The Father of Let’s Talk Science
On Thursday, August 27, Let’s Talk Science lost a dear friend, leader, supporter and visionary – our founding board chairman, Dr. Mitchell Baran. Dr. Baran was CEO of Trudell Medical Group, a successful global health devices business based in London, and a generous yet humble philanthropist.
Dr. Baran’s wisdom and insight was instrumental in shaping Let’s Talk Science’s culture of innovation and commitment to developing quality learning programs for children, youth, educators and volunteers across Canada. Without Dr. Baran, Let’s Talk Science would not exist today. Considered the “father” of Let’s Talk Science, in 1995 he recognized the importance of organization’s goals and joined Let’s Talk Science’s President and Founder, Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, in shaping the early strategic direction and growing the organization.
Since they met, Baran acted as a mentor to Schmidt and continued as an active and engaged board member until his death.
“Mitch was a very important role model for me,” said Schmidt. “I met Mitch twenty years ago and still remember our first encounter vividly. Joan Francolini introduced us over lunch and invited me to tell Mitch about my education and outreach work. After a full meal with nearly zero reaction to my pitch, he put down his fork and said, “I love it, let’s do it”. The rest, as they say, is history.”
As Let’s Talk Science expanded its board of directors, Dr. Baran ensured that others understood the importance of the vision and mission for Canada’s future. He never stopped influencing the thinking and development of the organization.
Originally from Brantford, Dr. Baran attended Western University where he earned his degree in business. In 1967 and early into his career, he purchased Trudell, a small, family-owned distributing firm, which he evolved into the company, Trudell Medical Group. The company has now been in operation for over 90 years, with 750 employees around the world, including 300 in London who distribute, manufacture and research medical devices focused on the respiratory sector.
Dr. Baran is a valued member of the London community. In 2012, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of London. He is also an honoree of the Order of Canada and The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
The Let’s Talk Science community is deeply saddened by his passing; he will be truly missed.
Mitchell Baran, Founding Chair
President & CEO
Trudell Medical Limited
“As Canadians, we have an obligation to future generations to build a knowledge based society/economy in order to maintain the standard of living and quality of life we presently enjoy. A fundamental building block is STEM education and Let’s Talk Science is the only organization with the track record and capability to be the catalyst to make this happen. “