Dr. James A. Bain
Died: April 29, 2024 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
Dr. James Adam Bain, a distinguished anesthesiologist and family man, sadly and unexpectedly passed away on April 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Father, Grandfather, friend, brother and husband, Jim was born on July 6, 1934, in Listowel, Ontario, the beloved son of Jack and Ella Bain.
Just days before his passing, Jim was enjoying his regular round of golf with his friends, a testament to his enduring vitality and zest for life. He is survived by his brother John, his sister Barb, his wife Halina, his former wife Valerie, his children Adam (Michelle), Laura (Mark), Kyle, and Jason (Sarah), his adored grandchildren, Alex, Taylor, Johanna, Richard, James, Kennedy, Drew, and Katelin as well as an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters Lois and Agnes.
Jim’s journey in medicine began with his graduation from the UWO School of Medicine in 1959. Anesthesiology quickly became his passion, and over the span of his 45-year career, he served as a mentor, colleague, and teacher to many aspiring medical professionals. In 1973, Jim’s dedication to the study of anesthesiology and patient care led to the invention of the Bain Breathing Circuit, a revolutionary device that has been in use in operating rooms worldwide ever since.
Despite his many professional achievements, Jim was incredibly humble and down to earth. His infectious sense of humor and quick wit endeared him to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Whether at the Hunt Club with his friends, among his fellow Harvey Club members, or surrounded by his cherished family, Jim’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of countless individuals.
Jim’s passions extended beyond medicine; he also had a strong love of equestrian riding, contemporary art, and modern architecture. Despite his success in the medical field, he often joked that he should have pursued a career as an architect. This passion culminated in his design of a mid-century family home that was built in 1967. A connoisseur of inexpensive (cheap) wine, Jim found joy in life’s simple pleasures, but his greatest happiness came from hosting the family gatherings at the farm where many lasting memories were created.
Dr. Jim Bain lived a full life. While his accomplishments were many, it was his remarkable modesty and genuine kindness that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the life of a man whose humility and warmth touched the lives of countless individuals. Rest in peace, Dad, knowing that we all shared a lot of laughs we just wish we could have shared a few more.
A private family internment will be held with a celebration of life to follow at a future date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I was so sad to hear of Dr. Bain’s passing. Having known him and the Bain family for almost 50 years now he always had a special place in my heart that held many fond (and some pretty crazy) memories. I have no doubt that my dad will be so happy to see him and will be there to greet him at the gates of heaven. My deepest condolences to Adam, Laura, Kyle, Jason and all of Dr. Bain’s family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of such a dear man. An absolute gentleman, was such a pleasure to know him personally and work with him professionally. Humble, kind, smart and accomplished— our condolences to his family and friends.
Rick Bains
My sincere sympathies. One of my most favourite friends.Will miss his warm smile and wonderful sense of humour.
So sad to hear this news. Your father was a such a genuine soul. Smart, funny , humble and he loved life.. great fun around the hunt field he was always interested in peoples lives. Yes he will be missed. Hugs and prayers.
I am very , very sorry to read this news. Dr Bain was a wonderful friend to my family over the years. I had the pleasure of chatting with him and having a few laughs this last Christmas. To his entire family I would like to share my most sincere condolences…
Glenn and I are so sadden to hear the news of Jim’s passing. We knew him to be a kind loving man who had a real zest for life. He loved to have fun and be with his friends and family. We did not spend a lot of time with Jim but when we did he would make you feel so welcomed. He had an infectious smile and a real love of life.
Halina we are so sorry to hear about you loss.
Continue with Love and Laughter Jim!.. You will be missed but remember!
Mindy and Glenn Small
I was so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He will be remembered as an excellent anesthesiologist and warm personality, and his great sense of humour. Please know that he will long be remembered by all who knew him. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
My sincere condolences to the Bain family.
I had the pleasure of working with this brilliant man from my medical school days through my surgical residency and into my career. The man was a genius….but he would never let you know that. A fearless expert anaesthesiologist that gave comfort to all involved with complicated patients. It was so nice to see his smiling face at the head of the operating table. The man taught so many physicians so much. He will be remembered by all as one of the fathers of anaesthesia in London.
May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I spent the first day of my anesthesia residency with him and was subsequently always very happy to be booked in his OR. Of course he became much more than just my instructor, he was a friend and onetime travel mate and it was always good fun to be in his company. To you Halina and to the rest of the family I send my deepest sympathies, he will be missed
Dear Adam, Laura, Kyle, Jason and all of your families.
We wish to convey to you our sincere condolences in your loss. We also mourn the passing of your father and grandfather as we will miss his presence at Kieraszewicz family gatherings. Jim, Uncle Jim brightened our times together with his smile, good humor and generous spirit. His rice krispie squares will never be equalled!
At our last big gathering around the table this past Easter when asked about his “kids” he reported as usual that you were all well and his pride in everyone was evident.
He added that in his group of grandkids, they all stuck together and got along famously,from the oldest to youngest. You will do him a great honour by maintaining those family ties.
We send our love and know you have many great memories to reflect on, as do we.
Andy and Laura Kieraszewicz and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful friend to myself but especially Hugh, they were best friends from the time they met at Tecumseh Public school, through high school, med school & then many years working together. I will miss our phone conversations & the many laughs we shared. My condolences to all of the Bain family.
We are very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Jim. He was a great friendly neighbour, always greeted you with a smile.
He will be missed. May God comfort you all and give you His peace.
Stuart and Ross McLachlan and family
We all have so many found memories of time with the Bain clan. Jim was always telling great stories and making us all laugh.
Whether he was in the OR or out socially, he was always friendly, positive and fun.
We all have so many amazing memories of time spent with your dad and family.
With our love
The Barrs
Our sincere condolences to the Bain family. I’m so sad to lose my golf buddy and good friend. Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s will never be the same. I will treasure my many memories.
Sandra & Michael Foulds
Halina and the Bain family.
I began my Nursing Career in the OR at Vic Hospital in 1973.
Jim (Dr Bain) was the consummate professional. Always warm, caring & considerate towards patients & staff alike. I always knew it was going to be a great day if he was scheduled in the OR I was assigned to and was later Charge Nurse of.
Words of condolence cannot erase the ache of your loss, yet I hope you find some small comfort in those that come your way.
My deepest sympathy for you loss.
Patti (Bawcutt) Fisher
Halina, Jim was truly an amazing man who lived life to its fullest.
Sincere Condolences
Helen & Stephanie Liscumb
Condolences to the Bain family for their recent loss of Jim.
May the abundance of cherished memories he left for his family, friends and colleagues shine through!
We are very sorry to hear of your father’s passing and wish to extend our most sincere condolences. We are thinking of you and your family at this time.
Les and Lise Bogar
My condolences to the Bain family. My brother Hugh and Jim met when they were eleven years old at Tecumseh Public school. They became friends for life. Their lives paralleled through South Collegiate and medical school at Western. Then a long career in the operating room together. Jim as an Anesthetist and Hugh a Neurosurgeon. An unbeatable team! Jim’s family can be very proud of this great guy that l knew and liked so well.
Adam…..I always enjoyed your Dad’s sense of humour and quick wit. I like to think that somewhere the “original four” have now resumed their weekly tennis match! My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jim was a very welcoming and supportive colleague when I arrived in the Department of Anesthesia in 1968. His optimism and humour
was greatly valued by those who knew him. He was an excellent clinical teacher as well as a very capable Anesthesiologist. He will be missed.
Halina and family Our thoughts are with you . So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing . Jim was a great person with that smile and great sense of humor and his laughter we will always remember . Our condolences Jen and Kory Lyons
One of the nicest people I met during my days riding with the London Hunt . My sincere condolences to Dr. Bain’s family and friends.
Quite a guy with big personality and a welcoming smile, all wrapped up in a humble human being. It was a privilege to know him though our professional connection. For those who knew him more personally, I wish for you that your memories keep that warmth and love alive.
Dear Halina,
I first met Jim as a medical student in the early ‘70s when he lectured our class on anaesthesia. Years later it was so wonderful to “meet” him again and you as members of The Harvey Club. Both David and I always looked forward to seeing you both at our meetings and especially enjoyed travelling with you to London England for the centennial celebrations of The Harvey Club. Both David and I give our deepest condolences to you and the family at this time of loss.
I was fortunate to start my anesthesia residency just as Dr Bain was finishing his career. I felt very blessed to be the recipient of some of his wisdom. I would like to send my condolences to his family and in particular his wife Halina. I spent many hours working as her resident and found that time to be enjoyable and enlightening.
As a good friend of his son Adam (more a consumer of than a connoisseur of cheap wines), I extend heartfelt condolence to family of a man that I didn’t know, but based upon the family’s excellent narrative wish that I had. Clearly a legendary, well-lived life, creator of not only lifesaving devices but of memories not ever to be forgotten. God Bless,
Mark