DR. JUSTIN PATRICK MALONEY , MD, CCFP-EM, FRCPC
September 1, 1947 – May 2, 2022

An extraordinary man, who humbly thought himself to be ordinary, Dr. Justin Maloney passed away with his wife and best friend, Gail Carroll, by his side after a valiant 19 month battle with cancer.

Heartbroken and left to grieve are his wife Gail, son Shawn, sister Julie, her children Lisa Menard and Ryan Bresee, their families and his many colleagues and friends.

Predeceased by his parents, Dr. Patrick John Maloney and Marie Eléonore Cossette, and brother Michael (Jutta).

Ottawa born and raised Dr. Maloney graduated medical school in 1971 at the University of Ottawa. He was an attending emergency physician at The Ottawa Hospital for more than 40 years.  In addition to clinical duties, his roles included providing medical direction to the paramedics of Eastern Ontario. He was also an associate professor with the University of Ottawa, Department of Emergency Medicine with his academic interests focused on prehospital care and emergency preparedness.

A symbol of what a ‘Great Canadian’ stands for, Justin was presented with the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Cross that recognizes extraordinary people for their innovative acts, setting an example or model for others to follow and bring honour to Canada.  This award was bestowed upon him for his role as Medical Director in the ground breaking establishment of the ACT (Advanced Coronary Treatment) High School CPR Program which has empowered more than 4.8 million students and more than 8000 teachers across Canada with CPR and AED training and skills.   He created an environment for a generation that considers it their civil duty to know resuscitation skills and to assist other citizens in need.

Dr. Maloney’s vision, persistence and commitment of countless hours spent improving the lives of others in his community and country made him a “guardian angel” to many spouses, siblings, and friends that have had a second chance at life because of his dedication to emergency medicine.

Justin left his footprint on the City of Ottawa.  Creating “Action 911” in 1984, Dr. Maloney built the Emergency Response system that we now know as our 911 response in Ottawa, and in the country.   He initiated and developed the Paramedic professional level of skill and expertise we have come to rely on for all our loved ones, mastering the art of ‘paying it forward’.   Justin believed that the meaning of life is to find a gift and the purpose is to give it away.  He gave that gift everyday!

His far-reaching impact as a role model and mentor had an enormous impact in Emergency Medicine in Canada, having supervised and trained a significant number of the Emergency Medicine Physicians in the country, and most of the Prehospital and Transport Medicine Physicians in the country. Dr. Maloney was a well published author in Multiple Peer-reviewed International Research endeavors in Prehospital, Emergency, and Resuscitation Medicine.

There was a quiet modesty about Justin, even though he didn’t have a lot to be modest about.  He was presented with numerous awards over the years, including The Ottawa Hospital Clinical Leadership Award; Canadian Association of Emergency Physician’s Award for Lifetime Clinical Excellence; The National Association of Emergency Physician’s Excellence Award;  Ontario Base Hospital Group, Excellence in Leadership Award; Excellence and Mentorship in Emergency Medicine.  No one was more deserving of these honors.

Justin had a happy childhood growing up in west end Ottawa where he attended St. George’s Separate School and St. Joseph’s High School. His pastimes included building amazing structures with his Canadian Logs and Tinker toys, toy soldiers, skating on the backyard rink, being an altar boy, singing in the school choir, playing Little Big Four football, and later high school football at St. Joe’s. He loved telling stories of his football ‘glory days’.   He enjoyed attending Ottawa Rough Rider games with his dad, and as a special treat, was taken to Toronto for several Grey Cup games, and Toronto Maple Leaf and Montreal Canadiens hockey games.

Summer holidays through his youth were spent at Chippawa Lodge with his family where Justin loved to play board games, swim, row, build sandcastles, water ski, and fish on Kamaniskeg Lake and in Algonquin Park with his father. 

Justin’s great love and devotion was to his wife and soul mate Gail, and to his son Shawn.  Justin and Gail loved and respected each other deeply.  Gail advocated for the best possible care for Justin throughout his illness.  Devoted and dedicated until his final moments.  A testament to the bond they shared.

Justin and Gail cherished fun and loving  time together savouring great food and wine, travelling, enjoying cruises and adventurous travels to the Caribbean, Europe, French Polynesian Islands and their timeshare in Grand Cayman.  

Justin was a gifted amateur photographer always finding a way to capture a wide variety of people and moments on camera.  His most satisfying pastime was puttering around their lac Bernard cottage, sunset cruises, dinners and parties with their many friends at the lake.  Justin was an avid sports fan who enjoy many football and hockey games.  He never missed the opportunity to attend the annual Panda Game, cheering on his Ottawa U Gee Gees.

Dr. Maloney’s dedication extended far beyond his professional life, always finding time for friends and family.  A charming, wonderful man with a brilliant, strategic mind, a great, wry sense of humour, impish smile, twinkling eyes, a sweet disposition and gentle soul.  

Heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate care of countless doctors and nurses in the Department of Emergency and the Hematology Unit of the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, Dr. Arleigh McCurdy, Access Home Care, Bayshore Home Care, Bytown Palliative Medicine and Elisabeth Bruyere.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dr. Justin Maloney’s memory to support Emergency Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital ohfoundation.ca/tribute, or to the ACT Foundation https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/act-foundation/ in Dr. Justin Maloney’s name.  

All family, friends and colleagues are welcome to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) on Monday, May 30 from 1-3 and 5-8p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hellenic Community Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive on Tuesday, May 31 at 1 p.m. Please sign up below to RSVP for the visitation and/or Celebration.  Click here to view the livestream of the Memorial Service. Private interment will be held at a later date.
 
Video Tribute of Dr. Justin Patrick Maloney