I first met Mr. Crookendale in 1982 as a medical student at QEH.

Subsequently I had the opportunity to work on his team as an intern and senior house officer between 1985-1988.

And that’s when it happened for me:

I got sucked in by his INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM for his work, and I became a disciple. He became my mentor.

I was encouraged to pursue the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as a career, and given all the support I needed.

He made me believe in all possibilities with respect to career opportunities and advancement.

After my application was sent to the University of Toronto with him as one of my referees, he was called by the then chairman of the program. After that conversation, I don’t think that he left any doubt in the mind of the chairman that I was the candidate to choose for the residency spot that year.

Winston continued to be my mentor throughout my training and beyond. He visited and we met at conferences and he continued to blow wind beneath my wings to the very end.

I will always be grateful to this gentleman for all that he did for me, and most importantly, for persistently helping me to believe in myself.

I will miss him. I will miss just knowing that he is there.

It will be like losing one’s entire cheerleading team.

My condolences go out to his family; I feel some of your pain.

May he rest in eternal peace.

~Dr. Lowell Hughes

Kind words from Dr. Hughes, a well established and respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon at MD Alliance Surgery and Birthing Centre.