THE SPORT MEDICINE & SCIENCE COMMUNITY LOSES ONE OF ITS GIANTS
Correction Notice: We have amended a few facts within this article.
…Dr. Jack Taunton passes away at age 76 after a courageous battle with cancer
VANCOUVER (October 24th, 2024) — Dr. Jack Taunton of Tsawwassen, BC — one of the fathers of sport medicine & science in British Columbia and Canada — passed away Wednesday after a courageous fight with cancer. He was 76 years old.
“The loss of Dr. Jack Taunton leaves a big hole in the sport medicine community, not only in British Columbia, but across Canada,” said Dr. David Cox of Summerland, BC., the Chair of SportMedBC, the professional not-for-profit society co-founded in 1982 by Dr. Jack Taunton and Dr. Doug Clement of Vancouver.
“No one was more dedicated to the promotion of sport medicine & exercise science than Jack was,” added Dr. Cox. “He epitomized best practices in everything that he did, all with the smile, enthusiasm and passion that he became synonymous with.”
Dr. Jack Taunton was a trailblazer in sport medicine and the consummate community leader and builder of many of the most important events, facilities, teams and programs in BC. He was not only a co-founder of SportMedBC, he helped establish the Vancouver Sun Run and the InTraining RunWalk Clinics, and helped create the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre at UBC. His leadership of the sport medicine team at Vancouver 2010 will forever be a special accomplishment that drew international recognition as the best of its kind and a model for every city that followed as Olympic hosts.
“Dr. Jack was a best-in-class sport physician, but more than that, he was one of the kindest and best people in the profession and in the sport community,” said Bob Joncas, Executive Director of SportMedBC. “He and his partner Cheryl were and are an inspiration to all of us who advocate for sport medicine & exercise science and believe in sport and active living as an essential part of the fabric of British Columbia.”
Dr. Jack Taunton Bio Points:
Co-Founder of SportMedBC
- Year Founded: 1982
- Co-Founder: Dr. Doug Clement
Career Highlights
- Renowned medical professional in sports and major events, especially in running.
- Nationally Ranked Marathon Runner:
- Co-founded Canada’s first road running club.
- One of the original organizers of the BMO Vancouver International Marathon.
- Creator of the Vancouver Sun Run and the SportMedBC SunRun RunWalk clinics.
Sport Medicine Contributions
- Co-founder of a unique sports medicine clinic, serving in various critical roles for over 25 years.
- Volunteer at several Olympic Games:
- Los Angeles 1984
- Seoul 1988
- Sydney 2000
- Chief Medical Officer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
- Team doctor for numerous professional and national sports teams.
- Advocated against performance-enhancing drugs and raised funds for new sports medicine facilities.
Community Impact
- Well-known figure in the running community; actively participated in marathons across the Lower Mainland.
- Known for his practical, fun-loving approach and commitment to providing the best sports medicine services.
Recent Recognition
- Order of Canada: Named a Member in June 2023, honoring his contributions to sports medicine.
Legacy
- A champion and visionary in the sports medicine community.
- His impact endures through the many sports medicine professionals he mentored, including numerous SportMedBC members and staff.
Future Plans
- SportMedBC is considering ways to honor Dr. Taunton’s legacy and will share plans once finalized.
Dr. Taunton and his wife Cheryl were one of the most beloved husband-and-wife tandems in BC and Canadian sport. Dr. Taunton is also survived by his two daughters Kristen and Carla, along with his 6 grandchildren.
