Remembering Professor Dr. Wayne Peter Francis Gulliver

by Prof. Zohair Tomi, MD, FRCPC

Wayne was my mentor, guide, and dear friend. He wasn’t only a brilliant dermatologist admired nationally and internationally—he was a man whose generosity, humility, and courage touched countless lives.

A Life-Changing First Meeting

I first met Wayne in 2002 after finishing my residency at the University of Ottawa. He welcomed me to St. John’s for what was supposed to be a one-month locum. When visa rules required me to leave Canada, Wayne picked up the phone, called an MP in Ottawa, and arranged for a visa without my leaving the country—an unprecedented gesture of support for someone he barely knew. That call changed my life.

What was meant to be a month turned into twenty years, largely because Wayne made St. John’s feel like home.

Family, Friendship, and Generosity

From the very first week, Wayne welcomed me into his home. I spent Christmas, Easters, and family celebrations with him, Bev, and their children. He introduced me to his parents, siblings, and friends—treating me as family.

On trips worldwide, Wayne was bubbly, funny, and generous: praising colleagues, helping strangers with luggage, comforting crying children, and making everyone feel seen and valued.

Courage, Determination, and Inspiration

At the AAD conference in San Diego, I witnessed Wayne’s remarkable resilience. Every morning, after his below-knee amputation, he spent nearly an hour preparing his prosthesis:

• Cleaning and inspecting his skin

• Padding sensitive areas

• Aligning the prosthetic socket

• Adjusting straps and liners

Even in pain, he showed up smiling, ready to focus on others, never complaining. His courage and dedication inspired everyone around him.

Compassion Beyond Measure

Wayne’s kindness knew no bounds. He defended patients, supported struggling students, and mentored colleagues tirelessly. He reminded me that “life is not about me, it’s about we.” His actions spoke louder than words.

Together, we conducted hundreds of clinical trials, served thousands of patients, and shared countless moments of laughter and learning. Wayne praised and lifted others without expectation or reward.

Honouring His Family

To Bev, their children, and the Gulliver family: thank you for sharing Wayne with us. His kindness, laughter, and integrity ripple across continents and generations.

An Invitation to Remember

I invite all who knew Wayne—students, patients, colleagues, and friends—to share your own memories. Let us honour him by practicing the kindness, generosity, and courage he embodied: offering a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand.

Wayne showed us that true greatness is measured not by accolades, but by love and service to others.