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Wednesday, August 17, 2016
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Philip C. Garratt Jr. posted a condolence
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I was born with a Club foot which was, at the age of 6, masterfully fixed by Dr. Salter through an achilles tendon lengthening procedure. At 16 I severed the other tendon by mistake in Muskoka and, after my parents called his office in Toronto, he said to bring me down to Sick Kids and, as he had surgery the next morning, he would add me on at the end. I was splinted, put face down and taken to Toronto. Another great fix. Several years later he called and asked if I would come in to his office so he could show his interns the work he had done on 2 tendons about 10 yrs apart. I was delighted to oblige, and he had me walking back and forth like a model..........showing his interns what he had done and explaining. I must say that, while I knew, and have known, that he was an extremely accomplished person, I had no idea of the extent. I was out of town when he passed on and read the obituary just yesterday. Truly an outstanding person in a Global sense, and truly an amazing Canadian. You should all be very proud, as I am sure you are. We need more people like him in the world! I must say that I am now 52 and both ankles/legs are in great shape still. Our whole family remembers him with great fondness due to his expertise, great personality and sincere friendliness. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends from all in the Garratt family. Phil Garratt.
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Kelly Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Mrs. Salter and the Salter Family, As many before, I too was a patient of Dr. Salter`s many years ago. I remember him as a kind, gentle man with a heart of gold who always took the time to stop by and visit while you were recuperating in the hospital. He will be missed. I ran into him in Sick Kids while walking through one day and he reassured me that he had passed on his knowledge to the up and comers...and I am forever grateful for that. Thank you for sharing him with all of us for so many years. My condolences to you all.
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Gaye Walsh, President, PT/OT Alumni Association posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Alumni Association of U of T offer condolences to the family of Dr. Salter. On behalf of the members of the Association we wish to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Dr. Salter made over the years to the education and training of Physical and Occupational Therapists and his contributions to the University at large.
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Colleen Beanish posted a condolence
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I first met Dr. Salter in May of 1973 when I was 11 years old. I had been sent to see him at Sick Kids after surgery the previous year in Ottawa to correct a congenital dislocated hip did not have the desired outcome. Little did I know I would be having surgery and staying in that hospital for a month, that I would make the trek annually from Ottawa to Sick Kids for follow up, and that Dr. Salter would operate on me again 20 years later. I attribute my ability to walk unassisted today to his dedication and brilliance. Memories of Dr. Salter: * Always spoke to the children first, then the parents * Never seemed rushed even though you knew the demands on his time * Holding my hand until the anaesthetic took effect * His lifting me onto the examining table at each visit after closely watching me walk down the hall * The entourage of international doctors following him and trying to learn to do what he could * His warning to my fiancé (now husband) that he’d better be good to me * His kindness and insistence on checking the hips of both of my sons as newborns * Daily visits on rounds – sometimes very early in the morning – he told me once he needed little sleep and did his best writing in the wee hours of the morning * His pride in his wife and family. During one hospital stay he told me about the book Mrs. Salter had written, that I subsequently read and enjoyed during my recovery. It seemed to me that is must be somewhat biographical. * His taking the time to personally walk me to the plaster room, and using a saw himself to shorten the cane that I had been using that was not at an optimal height * Stopping in to visit him at Sick Kids after he stopped doing surgery and him giving me a tour of the research facilities * My pride when he was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and became a Companion of the Order of Canada * His coming to visit me at St. Michael’s after my first hip replacement at age 34 – he had referred me to a specialist in hip replacements for “young people” – Dr. James Waddell – after he had passed the age at which doing surgery was permitted * The handwritten note he sent me when my annual Christmas card to him had told of the passing of my dad to cancer * His obvious brilliance, comforting smile, uplifting sense of humour, and ever-present humility * His “friends for life” goodbye Although he was “only” my doctor, his impact on my life has been profound, and I did absolutely consider him a friend. My condolences to Mrs. Salter and the Salter family. The world has lost a truly great man. Friends for life, Colleen Beanish, Ottawa, Ontario
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Rob and Betty McGee, Mary and Bob Martin posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dear Aunt Agnes, We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Bob and want to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you. The four of us are out of the country on vacation and really wish we could be with you and your family today to celebrate the life of such a wonderful man. We hope your memories will give your comfort and peace during this difficult time. All our love Rob and Betty McGee, Mary and Bob Martin.
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Judith Gould (nee Hallawell) posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dr. Salter operated on a very scared 12 yr old little girl (in 1957) doing a procedure which was very new at the time . He (along with my family and I) was very pleased with the results. I just remember his friendly face, his care and his optimism that "all would be well in my world". I saw Dr. Salter often for about 5 years and then not again until 30 yrs later when his "work ran out of steam" and I consulted with him re hip replacements. Even though I felt silly going to Sick Kiddies at the ripe old age of 52 he was pleased to see me and share his advice etc. I have spoken of him fondly to others throughout the years. My sympathies are with his family.
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Jacqueline Code posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
To the family of Dr. Salter: My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I, like many others, am a former patient of Dr. Salter. He treated my clubfoot from the time I was 2 and on the verge of losing my foot due to a mistake by another doctor, until I had my last surgery at 16. He was always gentle, kind, warm and matter-of-fact. Thanks to him, I still have my foot, I walk almost normally and do everything I want to do -- including most recently, achieving a brown belt in karate. I will always be grateful to him for his commitment to helping children like me, and for being there when my parents and I needed him most.
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Barbara McWatters posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Salter's death, but I realize that he is more than entitled to a well deserved rest after a lifetime of service to others. I and my family are very grateful to him for his work in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at the hospital for Sick Children. I had undergone approximately 30 surgical procedures prior to meeting him in the mid-1960s. Other medical professionals had suggested that I be institutionalized because they presumed I would never be self sufficient, but my parents persevered. They often spoke of how Dr. Salter extended his hand to them and confidently told them to 'Have faith' and try just one more surgery. He assured them it would be the last and I'd never have casts again. He was right! I last saw Dr. Salter at the Canorth Hip Hip Hooray a couple of years ago. He was genuinely remorseful that my hip hadn't lasted a lifetime and he apologized and gave me a big hug. I told him not to worry, it had long served its purpose and the warranty runs out in about 40 years. We shared a chuckle as we had over the years. I remember him fondly and hope that the knowledge that he is at peace after making such a big difference in the lives of others gives you comfort at this difficult time. Sincerely, Barbara
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Andranik & Karine Khatchatrian posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dearest Robina and Family, We are overwhelmed with emotion when we recall Dr. Salter's life - his excellence in his work, his magnificent spirit, and his unparalleled kindness. Personally, we attribute so much of our success to Dr. Salter. He was a steadfast source of comfort and support for our family during some very difficult years in our lives, and there are no words to express our gratitude. There are very few people who build such outstanding lives. In Dr. Salter's case, his many accomplishments are matched by the depth and breadth of his extraordinary humanity. Words cannot convey our sadness at his passing. He was a true friend. It was a blessing and privilege to know him. Love, Andranik and Karine Khatchatrian, and family P.S - dear Robina, I'm very sorry I could not attend the funeral. I've been feeling a little unwell. Andranik came in my place. My prayers are, of course, with you. Love, Karine
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Anna & Ara Kulidjian posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dear Robina & family, We want to express our deepest condolences for Dr. Salter's passing. Dr. Salter was an extraordinary human being -- he helped so many and affected so many lives. We were blessed to have met him, and honored that he considered us friends. We will always remember your generosity to our family. God bless you in your time of sorrow. With love, Anna & Ara Kulidjian
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wendy morrison posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
My condolences to the family of Dr. Salter. I have been a nurse in the emergency department at HSC for 20+yrs. Although our paths did not cross often, you always felt, that when they did, his interest in you was genuine. Dr. Salter would often stop by the ER, and with a touch of his hand, make a point to tell us what a great job we were doing...so special... from such a man. When I would run into him around the hospital he would always stop and say hello. May you find comfort in knowing he has helped so many throughout his life, and was such a kind human being...
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Sandra Pate posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
My condolences to Robina and all of the Salter family. Bob was a remarkable man and so many are blessed to have known him, myself included. I hope he is resting peacefully after a long and successful life. We'll miss him. Sandra Pate
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Ron Grantham posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dr. Robert Salter operated on me in 1965, at the age of 4. He quickly diagnosed that I had a rare bone disease called Fibrous Dysplasia. He then performed an osteotomy on my right hip, to remove a cyst of the diseased bone. He continued to see me twice a year, until 1973, when again I required another osteotomy. Two years later, I broke my leg in a skiing accident and Dr. Salter once again saw to my needs. I continued to see Dr. Salter regularly up to the age of 20 or so. Then in 1991, I consulted Dr. Salter about my need for yet another osteotomy of my hip. Even though I was far too old to be seen by a doctor at Sickkids, Dr. Salter was happy to consult with me. He was a very kind and gentle man and he was responsible for making my childhood and young adult health much more bearable than it might have been. I owe a great deal to this giant among medical professionals and will never forget him. With kindest regards, Ron Grantham
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Douglas Myers posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I only met Dr. Salter once ... but it was memorable. In August of 1965, when I was doing graduate studies at Edinburgh University, my daughter Anna was born. Very quickly the staff at the Royal Infirmary discovered that she would have a 'tendency' to dislocate her hip joints when she began to walk. As I recall they did a test with all female babies and detected some sort of click. Accordingly our baby girl was presented to us, to take home, in a padded contraption designed to keep her legs in position to knit properly - a cross between a turkey platter and a traditional 'papoose' - quite convenient for an infant, really, and Anna didn't seem to mind. Some months later, her mother and I took her for a check-up with a Scottish orthopaedic surgeon. When he discovered that we were from Toronto, he told us that he had been trained by this wonderful Canadian doctor - Bob Salter - who had pioneered this test and treatment and that, when we went back, we were to take Anna - along with his best wishes - to see him as soon as she began to walk When we did so, Dr. Salter set our toddler down and asked her to walk across the room and back while he watched intently. When she returned he gave her a very big hug and told us that he had just finished the most recent in a series of operations on another little girl whose tendency to dislocate had not been caught and how delighted he was that our Anna (now the mother of two lovely daughters herself was fine. I am sure that we are among the many, many parents and individuals similarly grateful for Dr. Salter's work and far-flung influence. Please accept our condolences on his passing. Douglas Myers, Halifax, Nova Scotia
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Mitchell Sanders posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dr. Salter performed back surgery on me in 1975 at Sick Children's Hospital. He was such a dedicated and kind surgeon and resolved all the back pains I was experiencing up until that point in my life until today, some 35 years later. Some 30 years after performing that surgery I was asked by a friend if I knew Dr. Salter in order to set up a meeting with Dr. Salter for him to rid my friend of some chronic pain he was experiencing. I told my friend I did not really know Dr. Salter but in fact he was my surgeon many years prior. I snooped around and discovered that Dr. Salter was still coming into the hospital on a retired basis [not performing surgery any longer] so I picked up the phone and called Dr. Salter. To my astonishment he remembered me, was very kind, and in fact saw my friend the very next day to provide his analysis of the friend's problem. Dr. Salter was an amazingly dedicated man who was most deserving of his splendid reputation. May I wish the family condolences at this time. Mitchell Sanders
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Debbie (Hill) Lord posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My memory of Dr. Salter is sweet. He was such a kind man. I was first a patient of his in June 1955, and he looked after me for many years. He would always carry me from my bed to the operating room and wait with me until I went to sleep (as he said). He told me he would write me a letter of recommendation to any university if I so desired. I have always had such high esteem for this wonderful man. "The memory of the blessed is sweet"
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John F Walmark posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I first met Dr Salter in Port Arthur Ontario in the early 50's. He used to make yearly visits to meet with young patients with Orthopedic problems. I was very young well under 10 years old and had a problem with one of my legs . Dr Salter kept an eye on me and was integral in making my back grow straight. When I was about 14, he cut me lose and said to contact him at anytime in the future if I had any problems with knee, leg or back. Our Family moved to Mississauga in 1964. when I was about 21 , I was having issues with my knee and back, and called his office at Sick Kids. He recommended an orthopedic insert for my shoe. About 12 years later as a married father of two , I seriously hurt my knee and went to the local emergency room for aid. Upon meeting the Dr on call , and seeing my knee damage, he wanted to operate. I happened to mention I had been treated by Dr Salter and he froze. Said I should then still see Dr Salter . I again called , made an appointment at Sick Kids . Upon arrival I was asked where my son was and get prepared to meet Dr Salter. When I explained I was the patient , I got some real strange looks. When I went in for x-rays , the table and gowns were for kids.... was quite an event Salter met me once again and advised knee surgery was needed to correct and clean out cartilage, and that if I woke up with a hip to heel cast, it also meant he did my torn ligaments as well. The operation was done at The Orthopedic and Arthritic Hospital on Wellesley Street Toronto When he arrived to see me before and after, It was quite an experience. He had a entourage of about 12 following him around. I still can picture him in a crisp white collared french cuff shirt dressed like a real gentleman. I would notice this as I'm in the clothing business..He was such a professional and caring person. Operation was a success, and hope these memories help to show how he affected me sincerely John Walmark
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Shawn Marie Shaw-Hale posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
To the family of Dr Salter. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Dr Salter holds a special place in my heart. He was my doctor since I was a young child and I credit Dr Salter for improving my quality of life and giving me the opportunity to be the person I am today. I am walking and experiencing life to the fullest because of Dr Salter. I am sure I join thousands of people who have the same warm thoughts and who are thankful of his skills, warm heart and great advances he made in medicine. It was great privilege to have known Dr. Salter. Shawn-Marie Shaw-Hale Dallas Texas
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Bob Holmes posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
To the family of Dr. Salter, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss at this time. I consider myself lucky to have been his patient in 1961 when I was not quite eleven. My ankle needed an operation and I remember him carrying me upstairs to the operating room for the surgery waking up in recovery with a bandage wound around my ankle, rather than in a cast. I was rather dismayed, because I would not be able to get my school mates to sign a bandage! Dr. Salter told me it was a new way of treating joints and I would be off the crutches fairly soon. The best part was that I could periodically unwrap the bandage to cleanse my foot and keep the itching at bay. There were no stitches either....just a long wire laid into the incision which was closed with a length of tape! Of course, I had never heard of this. When it came time to permanently remove the bandage, he took his time to answer every question I had, and make it perfectly understandable to an eleven-year-old. As for the wire, he just took hold of one end and in one quick movement, whisked it out of the ankle. Done. Through it all, I remember most his kindness and sincerity. In the absence of family, he made the whole ordeal safe for me. Now he is gone and I feel sad for that. The world has lost a giant in the service of man. I wish you all well. Bob Holmes
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AnneMarie Sluga posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
I would like to send my deepest sympathies to the Salter family at this time of their great loss. I was first taken to Dr. Salter at 6 weeks of age in 1957. My parents told me how kind and compassionate he was and that he reassured them he would do everything possible to make me walk as normally as possible. Over the next 20 years and many surgeries I was able to not only walk, but downhill ski as well as dance. My first memories of Dr. Salter was a kind face with a warm smile and his words as I went into surgery,"Don't worry Duchess, you'll be fine." He was always right. Because of Dr. Salter I have been able to participate in many things and "can't" was replaced with "I'll try. I carry this in my teaching, and particularly with those who have physical challenges. He was my angel and now he is God's. AnneMarie Sluga
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James Gray posted a condolence
Thursday, November 30, 0002
To the family of Dr. Salter, Please accept our deepest sympathy from all the staff at Otto Bock, formerly Toronto Medical, on the passing of a great Canadian and in memory of his passion and compassion. James Gray Plant Manager
