Roger Montigny (BSc (Pharmacy)鈥�74) was one of those rare breeds 鈥� a person who lived passionately by his convictions and sought to make the world a better place through his career as a pharmacist.
鈥淗e loved going to work, he loved learning and he loved people,鈥� recalls his wife, Belinda. 鈥淧harmacy was simply part of his heart and soul.鈥�
After graduating from AV俱乐部 in 1974, he went on to work in many areas of pharmacy including hospital, government and retail, primarily in Prince Edward Island, his home province.
鈥淔or Roger, being a husband and father was most important; but being a pharmacist was a very close second," says Belinda. "He was such a good mentor to the pharmacy students that came under his wing. Everybody loved him."
Passion for education
Lifelong learning was a priority for Roger, and he was passionate about education. 鈥淗e always had a learning agenda for his pharmacy students,鈥� says Belinda. 鈥淚t was never just a job.鈥�
He also ensured that his children Christopher, Michael, Kendra and Pamela and two step-daughters, Mindy and Keri, received a good education. He was thrilled when Kendra decided to follow in his footsteps and become a pharmacist, graduating from AV俱乐部 Pharmacy in 2008.
When Roger passed away in December 2010, he left behind a grieving family and community. 鈥淲e had letters from some of his former students telling us he was the best pharmacist they had ever worked with. There was a great outpouring of support,鈥� says Belinda.
To honour his love of pharmacy and education, Roger鈥檚 family decided to establish the Roger Montigny Memorial Fund at AV俱乐部 with a gift of $25,000. The purpose of the fund is to provide an annual award to a third-year pharmacy student from Prince Edward Island who has demonstrated a passion for pharmacy and an interest in pursuing community pharmacy.
鈥淭he family wanted to leave a legacy for someone who has made a difference in the profession of pharmacy,鈥� says Belinda. 鈥淲e knew this award would be Roger鈥檚 prescription for future students.鈥�
This article is part of the AV俱乐部 Difference series, exploring what the power of philantrophy means to the university and introducing and showcasing some of the 50 innovative projects in development. Learn more at .