, which was already hurting from word of the passing of another popular staffer, nurse Linda Bull, the same day.
Emergency responders were called to the Etobicoke Olympium aquatics facility at 9:02 p.m. Friday after Dr. Lee collapsed there.
The physician-athlete was taken immediately to hospital.
Dr. Lee, 40, was one of 14 Sault athletes in Etobicoke this weekend for the 2004 Ontario Masters Swimming Championship.
Collapsed in men's dressing room
Meet organizers tell SooToday.com that Dr. Lee collapsed in the men's change room after his events.
Over a three-hour period, he'd competed in the 400-metre individual medley and the grueling 1500-metre freestyle.
Combined, the two events kept Lee in the pool for just under half an hour of competitive racing.
He placed third in the 400-metre event and second in the 1500 metres.
Record-setting pace
Both were exceptionally fast races in which Lee chased top finishers who set both Ontario and Canadian records.
Dr. Lee's time in the 400-metre IM was 5:25.64.
His second-place time in the 1500 freestyle was 21:19.81, compared to 17:24.75 for first-place Len Gushe of North Bay and 23:52.48 for third-place Sault teammate Rob Pihlaja.
Attempts by pool staff and fire and ambulance crews to resuscitate Lee at the scene were unsuccessful and he was taken by ambulance to hospital.
Fellow athletes were advised of the death Saturday through a brief announcement by meet manager Michael Stroud.
Active medical researcher
At the Group Health Centre, Dr. Lee was involved in a number of research projects, including one aimed at finding a gene that causes heart disease and another looking into risk control evaluation regarding falls and fractures in osteoporosis patients.
Lee and Dr. Pauline Bragaglia are listed as the local principal investigators in an international study of two drugs aimed at preventing diabetes mellitus in high-risk patients.
Two years ago, Lee was recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario with the college's 2002 Council Award, recognizing physicians who come closest to meeting society's vision of an 'ideal' physician.
He was also listed as a member of the teaching faculty of the new Northern Ontario Medical School.
Dr. Hui Lee is survived by his wife, Dr. Anne Lee, and three children.
Funeral is expected to be at Northwood Funeral Home.
Click here for details of funeral arrangements for Dr. Hui Lee
****************************** Obituary notice for Linda Bull
BULL, Linda Margaret Elaine (Bosman) Saturday, March 27, 2004
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Linda Margaret Elaine Bull (Bosman) on Friday, March 26, 2004 with family and friends at her side.
Loving and devoted wife of Larry Bull and cherished Mom of Mitchell Bull.
Much loved daughter of Muriel Bosman (Owen Cameron) of Sault Ste. Marie and John Bosman (Ruth) of Woodstock and daughter-in-law of Charles Bull of Sault Ste. Marie.
Treasured sister of David Bosman (Diane) of Woodstock and Marjorie Skorich (Anthony) of Sault Ste. Marie.
Sister-in-law of Charles Bull (Pauline) of Peace River, Alberta, Gordon Bull (Donna) of Sault Ste. Marie and Beth Bull. Loving “Aunt-ique Linny” to Stephanie and Ashley Skorich of Sault Ste. Marie and Sarah and Jenny Bosman of Woodstock.
Remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Linda felt fortunate to have, and be a part of an extended family – Harley (Suzanne) Bull of Indiana, Shane Bull (Marie) of Sault Ste. Marie, Jeff Cameron (Janet) of Sault Ste. Marie and Ann Bosman of Woodstock.
She was blessed to have very loyal and close friends who journeyed with her throughout her life.
Linda graduated from the RNA program in Elliot Lake in 1977. She practiced her nursing skills on the 3rd Floor (Surgical) of the Plummer Memorial Hospital for many years before joining the staff at the Group Health Centre.
Her workmates quickly became her second family. She often commented that there was never a time she didn’t want to go to work – she loved being a nurse.
In celebration of her life, a Memorial Service will be held at the Willowgrove United Church (Tilley Road) on Monday March 29, 2004 at 7 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Sault Area Hospital (Oncology Unit).
In lieu of flowers, Linda would rather you phone a friend, go out to lunch and laugh lots. (Arrangements entrusted to the Northwood Funeral Home 942 Great Northern Road 945-7758)
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