West Island dentist dies after tragic bicycle accident in Beaconsfield

The tragic accident occurred on Lakeshore Rd., just a few kilometres from McMullan’s home in Beaconsfield.

Author of the article:

John Meagher • Montreal Gazette

Jay McMullan (left to right), Mike Babcock, Ken Tyler (head coach), Paul Barber, Doug Harrison and Alan Crawford pose during a stoppage in play to clear snow off outdoor rink at St. Moritz, Switzerland, Dec. 1983 McGill Athletics

Dr. Jay McMullan, a well-known West Island dentist and former McGill University hockey player, died in a Montreal hospital Sunday, four days after suffering a traumatic brain injury from an accidental fall from his bicycle. He was 61.

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The tragic accident occurred on Lakeshore Rd., a few kilometres from his home in Beaconsfield, according to a statement from the McGill Athletics Dept.

McMullan, born on July 4, 1959, spent most of his life in the West Island. He was raised in Pointe-Claire and attended Loyola High School before heading off to play hockey in the Maritimes.

After playing for St. Francis Xavier University, where he earned an undergraduate degree, McMullan transferred to McGill. He played defence for McGill in 1981-82 and 1983-84, while completing his degree in dentistry. His defence partner his final season at McGill was Mike Babcock, the former head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

His father, the late Dr. John Francis (“Jack”) McMullan (DDS ’57), also played for McGill and practiced dentistry for 50 years. He passed away in 2016 at age 84.

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His son, or “Dr. Jay” as he was often referred to by friends and patients, followed in his father’s footsteps. Jay also served as McGill’s team dentist.

“Both were pillars of the community and took great pride in carrying out their responsibilities with compassion and integrity,” said Earl Zukerman of the McGill Athletics Dept.

“Jay was one of the nicest people I ever met,” he added. “Over his 37 years as a dentist, he was described by patients as a consummate professional, deeply compassionate, genuinely kind and caring.”

McMullan was also a leader in his field. A past-president of the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, he was currently serving as a committee chair in that national organization.

McMullan is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Maureen. He is survived by his wife Heather, son Patrick, daughters Andrea and Laura, his sister Kelly, as well as a large extended family.

jmeagher@postmedia.com