June 4, 2011: Dr. Jack Kevorkian died in Beaumont Hospital in Baltimore USA on June 3rd, 2011 at 2:30 a.m. from a pulmonary embolism which was a complication of liver cancer. Ted Goodwin, President of the WFRTDS, said of his passing:
Dr. Jack Kevorkian ( 1928 – 2011)
As we note the death of Dr. Jack Kevorkian , I know that we all are experiencing the realization that a “comet” of our movement has disappeared from view. Though controversial in his methods, he was unequivocal in his dedication to the principle that the choice of physician-assisted dying should be the right of all who suffer terribly at life’s end.
His work (and persona), though polarizing, was seminal, as the consciousness of the World was raised surrounding this issue. Without question, it was this amplification of public debate that led to legislative change in Oregon, and possibly other countries.
Despite his “feet of clay,” we will remember and honour him for his iron will, and unwavering pursuit of principle.
Ted Goodwin