JOHN EDGAR MCGOEY

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JOHN EDGAR MCGOEY, MD, FRCS(C) Dad was born on September 9, 1917 at Grey Nun's Hospital in Regina and died September 11, 2009 in his 93rd year at the Grace Hospital here in Winnipeg. In between he led a life of dedication to hard work and commitment to excellence. He skipped grades 1, 8 and 11 in his early school years, graduated from the University of Manitoba with his BA in 1937 and commenced working for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act (PFRA) running a survey crew where he had charge of a young engineering student from Swift Current, SK, Robert Tyx Dohan who introduced him to his sister, Mary Dohan. From that introduction sprang 26 years of marriage and two sons, John of Winnipeg and David of Calgary (married to Sophie, both proud parents of Thomas and Patrick). Dad drove the crew hard and they completed five years work in three. Dad was always one to keep up on world events, politics and personages and one of his proudest moments during this period of his life was one day down at the Montana/Saskatchewan border where his crew met up with an official US government party and he introduced himself to Harold Ickes the then secretary of the interior in Franklin Roosevelt's cabinet. Needless to say, Mr. Ickes was quite taken aback to be recognized truly out in the middle of nowhere. As his survey work wound down, at the urging of his younger brother and mentor, Jim, he gave thought to a career in medicine. Having a BA, he had no science credits and at the time only the University of Michigan and University of Manitoba would allow a student to take 1st and 2nd year pre-med chemistry and physics in one year. He subsequently enrolled, excelled and graduated from the University of Manitoba medicine in 1948. After practicing in Outlook, SK for 2 years, and again at the urging of his brother Jim, he enrolled in the ear, nose and throat program at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. He and his family moved back to Winnipeg in 1955 and he commenced his practice of medicine at the Manitoba Clinic and the General, Children's and Deer Lodge Hospitals. Over his career he was the original chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Jets of the WHA and was a director and on the medical staff of the Blue Bombers for many years. He attended Bomber games for over 30 years. He along with several of his doctor friends (Dector, Strawbridge, Merkley, to name a few) were the original funders of the indoor hockey arena at River Heights Community Club. He retired from surgery at the age of 65 and from practice at age 80. Over his many years of practice, he along with his brother Jim, strove to serve their patients with utmost devotion and to share their knowledge and experiences with young interns and residents to ensure that the people of Manitoba received the highest standard of medical care available. His sons wish to extend their sincere thanks to his friends such as Dr. Al Downs, Paul Cholakis and Barry Krawchuck who took the time to visit him in his declining years. A special thank you to Theresa, Bill, Sam and Ben Parrish for their kindness and wonderful Sunday night dinners, and to neighbors Carol, Bill, and Micheline. Dad was predeceased by his wife Mary, brothers Joe, Syl and Jim and in addition to sons John and David and family, is survived by sister Kathleen and brother Frank. A private family mass and burial will be held. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St., 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2009