In memoriam of Dr. David White, PhD, FR CPath (1946–2017)

David White was my long-time friend and colleague. Our friendship began just before the cyclosporine era when I was in Cambridge learning transplant surgery from Prof. Roy Calne. David was investigating experimental approaches to preventing rejection in Sir Roy’s department when Sir Roy showed first in the laboratory and then in patients the effectiveness of cyclosporine in controlling rejection. David was Sir Roy’s closest collaborator in those pivotal studies that transformed transplantation into one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine.

In the winter of 1978, David brought to our centre in London, Ont., the first sample of cyclosporine to leave Britain. That sample was important, I believe, to Dr. Calvin Stiller, conducting in Canada the first randomized trial with the drug in kidney recipients. The results were as dramatic as expected and they propelled our centre forward at a particularly exciting time in transplantation.

For the next 20 years there was an excellent and fruitful exchange of information between Cambridge and London. David was always open to sharing his latest research. Following cyclosporine’s success, David redirected his research to solving the problem of the inadequate number of donor organs. He produced transgenic (hDAF) pigs in an attempt to abrogate the accelerated rejection that normally defeats xenotransplants. His research was central to recruiting him to take the then newly established Stiller/Novartis Chair in Xenotransplantation at Western University in 2000. Cross appointments in 3 departments were indicative of his wonderful capacity to work with many individuals. He was always quick to acknowledge the contributions of others, one of his many admirable traits.¹

David’s most recent award was the Reemtsma Lecture, given to “honor an eminent scientist, recognizing her or his contributions to the field of xenotransplantation.” He was meant to give the lecture at the International Xenotransplantation Association meeting in the autumn. His family will accept the honour for him.

By all measures David had a distinguished career. He served on the editorial boards of 7 journals, he published extensively, and he lectured widely. He was a good person, a valued colleague, and a fine friend.