Dr. Michael J. Lynch
(1932 - 2026)

Dr. Michael J. Lynch, a distinguished psychiatrist, forensic psychiatry pioneer, and proud Queen’s University alumnus, passed away on July 21, 2026, at his home in East Aurora, New York. Born in Webster, N.Y., on December 26, 1932, he devoted his life to medicine, patient care, and public service.

Following undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, Dr. Lynch earned his medical degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, continuing a family legacy established by his father, Dr. M. Gerald Lynch, who also attended Queen’s. After completing his residency, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at a psychiatric facility in London, England. 

In the years that followed, Dr. Lynch built a highly respected psychiatric practice in Buffalo, becoming one of the region’s leading specialists in mood disorders. Reflecting on his career, Dr. Lynch once shared that "Getting into medicine gives you an opportunity to serve your fellow man. My career in forensic psychiatry and in treating depression was the most rewarding thing I could have done." 

In keeping with his wishes, donations in Dr. Lynch's memory will be directed to the Michael and Jane Lynch Fund in Psychiatry, which supports high-quality clinical research conducted in the Department of Psychiatry and cognate research units, and the establishment of the Dr. Michael and Jane Lynch Chair in Psychiatry. 

To read the full published obituary, please visit here.