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Photo credit: Paul Wright

Dr. Jack Taunton

$58,968.00 (raised so far)

About Dr. Jack Taunton

Dr. Jack Taunton crossed his last finish line with his family by his side on October 23, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

From a young age, Jack understood the pivotal role physical activity and an encouraging support system play in people’s lives. A life-altering polio diagnosis and serious car accident as a teenager cultivated in Jack an interest in medicine—one that would later blossom into a career in sports and exercise medicine defined by community and service.

Jack met Cheryl, the love of his life, at SFU and they were married in 1969. Together they formed an incredible team that would go on to accomplish great things and form lasting friendships over the next six decades.

A proud alum of the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Jack laid the groundwork for a lasting impact on sports medicine. Motivated by the desire to create community through running, he co-founded Canada’s first road running club, the Lions Gate Road Runners, and later helped launch the BMO Vancouver Marathon. Jack and Cheryl were two of the core founders of the beloved Vancouver Sun Run, which has grown into one of North America’s largest 10K races, drawing tens of thousands of participants annually.

With a keen interest in mobilizing the latest research to optimize performance and recovery, Jack served as team physician for numerous national and international teams, including Field Hockey Canada and the Vancouver (now Memphis) Grizzlies. Jack has also treated many UBC Thunderbird student-athletes over the years. As Chief Medical Officer for the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games, he led a medical team that received rare praise from the International Olympic Committee in 2010 for delivering the best medical services in Olympic history.

Jack believed in inspiring and investing in the next generation through education and mentorship. He was an outspoken advocate for student-athletes and a staunch follower of UBC athletics, where he served as team doctor for decades.

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The impact of your support

Jack and Cheryl made their mark across Canada as community builders and passionate advocates for athletics. With a legacy of transforming health for everyone through the intersection of sport and science, Jack and Cheryl’s careers reflected their belief in the power of mentorship, teamwork and service.

Jack’s family invites you to support the Dr. Jack Taunton Memorial Fund. It is their wish to create an award for students to help propel future practitioners, innovators and advocates of sport and exercise medicine, all with the aim of continuing Jack and Cheryl’s inspiring legacy. Final decisions on the terms of the fund will be made by UBC in consultation with the family.

Together, we can continue creating spaces and opportunities for people to pursue their passion, improve their physical performance and build communities for health.

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Messages of Remembrance

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  • Jack’s commitment to his family, his community, his alma mater, and to sport was exemplary and remarkable. He brought limitless energy, curiosity, and generosity to everything he did. Those who had the privilege of working alongside Jack will remember not only his professional impact, but also his optimism, his encouragement, and his unwavering belief in progress. His contributions have left a lasting mark, and his legacy will be both enduring and legendary.

    David Wilson, Centaur Products Inc
  • I was very fortunate to be able to work with Jack for many years at the AMSMC and so many of the community events he organized. Jack had so many unbelievable traits - visionary, fighter, commitment, dedication, positive attitude, reliability, and more but I feel one of his best traits I saw was how he made everyone feel so special and important. He treated all of his patients like they were olympians and his colleagues as they were the imperative part of whatever team/event he was forming. I feel blessed to have gotten to know Jack personally and work alongside this legendary man. The world will miss Jack dearly. Zenya

    Zenya Kasubuchi -AMSMC Physiotherapy, Colleague
  • I first met Jack in 1996 during my HKin undergrad. As a professor, he shaped the course of my studies, including a MSc. He was instrumental in helping me find my 1st job, developing bracing and supports for Ortho Active (a company which 25 years later I now own). In my career in medical technology, he was both a customer and collaborator in research and events such as the 2010 Olympics. Both quietly, and as the cheerleader Jack was, he helped guide my education and career for 3 decades. I will remember his infectious smile and enthusiasm always.

    Dale Tiessen, Student, mentee, colleague
  • Dr. Taunton was our Men's Field Hockey National Team Doctor for many international events including Pan Am Games and Olympic Games. I remember, the first time we were on tour together in 1983 at the Pan Am Games in Venezuela – It was so memorable in many ways and Jack was so helpful to our team. We won the gold medal and qualified for the Olympics. Dr. Taunton continued supporting our athletes over many, many years and we sincerely appreciated his medical advice, treatment and above all his friendship.

    Shiaz Virjee
  • Only one word is needed to describe Jack Taunton: 'indefatigable'! Jack's commitment to family, community, his alma mater ...and to sport was both exemplary and remarkable. A trusted friend, a valued colleague and a trail-blazing pioneer in Sport Medicine his legacy will be enduring - and legendary.

    Andrew Pipe, colleague and friend
  • My experience and association with Jack was long and enjoyable. It began in 1972 in practice in Richmond with his long time friend and colleague Dr. Doug Clement. Jack as well as Doug led clinical research associated with Farabloc to benefit persons with chronic pain. Jack was supportive and participated in the initiative to bring access to needed MRI for sport and related injury. His spirit and attitude was characterized by limitless energy and positive contributions.

    Dr. Don Nixdorf, Friend
List of Donors
All Donors
  • Steven MacCarthy

  • Max & Jan Grace

  • David Wilson

  • Doug Perks

  • Michael Bentley

  • Denise

  • Derek and Helen Mackesy

  • Anonymous Donation

  • Kristen Taunton

  • Allan McGavin Sport Medicine Physiotherapy

  • Andrea Reid

  • Dr Borys Flak

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