Our friend and colleague, Dr. Dennis William Magill, passed away in November of this year.
Dennis was an active community leader who championed and fostered community involvement in the activities and governance of hospitals.
He was the first community Director of the Wellesley Hospital, the Chair of its “Staying Alive” campaign, and founding Chair of the Wellesley Institute for over seven years. In recognition of his contribution, the Board of Directors elected him to a lifetime position as Chair Emeritus. Under his leadership, the Wellesley Institute has been committed to transforming the hospital lands into a positive engine of change for the community of southeast Toronto. The site now comprises private and not-for-profit housing, a long-term care centre, and a supportive housing facility in addition to the park.
Dennis also had a distinguished academic career as a sociologist at the University of Toronto, and was honoured as Professor Emeritus. In addition, he held numerous board positions including the Toronto Historical Board, Sherbourne Health Centre, Rekai Centre for Long Term Care, Wellesley Central Residents Inc., Centre for Urban Health Initiatives (University of Toronto), Community Campus Partnerships for Health, and the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network.
Dennis was a valued member of the Wellesley Institute team and will be greatly missed. An obituary for Dennis has been posted.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, November 30th from 5 – 7pm at The Faculty Club, University of Toronto, 41 Willcocks St. Toronto.