Dr. Ali Abbasakoor, family physician, father of 4, grandfather of 8, and loving husband for 53 years, passed away at Country Terrace Care Home on May 13, 2024. Following an anesthetic for a minor surgery, Dad suffered a brain injury and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. He lived with dementia for several years before he died.
Ali was our beloved father, a quick wit, and a man who didn't deserve the end he received. He had a personality so warm and kind that the care workers at his nursing home fell in love with him, even when he couldn't speak.
Dad had a silly nickname for each of us and was home for dinner every night; family was his priority and will be his legacy. Beach days, TV time on the pull-out couch, bike rides through Springbank Park, and our babies resting on his shoulder color our memories.
Dad was born in Port Louis, Mauritius, and after sunny school years hiding mangoes in his desk, he made his way across the ocean to study medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. While studying in Ireland, he spent summers as a civil servant in England, enjoying the free West End tickets given to government employees. Ali arrived in Canada in 1969, living in Ottawa, Vancouver, and Toronto before settling in London, Ontario.
He met our Mum in Vancouver while they both worked at the old Shaughnessy Hospital. The first time she tasted one of Dad's simmering curries, Mum realized there was more to life than meatloaf and instantly fell in love with the man and his food. Marriage soon followed.
For the majority of his career, Ali practiced medicine in East London where he was not only a doctor but also a trusted confidante and advocate for his patients.
Ali is lovingly remembered by Sharon and their children Sara (Robert), Adam (Rebecca), Yasmine (Jared), and Beth (Sean) and his 8 grandchildren Jocelyn, Alexa, Cait, Luc, Maya, Ari, Aliyah, and Owen. He is survived by three brothers, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews in Mauritius who transmitted their love and support across the ocean. He is predeceased by his brother Abu and sister Zenambhye. Thank you to all of the PSWs, RNs, and support staff at Country Terrace who recognized our father for the man he was and cared for him accordingly. Please visit memorialfuneral.ca if you wish to leave a condolence for the family or make a donation in his memory.