Dr. James Fraser Mustard, 1927-2011

It is with great sadness that CIHR marks the passing of Dr. James Fraser Mustard due to cancer, at the age of 84. Dr. Mustard led a remarkable career that knew no boundaries. After completing his medical degree at the University of Toronto in 1953, and completing a PhD at the University of Cambridge, he focused his research on how blood platelets could play a role in further understanding cardiovascular disease. This work led to the use of aspirin as a preventative measure against heart attacks and strokes.

In 1966, Dr. Mustard helped found the McMaster University Faculty of Medicine and became its first Chairman of the Department of Pathology. Six years later, he served as Dean of Medicine and Vice-President (Health Sciences).

In 1982, Dr. Mustard changed career paths and created the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). Considered to be an 'institute without walls', the CIFAR allowed distinguished Canadian and international investigators from different disciplines (including economics, education, epidemiology, and neurobiology) the chance to work together in a collective effort to promote scientific and social change. Dr. Mustard was the Institute's president for 14 years.

In 1999, he co-chaired a report for the Ontario government that emphasized the importance of early childhood development at all income levels especially in the first six years of life. This report led to the creation of the Council for Early Child Development and Parenting, as well as the development of a province-wide full-day kindergarten program.

Dr. Mustard received 15 honorary doctorates, was a Companion of the Order of Canada and a Laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. He is predeceased by his wife, Betty, and is survived by his six children and nine grandchildren.