Erik Braaten

Dr. Erik Phillips Braaten

October 16, 1941-April 19, 2020

On April 19th, 2020, Dr. Erik Phillips Braaten, son of Everett and June Braaten, passed away peacefully in his home in Brampton, Ontario at the age of 78. He fought heroically for many years against Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, undergoing two stem cell transplants and numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Last summer he developed a second cancer of the head and neck which ultimately led to his passing. He will be loved forever by his wife Lauralee Morris. He was the cherished father of Mark (Danielle-Madhurima), Heather (Paul) and Karen (Steff), and will be dearly remembered by his former spouse, Vicki Braaten-Thompson (Don). He was the incredibly proud grandfather of Deva, Mira, Shantima and Samuel, and a much loved brother to Anne Orr (Ed) and Peter Braaten (predeceased) (Judy). Also mourning his loss are Lauralee’s mother Eda, her sister Monica (Ralph), and her brothers Peter (Kim) and Robert (Donna). Erik's many extended family members and dear friends collectively mourn his loss, remembering him with tremendous fondness, respect and love.

Erik was extremely passionate about life and learning. He was a great lover of painting, music, nature and wildlife, sports and recreation, camping and canoeing, warm chuckles, witty puns, and above all...making true connections with people. He was an active and eager listener, a magical and engaging storyteller, and a compassionate communicator. His generous and empathetic spirit touched, and positively changed the lives of the many people who received his love and dedicated attention. He viewed the world through unwaveringly optimistic eyes, inspiring that viewpoint in those who were fortunate enough to share space and time with him.

Erik graduated with honours from the University of Toronto medical school in 1966 and completed his medical education with a rotating internship at the Toronto Western Hospital. He started doing general practice in Brampton in 1968 and opened his own practice, Brameast Family Physicians, along with Dr. Alvin Kelly, the following year. The practice that they started in 1969 has grown to include 13 family doctors and continues to serve the community to this day.

In 1998, as a consequence of his illness, Erik made the difficult decision to give up his general practice. His ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of his community inspired him to then join his colleague and friend, Dr. Jack Inglis, in his psychotherapy practice. Erik was an "old style" GP who delivered babies, attended house calls and worked in the emergency department. He had a long and dedicated career working at Peel Memorial Hospital where he served as Chief of the Department of Family Practice from 1981 to 1984, and as Chairman of the Continuing Care Committee from 1991 to 1994. To this day he is remembered with admiration and affection by his colleagues and patients.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be offered in his honor to Peel Memorial Health Centre at:
https://oslerfoundation.akaraisin.com/personalfundraising/erik
At this uncertain time we have unfortunately been unable to make arrangements for an in-person gathering to celebrate Erik’s remarkable life. We therefore invite you to use this this forum as a place to share your memories and stories, your condolences, and to connect with each other and the family in this time of loss.