The works of Aziz are found in collections owned by the likes of the Bronfmans, Duponts, Fords and Thomsons.

On Oct. 31, 1920, in this location in London, Banting leapt from his bed to scribble notes for what would become the first step in the discovery of insulin.

Statue in front of Banting Museum honours Canadian doctor whose discovery has benefited millions of diabetes victims the world over.

My niece, Moira, is a beautiful young woman of 16. But had she been born 90 years ago, she would not be here today. When she was just two years old, Moira was terribly ill before she was finally diagnosed with diabetes.

I'm standing in the carefully preserved bedroom of the London, Ont. home of Dr. Frederick Banting. It was here that Banting had his Eureka moment. I listen to our guide describe how, just before dawn on Oct. 31, 1920, Dr. Banting leapt from his bed to scribble notes for what would become the first step in the discovery of insulin. And I can't help but think of Moira.

Insulin has enabled millions of diabetics like her, all over the world, to lead normal lives despite their illness. Not surprisingly, many are overwhelmed when they stand in the tiny bedroom. "I often find people weeping in this room," says curator Grant Maltman.. "So many people have written notes of thanks to Dr. Banting; we keep a record of them all."

The room is small, the bed narrow, and the house simple. Today, it is the Banting House National Historic Site, and the walls are lined with photographs of and letters from those helped, people like my niece. What is truly extraordinary is that Banting sold the rights to his discovery to the University of Toronto for $1; he felt that this was too important a discovery for someone to profit from it.

As we wander the museum, I am amazed to learn more about this man who was much more than a medical investigator. Banting was an inventor too. Did you know that he helped to develop the Franks G-Suit which allowed pilots to sustain higher levels of G-force?

He was also a wonderful artist who was part of the Group of Seven, though on its fringes. Indeed, one of his paintings is available as a print from the museum and I happily purchase it as a gift for my niece. It will hang on her bedroom wall, a reminder of the man whose insight saved her life.

Finally, Banting was active in biological warfare research during WWII. He was killed on Feb. 21, 1941, when his plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Newfoundland en route to England. To the last Banting was a doctor. He dressed the pilot's wounds before he succumbed to his own injuries; the pilot survived to tell the tale.

This fascinating museum is reason enough to visit London, but Canada's city on the Thames has another remarkable character to offer and this one is still with us, though he will just have celebrated his 85th birthday.

Internationally acclaimed artist, Philip Aziz, makes his home in London. His works hang in public galleries, universities and churches around the world including two notable works in The Vatican. Prominent private collectors such as the Bronfmans, Duponts, Fords, Vanderbilts, Eatons and Thomsons own pieces by Aziz. And he has painted commissioned portraits of Ontario Premier John Robarts, Governor-General George and Madame Vanier, and Yusuf Karsh.

In 1957, he built his studio and in 1967 the gallery was added as a centennial project, both adjoining his home, an early Ontario timber frame farm house, and incorporating material, artifacts and architectural features rescued from many famous London buildings that had been demolished. For example, the large fireplace is formed in two-tone green marble salvaged from an altar removed from the chapel in St. Peter's Seminary.

In 2004, his home was designated a London Heritage Site, and the street on which he lives was named Philip Aziz St. during the city's 150th anniversary celebrations.

His home and gallery are extraordinary; the rooms hold a hotchpotch of his work, everything from small paintings to enormous pieces of metal working, sculpture and his signature pieces with real gold worked into egg tempera.

His art is powerful, emotive and deeply spiritual. He acknowledges that "a quest for the spiritual has always been a part of my life and at the centre of my creativity." Not surprisingly, the liturgical themes, rich colours and gold embossing remind one of Irish monks working at illuminated manuscripts late into the night.

Aziz acknowledges that his works draw on mystic revelation. A remarkable painting of the back view of a pope walking into a shimmering blue world, stands on one wall. When I admire it he tells me about its genesis. It is Pope John Paul II and the painting is titled, Follow Me. He describes how he awoke one night with this image full-blown in his mind and felt driven to paint it -- another Eureka moment?

He may have one foot in the world of spirituality but Aziz is a genuine character who has his other foot planted firmly on terra firma. He has been heavily involved in the preservation of the London's history and an outspoken advocate for heritage protection. He successfully fought for the retention and refurbishment of the historic Court House and Gaol at the Forks of the Thames River in London, attracting support from then Premier John Robarts and author Pierre Berton.

A visit to his gallery is a must if only to converse with this well-spoken, passionate artist who patently doesn't know the meaning of the word retirement. There's much more to see and do in London, but for me, it is enough to have discovered two extraordinary men. Eureka!

Banting House is located at 442 Adelaide St. (at the corner of Queens Avenue) in downtown London. Look for the Flame of Hope out front, lit in 1989 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Open 12 to 4 Tuesday to Saturday, phone 519-673-1752 or email banting@diabetes.ca; visit diabetes.ca/Section_About/banting Index.asp.

The Philip Aziz Foundation of Art is located at 150 Philip Aziz Avenue in the north end of the city. Call or email to make an appointment: 519-438-9001 or barry@philipaziz.org.