CDA Essentials 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 3

50 | 2018 | Issue 3 O bituaries REMEMBERING DENTISTRY LEADERS DR. FILIP “FIL” CAPPA Dr. Filip "Fil" Cappa of St. Marys, Ontario, passed away October 11, 2017. He was 90 years old. Dr. Cappa received his DDS from the University of Toronto in 1955. After graduating, Dr. Cappa practised as a general dentist in London, Ontario, for 40 years. Between 1966 and 1973, he also worked as a clinical instructor at the University of Western Ontario. During his career, Dr. Cappa was very involved in organized dentistry. He was an active member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and served as the editor of its journal, Ontario Dentist , between 1970 and 1972. During those two years, he revised the format, title and overall look-and-feel of the journal. Dr. Cappa was also actively involved with the London & District Dental Society and the American Society for Preventive Dentistry. In 1982, Dr. Cappa was inducted into the Canadian Section of the International College of Dentists (ICD). He held the positions of Editor (1995–2011), Registrar (1996–2009), Treasurer (2003–2009) and Honorary Registrar within that ICD section upon his retirement. In 2000, he was bestowed the title of Master Fellow to acknowledge his lasting contributions to the ICD. Between 2002 and 2005, he served as an ICD international councilor representing Canada. “Master Fellow Fil Cappa’s contributions to the Canadian Section over many years are simply outstanding,” says Dr. Brian Clark, current editor of the ICD Canadian Section. “He served in numerous roles with great ability and distinction and it is no exaggeration to say that the Canadian Section today reflects his influence at all levels. Dr. Cappa served as a mentor and good friend for many presidents of the Canadian Section, those who served as international councillors, and the current registrar. His warmth, good humour and knowledge will be greatly missed.” Dr. Cappa was the recipient of many awards and distinctions throughout his career: the William J. Geis Award for Editorial Writing (1970), the Ontario Special Award for Amateur Sport (1977), the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (1994), the Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International (1997), the ODA Service Award (2000), the London and District Dental Society’s Robert A. Brandon Service Award (2005), the London & District Dental Society’s Honorary Membership (2012) and the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry’s Award of Distinction (2012). Outside of dentistry, Dr. Cappa enjoyed playing the tuba and was a member of several musical groups. He was also an avid diver and had a passion for travelling. He and his wife Dianne visited 47 countries around the world. Dr. Cappa is survived by his wife of 62 years Dianne; his children, Gina, Barb and Paul, and their families. a Dr. Fil Cappa with his wife Dianne.