Don Stuss Memorial
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Don Stuss 1941-2019

Don Stuss was one of the foremost contemporary neuropsychologists, world leader in the neuroscientific study of the prefrontal cortex, and founding director of two leading neuroscience institutes (the Rotman Research Institute and the Ontario Brain Institute). Don’s science always started with clinical observations and was centered on questions central to humanity, such as how we view ourselves and others and how we successfully function in the world. In the same vein, Don brought his humanity into all of his interactions, leaving many indelible impressions throughout the world in his personal and professional networks.

The purpose of this website is for people touched by Don to share thoughts and memories as we celebrate his life and grieve his loss. To leave a comment on the page please click here. If you have any photos that you would like to share in the gallery please send them in an email to [email protected].
                                                                                                       -Brian Levine

                     - B
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Randy McIntosh

9/12/2019

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​Many of the conversations about Don touch on the same characteristics: integrity, principles and ambition. I was privileged to have worked with Don when I joined the Rotman Research Institute in 1994 and quickly moved into the position of assistant director, helping him build on the vision he crafted. In that role, I got to see these characteristics play out over and over again, learning that if you stick to these, you will gain the respect needed to move things ahead. As I worked with him to expand the institute, we would sometimes get into conflicts over whether we should pursue an opportunity. No matter how prestigious or lucrative the opportunity, these conflicts would resolve when we considered whether it made sense according to the principles and if it would threaten integrity. That would always give us the answer. 

The other characteristic about Don that many mention was his absolute joy for life. He loved to laugh, and share his happiness. He made great efforts to make sure we all enjoyed working together, whether through “vest” or “hat” day or an excursion to the cottage. It was important for him that we actually wanted to be there. No matter how tough the task ahead was, he made sure we had fun.

​Don had great compassion. You saw this when you talked to him. He was genuinely interested in what you had to say no matter who you were. You saw this when you asked someone if they knew him. Their faces would immediately light up as they told their story of how they knew Don. To me, that was the essence that made Don who he was and why he had such a wide positive impact on so many.  Integrity, principles, and ambition are empty without compassion. His compassion welcomed you to share in his vision, and by doing that sharing a bit of your own. That’s what made a him a great leader, and great mentor and a great friend. I will miss him.

 

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    ​Obituaries written by Don's friends and colleagues:

    American Psychologist
    Brian Levine and Gus Craik.
    Read it here


    The Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
    Mick Alexander, Terry Picton & Tim Shallice

    Canadian Psychologist
    Gus Craik & Brian Levine
    Read it here. 

    Appreciation of Don in the Globe and Mail. Click here. 

    Call for Abstracts: Special Issue of Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience in honour of Don Stuss
    Click here for details.

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