Dr. Paris John Philips

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Paris J. Philips (Παρμενίων Φιλιππιτζής) on the morning of Jan. 19, 2026, in the palliative care unit at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. He passed away peacefully and without pain at the remarkable age of 96. He leaves behind his wife of over 58 years, Penelope; his son John-Paris (Sunny); his daughter Katherine (Kevin); and his cherished grandchildren.

Paris was born in Volos, Greece, on Dec. 4, 1929, during the Great Depression, arriving just an hour after his twin brother, Menelaos. Growing up with their three older brothers, they lived through the scarcity and conflict of the Second World War. An excellent student, Paris was supported by his family to pursue his medical studies at the National University of Athens. After serving three years as a medical doctor in the Greek army, he earned the opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies in the United States.

Following a rotating internship at Oak Park Hospital in Chicago, he completed a three-year residency at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore to specialize in urology. In those early days, the hospital staff struggled with his surname — then spelled "Philippidjis" — and began calling him (Dr. Philips) instead. He did not anticipate at the time that this practical nickname would eventually become the official name for himself and his future family.

When his visa ran out, he returned to Greece, only to find that the facilities of the time could not support the modern surgical techniques he had mastered. He and several colleagues turned their sights toward Canada, seeking opportunities to practise there while awaiting work visas for the U.S. Paris conducted research in pediatric urology at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, followed by a fellowship at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He later transferred to York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill. It was there, at a hospital Christmas party, that he met his wife, Penelope, who was working as a pharmacist. By the time his U.S. visa renewal was approved, Paris had found his home in Canada and chose to stay.

He loved being a urologist and was often heard singing opera in his booming baritone in the operating room or sharing urological jokes.

A fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada since 1965, Paris practised at York Central Hospital (now Mackenzie Health) for over 48 years. He loved being a urologist and was often heard singing opera in his booming baritone in the operating room or sharing urological jokes. Every Christmas, his home was filled with gifts from grateful patients. Hospital staff never missed an opportunity to tell his family what a "character" he was and how deeply he was appreciated.

Paris was an active member of Toronto’s Greek community. Though he spent his adult life in Canada, his heart was always in Greece. He stayed close with his brothers and their families. There was nothing he loved more than swimming in the Pagasitikos Gulf and sharing a meal with his family by the sea. As he retired, he was able to spend three months a year in Volos, keeping his deep connection and support for the whole family.

Over the last two years of his life, Paris faced the challenge of hemodialysis for kidney failure. Throughout this time, he showed remarkable strength and remained every bit the bright, opinionated doctor he had always been. While he could be a challenging patient — never hesitating to offer his own clinical perspective — his resilience and sharp mind stayed with him until the very end.

He was a man full of life with an intellect that never dimmed, and his legacy of care and humour will be deeply missed.