WILSON, Dr. John - Passed away peacefully on January 13, 2019 after a brief illness and surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Patricia (nee Dewan) and his nine children: Sheila Hoo (George), Brian (Doretta Sabucco), Barbara Poggi (Rick deceased), Patricia Lang (Michael), Margaret Gregg (Steve), Mary Lou Hurley (Bill), John (Maureen Vella), David (Nancy Hurley), Gregory (Sheila McKee), 38 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Predeceased by infant daughter Mary Catherine, his parents William and Teresa Wilson, and his nine brothers and sisters.
John was a proud graduate of St. Michael’s College School in 1943 and achieved his medical degree from the University of Toronto (U of T) in 1948, having been elected to the AOA Honour Medical Society. After 6 years post graduate study in Internal Medicine and Cardiology - the last year in London UK, on an RS McLaughlin Travelling Fellowship - John successfully achieved his FRCPC degree and joined the medical staff at St. Michael’s Hospital in addition to the Faculty of Medicine at U of T.
St. Michael’s Hospital took a leadership role in the care of cardiac patients. John was an integral part of the team that performed the first successful heart transplantation in Canada in 1968. In 1970, he was appointed the first Chief of Cardiology at the hospital - a position he held for 13 years - and an Associate Professor at U of T.
John and Dr. Clare Baker led a cardiac team to Budapest in 1971 and successfully treated patients by open heart surgery. John was credited with introducing the cardiac condition Mitral Valve Prolapse to the cardiologists of Hungary.
In 1981, he was invested as Knight Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester, a Papal award. In 1999, he received the Order of St. Michael from St. Michael’s College School.
John was proud of his medical career, but above all was his love for Patricia and his family.
We wish to thank the staff of St. Bernard’s Senior’s Residence and also nurse Joy Campbell at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, for her very compassionate care.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., on Friday, January 18 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 19 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 1372 King St. W., Toronto.
If desired, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto.
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