Stephen Reznek

Together with his twin brother Frank he was schooled first at Parow Primary and then at Settlers High School in the Western Cape. He graduated from the University of Cape Town School of Medicine in 1978 and began working as a doctor. After completing compulsory military service, he worked in London, England, for a year before emigrating to Canada. He initially lived and worked in Uranium City, SK, followed by Vanderhoof, BC, before finally settling in Vancouver, where he met his wife, Susan.

In his youth, Stephen was a talented sportsman and excelled at both rugby and athletics. He loved spending time with people and was elected to the school council in his last year of school. He also had a keen interest in aeroplanes and flight and had an extensive collection of books on the subject. He read avidly, particularly on the subject of history, and had a passion for film, having grown up watching westerns with his twin brother and regularly bonded over old war movies with his son. He was gregarious by nature and had a mischievous sense of humour, being an infamous proponent of the Reznek family tradition of repeating the same joke for decades; qualities enjoyed by all of those fortunate enough to spend time with him.

Stephen’s office was where he shone the most. Deeply passionate about and dedicated to his work, he created an environment where patients could not only receive expert medical treatment but also be seen as human beings. He endeavoured to learn about every individual who came through his door – not just about their symptoms, but also their lives, feelings and aspirations. As an immigrant himself, Stephen was especially considerate when other immigrants became patients; if English wasn’t their first language, he always made an effort to learn words and phrases so during their next visit they would feel even more welcome. His vast medical knowledge and curiosity of the human spirit changed and saved lives.

He is survived by his wife Susan, son Matthew, daughter Laura, son-in-law Luke, sister Jean, elder brother Rodney and twin brother Frank. He was a dedicated father and loving husband.

His family would like to thank Dr. Duncan Miller and Dr. Margaret Duke for their many years of care. A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, Vancouver, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC.

https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GlenhavenMemorialChapel.com for the Reznek family.