Tribute to the late Professor Pierre D. Delmas

Dear ANZBMS members,

It is with regret that we advise you that Professor Pierre Delmas passed away on 23 July 2008 after a prolonged illness.

Pierre was known and loved by many-clinicians, academicians, administrators, and patients alike. The contributions that Pierre made to the field are legion. Pierre was Professor of Medicine at the University in Lyon, where he also headed an INSERM research unit. But perhaps Pierre’s major achievement and gift to the field is the International Osteoporosis Foundation, which has become the major global organization in the field for clinicians, scientists and patients. Pierre founded the organization out of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and steered its growth as its President, until ill health forced him to retire earlier this year. In addition, Pierre has made major contributions to almost every aspect of metabolic bone disease, and especially to osteoporosis. Pierre’s work helped us understand the pathogenesis of the disease, its risk factors and its treatment. He used almost every tool available to him from biochemistry through bone densitometry to histomorphometry in an attempt to first understand the disease and then educate others at all levels, ultimately with the goal of improving the management of the disease worldwide. A special edition of Osteoporosis International dedicated to both Pierre’s memory and his achievements will be published shortly outlining some of the many components of Pierre’s contributions to our field.

In addition to his seminal collection of work, Pierre will be remembered by many of his colleagues around the world for his intelligence, lucidity of thought, insightfulness, enthusiasm, and perhaps most of all for his biting wit. He was an entertaining and forceful orator and an excellent educator, much sought after as a speaker at international, national, and local meetings. Pierre gave of his time generously, and was also a strong supporter of ANZBMS frequently attending our conferences and was instrumental in the 2006 combined meeting with the IOF.

Pierre is survived by his wife, Debra, and his two children, Gauthier and Olivia. We extend our sincere condolences to Deborah, Gauthier and Olivia.

See also: Tribute to Pierre Delmas on the IOF website