Shaun Campbell Black

February 22, 1962 - December 8, 2020. It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Shaun Black shares the news of his passing on Tuesday, December 8th in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII at the age of 58, due to Type 1 diabetes complications. He was born to John and Shirley Black on February 22, 1962 in Saint John, N.B.

A 1985 graduate of St. F.X. University in Chemistry, Shaun continued his academic path by completing his Masters in Pharmacology at Dalhousie University and his Masters in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University - both in 1991. In October 1991, he began his lifelong career and passion at the Nova Scotia Department of Drug Dependency by joining the Addiction Services team as the provincial pharmacologist. His role evolved into the Manager of quality evaluation services of the Addiction and mental Health program of the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Shaun was responsible for updating withdrawal protocols for individuals needing detoxification services across the province. He provided ongoing training and consultation to nurses and physicians working within addictions and within the larger health care system. Shaun was instrumental in changing the myth that some suffering during withdrawal was of therapeutic benefit. He developed and championed the use of evidenced-based withdrawal protocols that focused on symptom relief dispelling that myth. His work not only influenced the way withdrawal management was done in Nova Scotia, but his work was shared with many other Canadian provinces as well.

Shaun was a researcher and author who led numerous clinical trials in the addictions field. Shaun loved to work in collaboration with others and did so to develop an Addictions course for Thompson Rivers University. Perhaps the accomplishment he enjoyed most was co-authoring the textbook Drugs, Behavior and Society with four other authors including his friend and frequent collaborator Dr. Robert Gilbert. Shaun was a lecturer and curriculum developer in pharmacology and mental health and addictions for Dalhousie University’s faculties of Medicine and Health. Shaun was an avid speaker and lecturer and a favorite at many conferences. He spoke regularly across Nova Scotia, other provinces and at national conventions.

Shaun had a passion for golf and shared many fond memories with his Saint John, N.B. pals as well as Nova Scotia colleagues and friends who would all look forward to playing a round with him. Shaun enjoyed his annual golf, NHL hockey game and outdoor concert trip to Raleigh, N.C. to visit his brother and to enjoy his Southern traditional meal which always included grits. Shaun made friends easily and always went out of his way for others taking a keen interest in their issues while never referring to the daily chronic uphill battles he faced and endured over the years. His love of pranks and laughter contributed to many hilarious moments. His positive outlook on everything had him carry a cup that was always half full and taught us all to live life the same way. He will be lovingly remembered and truly missed by his family and friends.

Shaun is survived by his mother, Shirley Black of Saint John; brother, Greg (Genevieve) of Raleigh, N.C.; and sister, Kelley (Peter) Polley of Halifax. He was known as favourite/crazy Uncle Shaun to his adored nieces - Sarah and Katie Polley of Halifax. He was predeceased by his father, John Black. Shaun will be dearly missed by his honorary family of Eileen Carey and Marin and Jacob Carey Paradis.

According to Shaun’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, celebrations of life and interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Shaun’s memory can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada or Diabetes Canada. The family extends thanks to the staff, nurses and Doctors of Unit 8.2 and the ICU at the Halifax Infirmary as well as Shaun’s family doctor, Dr. Niall Buckley and the Kidney Transplant Clinic at the VG Site who took great care of him recently and over the years.

Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 Mcquade Lake Cres., Halifax. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com