In Memoriam: Emeritus, Dr. Jack Taunton

Dear Members of the School,

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Dr. Jack Taunton passed away yesterday. Jack was an Emeritus Professor at UBC, jointly appointed in the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education and the Division of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Department of Family Practice, and Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Taunton was a dedicated physician, accomplished scholar and visionary leader in the field of sports medicine. He was a cherished mentor and friend to many. His leadership and dedication to advancing medical care for athletes and to establishing the field of sports medicine as a medical discipline was remarkable; he co-founded the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic, the first clinic of its kind in Canada (with Doug Clement and Don McKenzie), served as Chief Medical Officer for Team Canada for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Chief Medical Officer for the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympics/Paralympics in Vancouver, and Medical Officer for Canada at the Los Angeles (’84), Seoul (’88) and Barcelona (’92) Olympics, and Commonwealth Games. Jack was also highly active in promoting exercise and health in the community, having co-organized the Vancouver Sun Run along with his wife Cheryl, and was actively involved in philanthropy.

Jack’s tireless devotion to the health of athletes and the community was evident to all who knew him — he was recently working to organize medical team support for the upcoming Invictus Games 2025 Vancouver/Whistler. Jack received many honours for his life’s work, including induction into the 2018 Olympic Oval Wall of Fame for his significant contributions to sport and appointment to the Order of Canada in 2024 in recognition of his contributions to sports medicine and the broader community. 

Jack will be missed by all who knew him. Our deepest condolences to the Taunton family and friends, and thinking of all of you who knew Jack, as I know this is a big loss to the Kinesiology community.

Memorial details will be shared once finalized.

Sincerely,

Robert Boushel
Director and Professor
UBC School of Kinesiology