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In Memoriam

Ante Padjen

Ante L. Padjen
4 February 1942 - 3 November 2025

 

President, McGill University Retirees Association (MURA), 2021-December 2024
Founder and Director, I Medici di McGill Orchestra, 1989-2024
Retired Professor of Pharmacology, McGill University

 

It is with much sadness that we announce to our fellow MURA members the passing of our former president Ante Padjen on 3 November 2025. With Ante’s strong commitment to many communities, it is not surprising that he accepted a three-year term as MURA president in June 2021. He was elected to a second three-year term in 2024 which was cut short by his severe heart attack in December 2024. Many of us will remember Ante for his enthusiasm, sunny outlook, warmth, wit and wisdom.

Ante Padjen’s life embodied both science and art – a neuropharmacologist by profession and a musician by passion. I first met Dr Padjen in 1994 when he warmly invited me to join the I Medici di McGill Orchestra that he founded in 1989, and in which he led the viola section. Over the span of 36 years, this ensemble, the only orchestra based in a medical school in Canada, brought together hundreds of physicians, scientists, musicians and students who shared his belief that music, like medicine, has the power to heal. During this time, I Medici di McGill has performed benefit concerts for dozens of health, medical and humanitarian causes, from cancer and blindness foundations to refugee relief and support for Ukraine. Everyone in the orchestra is amazed that Ante had been able to keep the orchestra afloat for over 35 years. He had boundless energy and enthusiasm for the orchestra, and most of us believe that I Medici would not have survived without his leadership. With his passing on 3 November 2025, an era has ended. Dr. Ante Padjen leaves behind a living legacy.

The Orchestra continues to survive under the leadership of Tom Samek, Alex Sheasby, Michael Flanders and other members of the I Medici Executive. We invite MURA members to attend the next concert of I Medici, which will be on Saturday, 8 November 2025 at 2 pm in the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul in Montreal. Dr. Richard Cruess, former Dean of McGill’s Faculty of Medicine, will deliver the Eulogy at the concert.  Online tickets and complete information.  

Ante died peacefully in the presence of his family, including his wife of 65 years, Klara Ujevic Padjen, and his three children Iva, Marija and Peter. His memory will also live on in the hearts of his seven grandchildren, his brother Ivica and all other family in his native Croatia.

Visitation will take place at St-John Baptist Church, 233 Sainte-Claire Ave, Pointe-Claire, on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 2pm to 5pm. The funeral service for Ante Padjen will be held Saturday, 8 November 2025 at 10 am at Église Catholique Saint-Nicholas-Tavelic, 4990 Pl. de la Savane, Montreal, QC H4P 1Z6.

Obituary link.

On behalf of the MURA Board of Directors,

Lawrence Mysak

(MURA Board Member, 2021-24, and

Flautist with I Medici di McGill Orchestra, 1994-2024)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gowri was invited to join this photo that was taken at the MURA Annual General Meeting on June 18, 2025, of current and past members of the Board of Directors. He is in the first row, 3rd from left.

Professor Kohur Gowrisankaran (Gowri)

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Professor Kohur Gowrisankaran (Gowri), retired from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Gowri passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and kindness that touched many in our community.

Gowri served as President of the McGill Association of University Teachers (MAUT) from 2002 to 2003 and was a long-time Chair of the Retiree Affairs Committee, where his thoughtful guidance and tireless efforts greatly enriched the lives of our members. 

In 2014 he was a member of the Campus Community Retiree Sub-Committee, whose mandate was to create a unified alliance among McGill retirees from all employment categories, to obtain recognition from the University, to build a sense of community with former faculty and staff, and to be a voice for common concerns, such as post-retirement benefits. This committee created the founding principles on which the McGill University Retiree Association was formed a year later.

His commitment to fostering connection and community was evident in his continued involvement, including his attendance at the MAUT Welcome Gathering on September 18 and the restaurant group meeting on September 24, just weeks before his passing.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gowri’s family, friends, and colleagues. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Link to obituary.

 

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