Obituaries

It is truly staggering the number of physicians practicing that Ken had a significant impact in shaping. He always set the bar high, but never unattainable and always with learners and patients at the forefront. My deepest condolences to his friends and loved ones.

Ken was my senior medical resident in the late 80’s. Morning report with him is still such a strong memory even now. So entertaining, but so very practical. I learned a ton from him! I had professional contact with him over the next 3 decades, and always enjoyed the conversations. His wife Lindy was taken too soon and now Ken has also been. My deepest condolences to the family. He was a great guy!

Thank you for everything you did for HSC, for the patients, and for me. Your guidance and honesty were gifts I will always treasure. I’ll never forget a moment that showed the depth of your care: one morning as I was a bedside nurse, complaining about a burning stomach pain. You looked at me with understanding and said, “Sounds like you have an ulcer.” Terror washed over me as I asked, “What do I do with that?” You suggested I see my family doctor, and I admitted I didn’t have one, planning to go to a walk-in. You paused, then warned, “That sounds like a bad idea.” Then you did something else that I’ll never forget. You turned back and said, “If you don’t get that looked at in the next two days, you call my clinic and come to see me.” It was a simple moment, but it spoke volumes about your commitment to our well-being. Your dedication to your profession and to the people around you humbles me still. I will always remember you at 6 a.m., the intensity of your morning rounds, counting beds with unwavering focus. You often teased that we nurses needed heparin for being on our asses all night and yet your humor never failed to lift us. The warmth behind your jokes, the steady presence, the way you cared—these are the things I will hold dear. I’ll never forget you, Dr. Van Ameyde. Your legacy lives on in the care you inspired and the lives you touched.

I would like to add ‘as dry as a popcorn fart in the desert’ to the list of Ken’s colourful sayings. One of the best teachers I ever had. My condolences to his family.