Predeceased by beloved husband Dr. Fred Bryans and sisters Anne Ormrod and Dr. Barbara Hazlett. Jane leaves her children Elizabeth Calvin (David), Margot Calvin, Brian Calvin (Holly), her grandchildren Neil and Kathleen Taylor, Chris and Rob Calvin, Peter, Brian and Ally Ogilvie, great grandson Angus Taylor-Pach, and nieces Susan Taylor, Mary Ormrod, Janie Graham and Kate Fast.
Although she never received formal training, Jane was a born scientist. Jane’s childhood was spent on University of Toronto Farm, site of the Connaught Laboratory where her physician parents worked. Vaccines against tetanus, diptheria and smallpox were developed there, Heparin was in its early stages and research into polio was underway. As a child Jane was free to enter any building she wished, observe the laboratory work and speak with the scientists. The entire staff of the farm, from stablemen and gardeners to researchers and engineers often ate together and discussed their work.
Jane maintained a lifelong interest in health science and research. She married Dr. Fred Bryans, then chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of British Columbia in 1975. She was Fred’s constant support throughout their marriage and was nearly as devoted to the department as she was to Fred. This is how she met the perinatal researcher Dr. Molly Towell and they became close friends. When Molly knew she was dying she asked Jane to help establish a foundation that would foster research to give the newborn child a better life. Jane guided the Molly Towell Perinatal Research Foundation from its inception in 1988 to the present. She influenced every aspect of the Foundation’s activities – the research it sponsors, prudent investment of Molly’s legacy, and focusing the Foundation on Molly’s vision. To date the Foundation has sponsored more than 55 different scientists from 15 institutions in Canada and from across 7 provinces, awarded research grants and provided financial support for educational conferences focused on dissemination of research.
After Fred’s death Jane continued to work with the UBC Faculty of Medicine to foster clinical teaching excellence and support research. She helped UBC establish and develop the Fred Bryans Master Teacher Program and the Fred Bryans Faculty Research Forum.
Jane was fully engaged in all of these projects until the day of her death. Jane had high expectations of those around her, and even higher expectations of herself. She was vivacious, energetic, adventurous and fun. She was elegant, and a fabulous cook. She was exacting, disciplined, determined and inquisitive. She could be combative and had a streak of the infamous McKinnon temper. She was courageous.
Jane died on October 15 at her home in Vancouver BC, through the provision of MAID with her family at her side. It is fitting that her life should begin at a time when Canada was a world leader in public health, and has ended with the assistance of MAID, a sign of a civilized society. To be born Canadian is a great blessing.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no service but Jane’s family is hosting a drop-in afternoon at her home on Friday December 6 between 2 and 5 pm. Mum, you made a difference. You can rest now - and we can rest too!