Dr. Ben Komenda will be sorely missed

When you’ve had the same family doctor for three generations, it’s safe to say that person has been there with you for some of the most important moments in the lives of those most important to you.

Dr. Ben Komenda has filled that role for my family and as he prepares for retirement I want to congratulate him on a job well done.

For many years, Dr. Komenda treated my Baba, both parents and me for our various ailments, first at the corner of Munroe Avenue and London Street and then by the Concordia Hospital, at 1155 Concordia Ave.

As I think about how the nature and frequency of my family’s visits changed over time, I realize the deft touch a successful family doctor must display, guiding patients through life.
My visits have mostly been for prescriptions or sports injuries and sometimes my explanations of the latter would cause Dr. Komenda to chuckle.

Seeing the full waiting room, I tried to keep them short and to the point, sometimes so much so that when you’d expect him to get up to the next one he’d stay in his chair for a few moments to see if I was okay in general. He’d notice a New York Times at my side and discuss some issue of the day and within a few short minutes we might dissect American politics, argue religion, or share experiences from our trips to China.

On occasion, I’d give him an update on my parents or share a concern with him. My parents see a little more of him as they age, so much so that I joke I get updates on their well-being from him. Whether their latest appointment has to do with something serious or it turns out to be nothing, Dr. Komenda sees their concerns, perhaps the fear this could be the next "something serious", and treats them with the same level of care.

Dr. Komenda has also been with us at the end of life.

A few years ago, Baba passed away on Christmas Day, right after opening up her presents. There was some trouble with paperwork at the hospital, and through a mutual friend, he found out and went right over to straighten things out. We have never forgotten that.

Baba liked Dr. Komenda, as I suspect many of his patients do. Many of the seniors called him "Gentle Ben" for his kind and patient approach as they brought him concerns big and small. Through them all he gave them the time, respect and comfort that put them at ease.

On behalf of the thousands of your patients — happy retirement, Dr. Komenda.

Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com