In memory of: |
Dr. Peter Johannsson |
Message: |
My deepest condolences to Dr. Johannsson’s family and dear friends. He was physician to both me and my mother. When I first started seeing Dr. Johannsson I was struck by how, when he asked how I was doing, he would sit and listen - a marked difference from my previous, Toronto doctor, who would ask and then look away and be pre-occupied with some task or other. When I commented on the his approach he said, ‘I’ve learned that if I don’t sit and listen, I can miss things that would otherwise take two or three more visits to find out’.
It was this attentive listening, along with his curiosity about the lives of the people he worked so hard to help, his understanding and acceptance of their nature, and his incorporation of the whole person into his medical approach that made him such a treasure to have as a physician. When my mother moved out of the County, he still asked about her, talked about who she was and always did so with a sense of care and compassion.
I know that Dr. Johannsson kept working for his patients even when his own health was poor.
He was aware of the enormous challenges in our health care system and he did his best for many years to protect us. We talked briefly about this on our last phone call. While I thanked him then, it would be impossible to fully express my gratitude to him for all he gave as a healer and carer. We have lost more than our local doctor, we’ve lost a unique individual who was truly dedicated to doing his best for those around him. I’m deeply grateful that Mum and I were both the recipients of his work and kindness.
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