May 12, 1950 – March 23, 2024
Dr. Bruce Edward Holbein, a distinguished microbiologist and environmental consultant passed peacefully, surrounded by family at Toronto General Hospital on March 23 in his 74 th year after a prolonged battle with lung fibrosis and infection.
He is survived by his loving wife Sharon (nee Griffin), his two sons, Marc and Paul and his beloved granddaughter Janelle. Bruce was born to Edward and Marian Holbein (Heins) on May 12, 1950, and raised in Arnprior, Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister Brenda, who passed on November 21, 2023. Bruce obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (class of OAC 73) and his Ph. D. in Microbiology in 1977 from the University of Guelph. He began his career as an infectious disease expert at Defence Canada in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Subsequently, he became an Associate Professor in Medicine at McGill University and continued his research on meningitis. His graduate students were privileged to have Bruce as their Supervisor and mentor. Medical students often complained that his courses and exams were much too difficult!
In 2011, Bruce co-founded Chelation Partners Inc. The lab facilities were located at the National Research Council in Halifax. He was prolific in writing research papers, patents and literature reviews. His innovative research on the role of iron in bacterial and viral infections and host defences led to his design of DIBI, a unique, iron-binding polymer drug. He initiated and managed the various proof-of-concept studies and wrote four patents on DIBI. He authored or co-authored with his many academic collaborators, 27 peer reviewed publications describing DIBI and its utility in fighting serious infections and inflammatory disorders and how important limiting iron was in fighting these diseases. Chelation Partners Inc. later became Fe Pharmaceuticals and Bruce’s role transitioned to Chief Science Officer and Co-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board.
Bruce was also an Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University and continued to write and publish reviews until shortly before his death. Since his passing, three US Patents protecting DIBI, related polymers, and their medical indications have been issued. Bruce’s insights and designs may one day improve health or save lives. Bruce was a member of the American Society of Microbiology and widely respected for his expertise in microbiology and infectious diseases. He contributed extensively to the peer review process for his fellow scientists throughout his career and authored more than 100 scientific publications. For many years, Bruce worked as a Consultant to Eastern Power Inc. where he made key contributions to their initiatives to reduce harmful environmental emissions from several natural gas power generation projects. Bruce cherished time with his family and friends. He had a passion for Ballroom and Latin dancing with Sharon and loved jazz music, cycling year-round, cross- country skiing and gardening.
Donations in memory of Bruce would be appreciated by the family to support :
1. The Lung Transplant Research Fund at UHN Toronto General Hospital:
Visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute , identify in memory of Bruce and select Lung Transplant Fund
or call (1) 416 603-5300
2. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada: Visit heartandstroke.ca