Dr Myre Sim

1914–2009

Dr Myre Sim passed away peacefully in Victoria on 22 August 2009.

Dr Sim was born in Scotland and completed his medical and psychiatric training at the University of Edinburgh. He was later appointed professor of psychiatry at the University of Birmingham. He was a founding member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. 

In 1975, he immigrated to Canada to take the position of professor of psychiatry at the University of Ottawa, Ontario. Some years later, Dr Sim and his wife moved to Victoria, where he worked as a consultant psychiatrist at the Eric Martin Pavilion and the Royal Jubilee Hospital.

Dr Sim was a consummate author and contributor to medical agencies and journals. His textbook, Basic Psychiatry, was a popular publication for medical students and graduates alike. He was a consultant to numerous reputable agencies, including the World Health Organization, and he was involved in publishing pamphlets on various psychiatric topics up to a few months before his passing.

Dr Sim had strong opinions re­garding the major ethical problems facing psychiatry today and, as can be expected, such opinions tend to foster both vocal advocates and adversaries. As is typical of the medical profession, the old adage nil nisi bonum de mortuis will hopefully be honored at this time.

Dr Sim was predeceased by his wife many years ago; they did not have any children. He remained quite active until he suffered a fractured hip a month before his demise. He was a most entertaining dinner companion and knowledgeable on every subject. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and he had a special regard for Robbie Burns, whom he could quote at length.

We bid you farewell, for we shall not see your like again! Slan agus beannacht (goodbye and God bless).

—Patrick Perry Lydon, MBBCh
Victoria