Obituary of Dr. Mitchell A. Baran

1934 - 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Mitchell A. Baran of London, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 81, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Loving husband to Kathryn (Binder), father of George Baran (Cathy), Matthew Baran (Amy & daughter Jessica), Kristen Baran (Mitch Kates) and Danielle Baran-Lexovsky (Glen). Brother to Stella Neziol (Leo), the late Jean Mitchell and the late John Baran (Adele), he will truly be missed. Dr. Baran, the son of Polish immigrants who came to North America in the 1920’s with nothing in their pockets but a will to succeed, lived a life of passion and integrity. He was a highly successful entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist who, as a youth, was a gifted student and talented musician, a fan of jazz and Big Band music and who played woodwind instruments as a member of the popular ‘The Polka Band’. Through hard work and a vision beyond his time, he would eventually become owner and chairman of the Trudell Medical Group, a global player in the manufacturing and distribution of medical products as well as being a director of several Canadian and U.S. companies. He regarded his employees as friends and family, and many have been with the company for 20 years or more. Dr. Baran was involved in a number of Federal and Provincial committees initiated to promote the growth of the healthcare and pharmaceutical business in Canada. He has served as chairman and in various other capacities for a number of healthcare institutions in London, Ontario and was the founding Chairman of Let’s Talk Science. Dr. Baran has served as chairman of St. Mary’s Hospital, Marian Villa Home for the Aged, and is a past member of the Executive Committee of St. Joseph’s Health Centre. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Society, the umbrella organization for the hospital owned by the Sisters of St. Joseph in the Diocese of London. Dr. Baran was the recipient of the 2006/Lay Category, Partners in Research Biomedical Ambassadors Award as well as the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the London Rotary Club. He was also an inductee of the London Business Hall of Fame and a recipient of the London Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement (ICON) Award. Dr. Baran is an honoree of the Order of Canada and The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. In addition, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of London. Along with his wife and children, Dr. Baran has set up the Mitchell and Kathryn Baran Family Foundation which supports local healthcare and human services. He has also been a generous supporter of his alma mater, The University of Western Ontario. He is fondly remembered for his kindness and dedication to helping individuals in whatever their needs. He is also remembered for being passionate about the importance of the role of innovation in Canada’s future economy and quality of life, being a champion for the City of London and for living life to its fullest. He was a true believer in “Life is a Contact Sport”. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he has been in contact with. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the many doctors and nurses for their support and care at the London Health Sciences Centre (Victoria and UWO), the London Regional Cancer Clinic and the nurses and PSWs from the Victorian Order of Nurses. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1-3 and 7-9 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. A celebration of life will be conducted at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 196 Dufferin Street, London, on Monday, August 31st, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the London Regional Cancer Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, the London Health Sciences Centre, the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.