ROBERT GEORGE GERRIE M.D. F.R.C.S. (C+E)

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ROBERT GEORGE GERRIE M.D. F.R.C.S. (C+E) Gentleman, Scholar, Physician, Orthopaedic Surgeon and close friend to all. He was a man of the highest ethical standards, who possessed a great sense of humour. Robert George Gerrie was born in Rorketon, MB on the 28th of July, 1936. He passed away on the 11th of July 2011, as a result of injuries sustained in an accidental fall. He was transported to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital where he was treated with compassion and care by the wonderful medical staff at the hospital. George succumbed to his injuries surrounded by his family, friends and colleagues. He will be dearly missed by all. Robert George Gerrie was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Walter; brothers, Don, Max, Lyall, Allan, John and sisters, Valene and Shirley. George became an accomplished student despite the fact his early life was difficult, and he often went without many of the luxuries that so many of us take for granted. His education was financed through scholarships and extremely hard work in the logging industry, assorted canneries and hard physical labour every summer. Despite these hardships, he progressed into the University of Manitoba where he obtained his M.D. (1961). He spent the next year at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver doing his Internship followed by a year doing locums in Prince George. In 1963 he worked for CUSO in Singapore and remained there until 1965 as a General and Orthopaedic Surgeon. He developed excellent skills as a surgeon and from 1965 to 1968, he practiced in Edinburgh, Scotland, as a House Officer . After four years of study he was awarded his F.R.C.S. (E). From 1968 to 1971, Dr. Gerrie obtained his Canadian Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery in Winnipeg, followed by a six month period of study and further research at the Shriner's Hospital in Winnipeg. In the fall of 1971, he started his practice at St. Boniface Hospital as a surgeon and consultant in Orthopaedics as well as the head of Orthopaedics at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. In 1992 he and his family moved to Sidney, BC, where he opened an office in Sidney and commenced practice at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital as the resident Orthopaedic Surgeon. He devoted the next 16 years of his life to his patients and always was a physician and a friend to all. He was respectful with all his colleagues, and considered their opinions most valuable and their assistance to him as one of the benefits of working in a great community hospital. He confided in many, that the nurses in the O.R. and his assistants in the physio department at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and the Radiology section were part of the team that helped many residents of the Peninsula area resume their lives after surgery. He often commented on the highly skilled anesthetists that assisted him so often, sometimes far into the night. George took delight in ordering pizza for the nurses in the O.R. after hours as a small token of his appreciation for their dedication, skill and training. He will miss them one and all. George is survived by his loving wife Carol, his daughters, Jessica and Allana and his son Max. George was a devoted father and despite his many long hours at the hospital, he always made time to watch Max play hockey, watch Jessica riding her horse Balistica, and he spent many hours with Allana reading Harry Potter, discussing history and watching every movie they could find. Also left to mourn from his first marriage are his children, Glen (Cielo), Graham (Monica), Shannon (Allan), Joanne (Dave) along with three grandchildren, Audrey, Duncan and Alexa. He had many, many friends from all walks of life and he always made an effort to make them feel welcome at his home and in his office. He was a great sports fan and was always reading two or three books on every subject at one time. A special thanks to Paramedics and the North Saanich Fire Dept. that assisted Dr. Gerrie during the evening of July 9, 2011. Robert George Gerrie ~ an honourable life, well lived, has ended. George, your work here is done. Rest Peacefully. At the request of the Gerrie family a Memorial Tea to Celebrate his Life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services at 4725 Falaise Dr. on Saturday, July 23, 10:00 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2011