Please note: All links that begin with “Read more” link to obituaries on external websites.

Walter Zielonko, MD, FRCPC, died on April 19, 2023, in Guelph, Ont., at age 91. Dr. Zielonko was certified by the Royal College in Psychiatry in 1962. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1957. Dr. Zielonko worked at Homewood Sanitarium in Guelph for over 20 years before opening a private practice. He held several leadership positions throughout his career, including president of the Wellington County Medical Society and president of the Christian Medical Dental Society of Canada. Read more about Dr. Zielonko.

Deepa Grewal, MD, FRCPC, died on April 4, 2024, in Markham, Ont., at age 53. Dr. Grewal was certified by the Royal College in Pediatrics in 2005. She obtained her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean in 2000. Dr. Grewal worked at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) where she became chief of Pediatrics. A collaborative leader, she helped establish the Pediatric Assessment Clinic at MSH which helped to provide service for over 8,000 patients a year. Dr. Grewal was also an active mentor in the University of Toronto medical education program. Read more about Dr. Grewal.

Dale Lloyd Zoerb, MD, FRCPC, died on Aug. 1, 2024, in Saskatoon, Sask., at age 89. Dr. Zoerb was certified by the Royal College in Anesthesiology in 1968. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1960. For over 35 years, Dr. Zoerb worked at Saskatoon City Hospital. Throughout his career, he also took great pride in teaching and mentoring residents. Read more about Dr. Zoerb.

George Stecko, MD/CM, FRCSC, died on March 26, 2022, in Kelowna, B.C., at age 85. Dr. Stecko was certified by the Royal College in Orthopedic Surgery in 1967. He obtained his medical degree from Queen’s University in 1960. Dr. Stecko practised orthopedics in Windsor, Ont. There, he played a key role in establishing the Children's Rehabilitation Centre where he volunteered for several years as the organization's doctor, treating a myriad of complex conditions affecting children in Essex County. Read more about Dr. Stecko. 

Robert Mervyn Letts, MD, FRCSC, died on Dec. 3, 2023, in Ottawa, Ont., at age 83. Dr. Letts was certified by the Royal College in Orthopedic Surgery in 1971. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in 1964. He further specialized in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at the Hospital for SickKids, University of Toronto. Dr. Letts worked and taught at Winnipeg Children’s Hospital and held several leadership positions at the University of Manitoba, including head of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, surgeon-in-chief and chair of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery. Renowned for his research and innovation, he later served as head of the Department of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Read more about Dr. Letts. 

Martin Kenyon Impey, MD, FRCPC, died on June 6, 2024, in Vernon, B.C., at age 82. Dr. Impey was certified by the Royal College in Psychiatry in 1973. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Birmingham in 1965. Dr. Impey enjoyed a successful career throughout which he practised as a psychiatrist in Vernon for 25 years. He will be missed by family and friends. Read more about Dr. Impey. 

William Stewart Tucker, MD, FRCSC, died on Oct. 2, 2023, in Toronto, Ont., at age 80. Dr. Tucker was certified by the Royal College in Neurosurgery in 1975. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1968. Dr. Tucker touched the lives of thousands of patients throughout his distinguished career as a neurosurgeon and educator. For 40 years, he practised at St. Michael’s Hospital (SMH) in Toronto where he was the founding director of the trauma service and head of the Neurosurgical Department. Dr. Tucker was active in surgical education at SMH and he was the recipient of numerous teaching awards. He also held several leadership positions with the University of Toronto. Read more about Dr. Tucker.

Gordon V. Watters, MD, FRCPC, died on April 4, 2022, in Montreal, Que., at age 93. Dr. Watters was certified by the Royal College in Pediatrics (1963) and Neurology (1964). He obtained his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in 1957. A dedicated pediatric neurologist and educator, Dr. Watters was also known for his advancements in research which focused on the clinical fields of hydrocephalus and cerebral edema as well as the childhood presentation of established neurological disorders. He worked at Montreal Children’s Hospital and McGill University where he held several leadership positions. Dr. Watters was a recipient of the Child Neurology Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more about Dr. Watters. 

John Robert McCarney, MD, FRCSC, died on Sept. 5, 2024, in Oakville, Ont., at age 97. Dr. McCarney was certified by the Royal College in General Surgery in 1958. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Ottawa in 1953. For 30 years, Dr. McCarney was a member of the surgical staff at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Often going above and beyond to explain and draw diagrams of surgeries and procedures beforehand, he was known for his dedication to patients. Read more about Dr. McCarney.

Gérard Albert Collin, MD, FRCPC, died on Aug. 13, 2024, in Gatineau, Que., at age 76. Dr. Collin was certified by the Royal College in Diagnostic Radiology in 1977. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Sherbrooke in 1973. Dr. Collin was a committed and respected radiologist in his community. His dedication to the profession was unparalleled and deeply appreciated by colleagues and patients. Dr. Collin will be missed by family and friends. Read more about Dr. Collin. 

Donald Audley Shirley, MBBS, FRCSC, died on Feb. 12, 2024, in Langley, B.C., at age 79. Dr. Shirley was certified by the Royal College in General Surgery in 1980. He obtained his medical degree from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, in 1969. Dr. Shirley worked as a surgeon at Langley Memorial Hospital for over 35 years. Known for his kindness, he devoted his life to caring for people in his community. Read more about Dr. Shirley. 

John William T. Jefferies, MD/CM, FRCPC, died on Sept. 13, 2024, in Orillia, Ont., at age 81. Dr. Jefferies was certified by the Royal College in Internal Medicine in 1975. He obtained his medical degree from Queen’s University in 1970. For over 40 years, Dr. Jefferies was committed to serving the community of Orillia through emergency room and intensive care unit on-call work, in addition to regular weekly practice. He will be missed by family, friends and colleagues, the latter of which referred to him affectionately as “JJ.” Read more about Dr. Jefferies.