When I was in a motorcycle accident in my teens (Southern Ontario) I wound up with a shattered humorous (left arm). If it were not for the exceptional expertise of surgeon Richard Lachowski, I would not have a left arm!! RIP Richard_darrin murphy

Submitted May 13, 2024

I had a total left hip replacement March 9 2004 by Dr Lachowski. This man literally changed my life. Prior to my surgery I was in a wheelchair for around 3months with bone on bone and misdiagnosed for years. After my surgery Dr Lachowski told my husband I should have had the surgery 5 years earlier. I was lucky to have my hip replaced within 6 weeks of seeing him. I went back to work as a PSW August 25 of the same year and am still working to this day with the same hip!To me Dr Lachowski was a caring individual and a wonderful Dr. I was terribly upset to hear of his passing. And extremely grateful to have had this man as my surgeon.

Submitted March 29, 2020

Dr. Lachowski did bilateral knee replacements on my mother about 8 years ago. My mom is able to walk long distances even today and continues to love her knees! What a big loss to lose a talented and professional doctor like Dr. Lachowski! I'm not telling my mom about his passing because she will be devastated! RIP Dr. Lachowski!

Submitted Nov. 25, 2016

Dr Lachowski was my Dr for Two Hip replacements and recently for knee replacement. I was very sad to hear of his passing. He was an exceptional Dr. He will be missed.

Submitted Jan. 4, 2015

LACHOWSKI, Dr. Richard, November 3, 1954 – November 27, 2014

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of dearly beloved husband and father Richard Lachowski, after a short and courageous battle with esophageal cancer just after his 60th birthday. Richard was a loving husband of 30 years and soulmate to Lori (nee Brown) and proud and adoring father of Angela and Christopher.

Born in Toronto on November 3rd, 1954, Richard attended secondary school at Silverthorne Collegiate. He attended the University of Toronto, where he graduated in 1978 from the Faculty of Medicine. Richard specialized in Orthopaedic Surgery with a special interest in joint replacement and trauma. He attributed his philosophy of patient care to his mentor, Dr. Marvin Tile, who always demonstrated the importance of listening to the patient. He achieved his fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1984, and in 1985 he opened his practice in Hamilton. For 13 years, Richard specialized in joint replacement and trauma surgery at Hamilton General hospital, where he acquired many steadfast friendships.

For the past 16 years, Richard has enjoyed working at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he performed joint replacement and emergency surgery. Dr. Lachowski was Associate Clinical Professor in the faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster, and was also Director of Alumni Affairs for MacOrtho Society. A teacher at heart, he derived immense satisfaction from instructing medical students, clerks, and residents in the McMaster medical program. Richard was well loved and respected by his colleagues at St. Jo’s and Hamilton General, and will be dearly missed.

Besides being an exceptional surgeon, Richard was a gifted craftsman. He possessed an incredible degree of patience and tenacity, so that any project he undertook was always meticulously completed to the highest standard. There are extensive examples of his talents at both his home and at his beloved cottage in Bala. He loved to stay busy with projects, his passion for cooking, and his enjoyment of travel. Those who know him well will reflect on his delight at surprising others with an unexpected gift, discovering a new travel destination, cooking a gourmet meal, listening to a beautiful piece of classical music, and reflecting on the peace and beauty of nature. We want to remember him behind the wheel of his beloved Cobalt, skimming across the lake at top speed with a grin on his face, on the fairways of a golf course in Florida with his wife, or effortlessly carving down Whistler mountain on skis. He will continue to be our inspiration, our guide, and our source of strength. His lifelong credo was “Never Give Up”, and he was happy to know that this philosophy has been adopted by his children.

Richard loved his family more than anything, and his greatest joy was to see his children’s dreams come true. As a father, he was forever patient and loving; he never ended a phone call without saying “I love you”, and he never, ever rushed a hug. He was a thoughtful, kind man, with a sensitive heart. Though his words were few, they were packed with meaning.

Richard is survived by his loving mother Stella Lachowski, adoring sister Dianne Powell (John), brother Steven (Sandra), sister-in-law Lynn Stockwell (John), father-in-law Jerry Brown, and eight nieces and nephews: Alissa, Alexandra, David, Caroline, Andrew, Jeremy, Jaclyn, and Jenna. He is predeceased by his father Henry Lachowski (2011).

Richard had an incredible medical team at Juravinski Cancer Centre: special thanks to Dr. B. Lumb, Dr. R. Juergens, and Dr. M. Slaven, Dr. R. Sur, and Helen Hart, RN, and CCAC. Thank you especially to Dr. Jean Mullens, our angel doctor, who supported Richard and his family through this difficult time.
- See more at: http://www.baygardens.ca/obituary/17990#sthash.pohLhZUq.dpuf

Submitted Dec. 1, 2014

Dr Lachowski was an amazing surgeon and incredible man! He was my surgeon for 23 years, performing 6 knee surgeries to fix sports injuries. He was someone I looked up to and respected on a personal level. He promised me he would make it possible for me to dance at my wedding and he did! I had the pleasure of seeing him a few weeks ago and meeting his wonderful wife. What a great honor to have known this man! My heart is breaking today. RIP

Submitted Nov. 28, 2014

So very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts to his family. A devastating loss for the medical community.

Submitted Nov. 28, 2014

I had a hip replacement in June and everything went very smoothly. I can not thank this doctor enough for giving me the ability to move again.

Submitted Nov. 6, 2014

My mother had an operation done by this Dr Lachowski. She went in for a knee replacement surgery in December of 2012 . The incompetent staff let my mothers knee get infected during the Christmas break .
The Dr had to perform an surgery to clean it out. After 2 months of physiotherapy , which my mother paid out of pocket and was suffering with pain. Dr Lachowski said to my mother that she need another operation. Because the operation was not successful. The second operation was performed in March of 2013 and with more physiotherapy and more expenses. Till this day my mother is still in pain . I would not recommend this doctor. Stay away .

Submitted Oct. 7, 2014

Dr. Lachowsky is a very intelligent and thorough doctor. He explains everything and answers questions to the best of his ability. He came highly recommended to me and I am eternally grateful for his care. Thank you for giving me back my freedom to move.

Submitted Oct. 2, 2014