It is with some sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. Robert Nelson Green. Dr. Green was the medical consultant for the University of Western Ontario Multi-Disciplinary Accident Research Team during the 10 years that I was involved with that team between 1980 and 1990. I recall him fondly as a man of great energy. While team members would be dully working on their filings, analysis of photos, computer entry, etc. every so often Dr. Green would pop into the office and things would light up. While he mostly seemed to be in hurry he was also willing to stop and enter into deeper discussions about philosophical issues of injury causation, seat-belt effectiveness, roadway barrier matters and so many other related things. He was the one who introduced me to forensic work outside of the research carried out by the team. Some official data about him is attached below.
Dr. Robert Nelson Green, 92, beloved husband of Helen Patricia Green, died peacefully at Southlake Hospital, Newmarket on Friday, November 15, 2024. He is survived by his daughters Nancy Green, Elizabeth Olcott and husband Peter, and son James Green and wife Letty, and four grandchildren, Signe and Robert Damron, Helen and Charles Olcott. He was predeceased by his wife Helen, parents Rollit and Signe Green, brother Van Green and sister Nancy Green.
Bob Green was born in Fort Frances, ON on June 4, 1932. Growing up in Fort Frances, he completed secondary school and pursued university studies, graduating MDCM from McGill University in 1958. He and Helen were married that year during internship at the Winnipeg General Hospital. After two years of family practice in Atikokan, ON, Bob supported his young family through seven years of postgraduate training, culminating in a career of academic medicine as a teaching professional at Queens University, Kingston, and the University of Western Ontario, London. With a life-long interest in forensic sciences, Dr. Green served as a provincial coroner, along with his teaching at the medical and law schools of UWO with a brief time out to complete a law degree and MA in legal philosophy. Retiring from the University of Western Ontario as professor emeritus in 1990. He started his company, Accident Reconstruction Association, consulting as an expert forensic analyst and court witness. Professor Green continued his research in the forensic and road traffic safety areas, instructing police, coroners, lawyers and engineers.
Bob and Helen enjoyed many summer vacations at their cottage on Nowhere Island, Rainy Lake, and spent a few years in Fort Frances at their lakeside home.
We all have a life to live and for some that is more acknowledged than for others. Regardless, we need to appreciate that the greatest attribute of our lives is that others look upon our memory with fondness, regardless of what official titles and important positions we may have held. While Dr. Green was officially successful, more importantly to me is that I remember him with fondness.
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