In Memoriam

Summer 2025

Class of 4T9

Dr. John Kenneth McCallum MARSH (March 9, 1926 – March 11, 2025) John wished to be remembered as a proud husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, beekeeper and family physician. We will remember him for so much more. A kind and gentle soul, John left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. After graduating from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine in 1949, John practiced family medicine in Scarborough for 30 years before retiring to "The Farm," where he devoted himself to beekeeping. 

Class of 5T2

Dr. Frederick Alan HUTCHINSON (July 27, 1925 – February 27, 2017) in Amherstburg, Ont. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in August 1943, training as a flight engineer, and then to Yorkshire, England, to the Bison bomber #429 which flew Lancasters. He graduated in 1952 from U of T medical school. He married Ruth (Hazelwood) and interned in Toronto. He completed a surgical residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids in general surgery.

Dr. Charles "Chuck" Roy PALMER at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in his 100th year. In his professional life, at the North York General Hospital, Charles dedicated his knowledge, expertise and compassion to his career in plastic surgery. He was an avid squash and tennis player and painter throughout his life. 

Class of 5T3

Dr. (Edmond) Geoffrey BEATTY, in the early morning hours of April 30, 2025, in Toronto — three days shy of his 98th birthday. Born in Toronto on May 3, 1927 and schooled at Upper Canada College ('44) and the University of Toronto (Medicine '53), Geoff excelled at football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and playing the bagpipes. Skiing was his joy until a serious accident on the hills. The resultant months-long hospitalization changed his vocation from engineering, to a 'calling,' medicine. This detour became life changing as it led to his ultimate calling, a follower of Jesus Christ. His "born from above" faith introduced him to Muriel (Stewart), a nursing student at U of T. Most of Dad's medical career as a surgical pathologist and cytologist was served at the Hamilton General and St. Joseph Hospitals, in Hamilton, ON, and as an Associate Professor at McMaster's Medical School. For 60 years, Geoff was an active member, and one time Director of, the Christian Medical Dental Society of Canada. One of the most meaningful chapters of Geoff's life was when he and Muriel went to Kathmandu, Nepal, where he assisted in the Pathology Department at Patan Hospital. During his sojourn at The Claremont Residence, Geoff was so appreciative of all the caring staff, especially Andre, Arlene, Cathy, Erlinda, James and Juanita; additionally, Dr. Russell Goldman and the Temmy Latner Palliative Care Team.

Dr. James Clifford DUNFIELD (1925 – 2009) at Lincourt Manor, St. Stephen, NB on Saturday, January 17, 2009. By Jim's request, there was no visitation at the funeral home or service.

Dr. Stanley John Julian FREEMAN on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Stanley received his bachelor's degree, his master's in chemistry, and finally his medical degree, all at the University of Toronto. He spent his hours buried in books and examining cadavers while his new bride, Montreal import Naomi Pascal, supported them, working for Toronto Children's Aid. Stan began his career as a psychiatrist as his children came into the world. He was there in the early days of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry (later a part of CAMH), eventually becoming the Director of the Social and Community Psychiatry Department. This group was involved in creating innovative community projects, such as the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, that helped bridge the gap between immigrant communities and psychiatric care. Other projects included the training of psychiatric nurses in the Canadian North. He balanced this work with his private psychotherapy practice and teaching in the Department of Psychiatry at U of T. Stan always had a strong love of learning and adventure, and in addition to his academic and professional successes, he wrote plays and essays, learned to fly an airplane, and enjoyed fishing, travelling, and watching the Blue Jays. He will be greatly missed by a small army of friends and fans. Published obituary.

Class of 5T4

Dr. Leo CHAIKOF peacefully at home, on August 22, 2025, at the age of 96. Leo enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a general surgeon, first at Doctors' Hospital and later at Toronto Western and Mount Sinai Hospitals. He was widely respected for his skill, dedication and legendary sense of humor, and remembered most for the kindness and respect he extended to patients, colleagues, family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. In 1996, the Toronto Star invited readers to write about “the doctor you’ll never forget.” One patient wrote about Leo. When she was facing thyroid cancer and terrified of leaving behind two young children, she recalled his reassurance. He visited her before surgery, came to her in recovery, and returned twice more before she left the hospital — simply to let her and her husband know all was well. She wrote: “We couldn’t believe this man with hundreds of patients could take such pains with individuals. I thank the Lord every day I was fortunate to have a physician like Dr. Leo Chaikof.”

Class of 5T6

Dr. Morris Meyer LIBRACH on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the age of 92, after a sudden decline from battling Alzheimer's disease. He was a well-regarded family physician with a successful practice for many years. Morris had many interests. He had a knack for writing, was an avid reader of history and science, loved opera, comedy, swimming and scuba diving, and was fascinated by science — especially astronomy. The family wishes to express therir sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff of L'Chaim Retirement Home, the Temmy Latner for Palliative Care team, Four Elms Retirement Residence, and the attending doctors and nurses at North York General Hospital.

Dr. Stephen J. ZWIREK (1933 – 2009) on Good Friday at Mercy Medical Center after a short illness, with his wife at his bedside. He was born in Toronto, on March 8, 1933, graduated from De LaSalle, Oaklands Prep School and received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1956 at the age of 23. He was the second youngest medical school graduate at the time. He served in the Canadian Diplomatic Service and lived in Europe for several years. Upon emigrating to the United States, he held residencies at the University of Kentucky and the University of Chicago Medical School where he pioneered the early studies of amniocentesis. He was Chief of Staff at Wesson Women's Hospital in the early 1970s and left that position to join a group practice. He started his private practice of OB-GYN and surgery at Mercy Hospital in 1986 with his wife Christine, and retired in 2001 due to a cardiac condition. He will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched and will be well remembered for his humor, kindness and excellent care of patients.

Class of 5T8

Dr. W.H. (Bill) HARRIS (December 16, 1932 – May 19, 2025) peacefully at his farm, in his 93rd year on May 19th, surrounded by his family. Born in Toronto, Bill attended Forest Hill Collegiate and Upper Canada College before earning his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1958. He completed postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, choosing a field that brought joy and new life into the world. He served on staff at the Grace Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre until his retirement in 1999. Bill was concerned about global health, volunteering his medical expertise with CARE in Tunisia and Malaysia, as well as Tenwek Hospital in Kenya, and Sioux Lookout in northern Ontario. Upon retirement, Bill and his wife Penny moved to the family farm in Canton, near Port Hope. He continued to contribute to medicine by assisting in surgery at the Northumberland Hills Hospital. 

Dr. George Yat Poh LAU (July 8, 1929 – April 10, 2025) peacefully with his family by his side at Carpenter Hospice. George was born in Hong Kong on July 8, 1929. He left in 1951 to study at the University of Manitoba where he obtained his BSc degree. In 1958, he earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto followed by post-graduate training at Toronto General Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children. During this time, George was Chief Resident in Surgery and Research Fellow in Pediatric Surgery (Hospital for Sick Children). When his training in pediatric surgery was complete, he returned to his parents in Hong Kong, teaching and performing surgeries at the Kwong Wah Hospital. Three years later, George accepted an invitation from Dr. Gordon Cameron to practice at the McMaster University Medical Centre at St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, and also at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington, Ontario. During his tenure as Chief of Pediatric Surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital, George was grateful to work alongside many outstanding health care professionals in providing loving care to his patients. In 1988 he was honoured with the Dr. Meyer Carr Award for his contribution to the health care of children and the development of paediatric services at St. Joseph's. In 1989 he was the recipient of the Golden Scalpel Award which is awarded annually by the residents to a staff surgeon for outstanding contributions to their education. In 1999 he retired from St. Joseph's only to take on assistant surgeries at Joseph Brant Hospital until 2017. In addition to his lifelong love of all things biblical and medical, George also enjoyed reading all kinds of literature, listening to classical music, painting and building and flying remote-controlled planes. The family would like to thank George's family physician Dr. Brian Yamamoto and also the St. Joseph's kidney dialysis team under Dr. Robert Yang, Dr. Tyler Tullock and Shaguftah Patel for their expert and compassionate care, and Kristyn Williamson of Qualicare for her kindness and encouragement.

Dr. John MacKENZIE peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Vancouver. John followed in the footsteps of his father and his oldest brother, Alec, by studying medicine at the University of Toronto. In the luckiest moment of his life, a fraternity friend introduced him to Wendy (Cross), a native of South Porcupine then training in nursing at Toronto General Hospital; they married in 1957. Settling in Elmvale, ON, in 1961, they raised a family and made lifelong friends in the community. "Doc" practiced family medicine in Elmvale and at Penetanguishene General for 37 years, a true country doctor who was physician, surgeon, obstetrician, anesthesiologist, and confidante to countless patients who valued his professional wisdom and gentle manner. He also served for many years as county coroner. The family expresses its deepest gratitude to the staff of Crofton Manor, where all knew "Doc" for his (mostly) good humour and warm smile.

Dr. Ted MORGAN peacefully, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family. As an internationally renowned surgeon, Ted was considered the "Grandfather of Urogynecology" in Canada. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1958, beginning his medical career in general practice in Orillia, ON. He then earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1965 and started a career in obstetrics and gynecology. Over his 40-year career, he founded and served as Director of the Gynecologic Urology Unit at Toronto General Hospital, served as the Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Chief at the Toronto Western Hospital, and was the deputy Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women's College Hospital. Ted also chaired the Examination Committee and was Chief Examiner of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and was the Medical Director of the Genesis Research Foundation. His surgical techniques and the principles that he developed have been globally recognized by peers as cornerstones for surgeons in his field. Ted also held the role of full Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. His lectures and publications were considered exceptional, and there is international recognition of the remarkable skill-sets of those surgeons that had trained under his guidance. As a professor, Ted was a regular lecturer and examiner at multiple universities. Recognition of his professional accomplishments over his career include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2012. The creation of the Dr. Ted Morgan Award at the University of Toronto was established to recognize the surgical potential of the senior resident who emulates the level of care that Ted provided his patients over his career. The family would like to share its appreciation to Dr. Alex Rebecca Pearce of the Creemore Medical Office, for her unwavering support, guidance and care that brought the family great comfort. They would also like to express gratitude to the staff of Campbell House Hospice of Collingwood, ON, for their time, gentle empathy and quiet support.

Class of 6T0

Dr. Diana Stuart ROBB-JARVIS (1935 – 2010) on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at the Extendicare Falconbridge. Born in Quebec City, Diana worked as a physician in family practice in the Sudbury area until her retirement. The family wish to thank Kim Dupuis, Tracy and the staff of Extendicare Falconbridge 4th floor for their kindness and care.

Class of 6T2

Dr. George BOUJOFF (March 15, 1937 – May 19, 2025) peacefully at the age of 88, following a long period of declining health. A devoted psychoanalyst, he remained in active clinical practice until the final chapter of his life, steadfast in his commitment to the betterment of others through understanding the human mind. Dr. Boujoff was born and raised in Toronto, and graduated from Lawrence Park Collegiate before earning his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1962. He had fond memories of a summer spent as a medical student in Modesto, California, and of his first-year residency in Denver, Colorado. He was a trained Freudian analyst, and served for years as a training analyst with the Toronto Psychoanalytic Institute. His work was very important to him, and to that end, he wanted to help his patients understand themselves better and live happier lives. Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Boujoff exhibited a remarkable intellectual curiosity. Even in his later years, he remained fully engaged with contemporary events, and the evolution of psychological thought. Deepest appreciation is extended to his wonderful family physician, Dr. Francesco Leanza, and all his kind, supportive personal support workers, with special gratitude to his nightly, devoted caregiver, Fredericka Cousins.