Dr. Frederick Banting co-discoverer of insulin and Nobel Laureate

On my walk in Alliston, Ontario about 1 hour north of Toronto, I visited the childhood farm of Sir Frederick Banting who along with Dr. Charles Best, discovered insulin that ultimately saved the lives of millions.

Young Frederick was born on his family farm on November 14, 1891 and was the youngest of five siblings.

Out of interest, Sir Frederick Banting was related to English undertaker, William Banting whose family business on St. James’s Street, London was the most eminent company of funeral directors in Britain. His firm was the funeral directors to the Royal Household and the Banting family conducted the funerals of King George III, George IV, Queen Victoria and King Edward VII to name a few.

The monument in the photo was installed on the family farm to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of insulin and to recognize all those who took part in the “miracle cure”.

Banting and Best are both buried very close to each other in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.