It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved Dr. Joel Niznick on Friday, April 8, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Dr. Barbara Power; their three children, Harrison, Liam, and Dr Naomi Niznick; his siblings, Judi Donoff (his twin sister), Sharon Glass (Arnold Glass), and Dr. Gerald Niznick (Reesa Niznick); his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dr. Ellen Power, Mary Power, Edward Power, Dr. P. J. Powers (AnneMarie Tallent), and George Power (Lorraine Valdy); and all his beautiful nieces and nephews.
Joel was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, and was raised in Winnipeg. He completed his Medical schooling at the University of Manitoba, his Internal Medicine training in Toronto, and his Cardiology subspecialty training in Ottawa. Joel was a visionary – his motto was stay in the present but keep your eye on the future. He led the development of the Ottawa Cardiovascular Centre (OCC), one of Ontario’s most advanced Cardiology care providers. Joel was a strong advocate and champion for excellence and continuity in patient care. He built leading educational and implementation tools for patients and physicians (cvtoolbox.com). Joel was a vital link in building community-academic hospital bridges, and he was a former board member of the Ontario Association of Cardiologists. It was his life’s pleasure and honour to take care of his patients.
Joel’s interests were broad and varied – from medicine to red wine, cooking, golf, and traveling.
He had a lifelong passion for music, architecture, and design. He embraced each pursuit with depth and enthusiasm. His greatest love was for his family and his children, who loved him as a husband, father, brother, and friend.
Joel faced his illness with resilience and optimism.
The world has lost an extraordinary and admirable man who will be deeply missed.
Memorial donations can be made to Jewish Family Services or the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre Spinal Care Cord Unit.
