MD, FRCS(C), FACS, FAAP
July 8, 1929 - April 10, 2025
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
George passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Carpenter Hospice.
George was born in Hong Kong on July 8, 1929. Due to the political situation there, he left in 1951 to study at the University of Manitoba where he obtained his B.Sc. 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 at the 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 practise at the McMaster University Medical Centre, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ont., and also at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ont.
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 pediatric services at St. Joseph's. In 1989 he was the recipient of the Golden Scalpel Award, which is presented 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 1976, George married the love of his life, Philoria. They were married for 49 years and were blessed with two children, Jonathan and Michelle (Emory Ogletree II), and two dearly loved grandsons, Emory III and Ezekiel.
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 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.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to St. Joseph's Hospital, Carpenter Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at Smith's Funeral Homes.