The Gairdner Foundation expresses its sadness on the death of Ernest Beutler on October 5, 2008, of San Diego, California. Dr. Beutler received a Gairdner International Award in 1975.  He was one of the pioneers who laid the basis for hematology for many years. He established that by looking very carefully at the biochemistry of blood cells, you can tell a great deal about why they aren't behaving as they should. He made key discoveries in bone marrow transplantation for fighting cancer; the role of the X-chromosome in women; helped discover G6PD deficiency; improved the diagnosis and treatment of Gaucher disease; and developed cladribine, a treatment for both leukemia and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Beutler came to The Scripps Research Institute in 1978 to head the Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, and he remained as that division's chairman until a few weeks before his death.

We extend our condolences to his family.

Dr. John Dirks
President
The Gairdner Foundation
Toronto