Obituary of Ransford Douglas Rene Seale

Seale, Ransford "Randy" Douglas Rene It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Randy of Montreal, QC, formerly of Saint john, NB, which occurred on Wednesday, March 17, 2016 at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital. Born on November 24, 1964 in Saint John, he was the youngest son of the late Lionel Arnold Seale and Alice (Haines) of Saint John. Randy is survived by his brother Arnold (Christine Ball); sisters, Gail, Robbi (Imrich Kiraly), and Renee MacGowan (Darrell); as well as nephew James MacGowan and niece Abagail MacGowan. Randy was a compassionate man. He loved life, good bargains, good food, socializing, and gardening. For many years he enjoyed officiating track and field events where he met some of Canada’s greatest athletes. Dr. Denis-Claude Roy had a very significant impact in Randy's life and wrote the following passage for Randy: "Mr Ransford Douglas Seale I would like to say a few word about Mr Seale, as the hematologist and stem cell transplanter who was responsible for the care of Mr Seale, and in the name of my stem cell transplant colleagues who all knew and treated Mr Seale, as well as the stem cell transplant personnel who looked after him. Mr Seale had acute leukemia, a blood malignancy where cancer cells infiltrate the blood and thus all of the body, causing anemia, infections and bleeding. Acute leukemia is one of the most aggressive diseases and Mr. Seale had one of those bad leukemias that required a stem cell transplantation. Since Mr. Seale did not have a family member that matched or a suitable donor in the International Donor Registry, he was referred to me by his hematologist-oncologists in New Brunswick for a new form of transplant that is done with a family member that is only half-matched. This type of transplant was done under an experimental protocol to improve on the current forms of such mismatched transplantation. Mr. Seale was first seen at Maisonneuve-Rosemont in June 2014. Mr. Seale underwent the transplant and encountered common complications such as fever and other infectious complications requiring antibiotics. However his transplant was subsequently complicated by an unusual form of anemia. He required close monitoring and appropriate therapy that prevented him from returning to Saint John. This anemia was particularly difficult to treat, but Mr. Seale was always positive, telling us that his body never did things the usual way! As his anemia finally came into control, his leukemia did not give up, and recurred. He had to receive additional chemotherapy that was complicated by severe infections, but he fought the leukemia cells. When he developed a most severe form of graft-versus-host disease after receiving additional cells, he was again positive and confident that we would get rid of his leukemia. Throughout his visits to the clinic and his hospitalizations, Mr. Seale made friends with everyone. While many would have been discouraged and depressed, he was smiling and always brought with him a positive attitude. We were feeling bad for him and he was the one cheering us up! Mr. Seale was an outstanding individual. The type of transplant that he has undergone is not usually associated with such important complications. Unfortunately, this can happen… What is impressive is the energy that he demonstrated in front of all the events he had to confront, a smile always on his face. He would have had every reason in the world to complain, but he never did. He was A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, and always such a pleasure to treat. He was determined and full of courage. I would like to mention that Mr. Seale also benefited from tons of support from his wonderful family. His sisters, brother and family were always there, either in person or through the phone. He was never alone. He had regular and frequent visits from his sisters who travelled from Saint John and Yarmouth to Montreal, winter or summer… every week! Mr. Seale knew that this was an experimental approach, and he wanted us to learn more about this treatment so that others would benefit. He always thought that if it failed for him, he would be a stepping stone and help improve this treatment so that others could benefit. This is quite a lesson of humanity and generosity to all of us! Finally, I would like to emphasize that Mr. Seale has definitely contributed to advance the fight against CANCER. We have developed at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital a Cell Therapy Center that is one of the most advanced in the world. The objective is to develop novel therapies such that patients like Mr. Seale will be able to win the fight against leukemia. Investigators from all across Canada are working with us and developing new treatments. We have also created CellCAN: the Canadian Network for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine. Together, Canadian scientists and physicians are working to help cure more cancers and fight more infections. Mr. Seale was an outstandingly courageous, determined, and vivacious person with an infectious smile! His spirit will always be there and bring the best in all of us!" Denis-Claude Roy, MD, FRCPC Professor of Medicine, Universite de Montreal CEO, CellCAN: Canadian Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Network Director of Research, CIUSSS-East-of-Montreal Scientific Director, Center of Excellence in Cell Therapy Hop. Maisonneuve-Rosemont Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visitation on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 from 6-9 PM. A private funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 24 for family only. Interment will take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in memory of Ransford Douglas Seale may be made to the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Cell Therapy Research (D.C. Roy), 270-5345 de l’Assomption Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H1T 4B3, www.maisonneuve-rosemont.org/foundation. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.