JACIW, Dr. George Andrew – March 31, 1926 – November 27, 2022
On November 27, 2022, Dr. George Andrew Jaciw, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 96.
George had an accomplished life.
Born in Lviv, Ukraine, he studied medicine in Vienna during World War II.
After the war, he continued his studies in Medicine in Munich, Germany.
He immigrated with his family to Canada in 1948.
Then followed a frustrating period: learning English, working as a Laboratory Technician at Western University in London, and applying to universities to complete his Canadian medical education – eventually settling on University of Ottawa (Class of ’55).
George married Martha Tesluk in 1952. After an internship in Warren, Ohio, George completed a residency in General Surgery in Wheeling, West Virginia.
It was there he met Dr. K. Hobbs, another Canadian from Ottawa.
Both doctors decided that fate had brought them together and it marked the start of a long partnership.
They returned to Ontario in search of a community in need of two young doctors.
After a period of searching, they decided on the town of Whitby (then a population of only 7,000).
What followed was a busy practice, first located at the Whitby Plaza. Then, in 1964, switching locations to a new building on 619 Brock St. South, the Whitby Medical Centre.
As the town grew, The Whitby Medical Centre welcomed many young doctors who chose to settle in Whitby and start their practices there.
George’s prime interest in life has always been concern for his patients. During the 1960s and 1970s, besides regular office hours, Dr. Jaciw delivered babies, assisted with surgeries, covered emergencies in hospitals, and conducted house calls for patients from Bowmanville to Pickering.
He also worked for the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital, the Whitby Jail, and St. John Ambulance as a Medical Examiner.
He actively participated in the building and funding of Dr. J.O. Ruddy General Hospital (Lakeridge Whitby), where he was later Chief of Staff, and served the Credential Committee responsible for admitting new doctors to the hospital staff.
As a medical volunteer, he attended many local hockey games, stitching up players’ wounds - including a young Bobby Orr. Remembering his immigrant past and honouring his native roots, he sponsored Ukrainian immigrants from refugee camps in Vienna and Rome to come and settle in Canada.
In later years, he sponsored several Ukrainian students, some of whom became lifelong friends, helping them attain a university education in Canada. Always active and busy, George’s hobbies included hunting, skiing, hiking and gardening.
After 60 years, Dr. Jaciw officially retired in 2016. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife Martha Jaciw of 70 years, two children Stephen Jaciw and Irene Sim, grandchildren Matthew Jaciw, Samantha Jaciw, Sarah Jaciw, Michael Jaciw, Catherine O’Donnell (Jake), Christine Sim, and Owen Sim, and great-grandchildren Shayne and Sophia O’Connor.
His contributions to the Town of Whitby and the health of its residents continues to live on.
Funeral Services were held for Dr. Jaciw on December 2, 2022 and he was laid to rest at St. Wolodymr and St. Ohla Ukrainian Cemetery.
If desired, condolences may be expressed online at wctownfuneralchapel.com .
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