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MALCOLM GHAZAL Obituary

Dr. Malcolm E. Ghazal went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in the loving presence of family. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon on February 7, 1955, to Moses and Marie Ghazal. His family settled in Toronto, Canada where he was raised. There he excelled in academics, and was a two time City of Toronto Wrestling Champion. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, and then pursued a passion to fix and repair people, not things. He achieved his medical doctorate at Loma Linda University, trained in the orthopedic surgery residency program at McGill University in Montreal, and then completed additional subspecialty training in both Sports Medicine and Total Joint Replacement surgery fellowships. In 1991, he moved to Fresno, CA, and began a thriving orthopedic medical practice. In 2001, he was a founding member of the Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Center. During his 25 years of medical practice, he was awarded many accolades and appointments in medicine, but his most cherished achievement was the gratitude of his patients whose lives he improved with his compassionate care and surgical skills. Malcolm had a passion for life that included backpacking, fishing, cycling, exotic cars, motorcycles, music, fine food, wine, and extensive travel. His love affair with fine wine was surpassed only by his desire to share his best bottles with friends. He loved the Mediterranean diet, before it was a fad. His favorite Christmas gift to colleagues was delicious olive oil pressed from the trees on his own property. Malcolm was known for his colorfully accented attire and impeccable style. His elegant tastes carried over into his walk, his talk, and even his office furniture. But, his greatest passion was to simply spend time with his friends and family, usually around a table with fine food and wine. Malcolm never rushed his time with others and was famous for lingering in the moment. His friends designated him a time zone all his own, "Ghazal Time" was equal to real time minus 30 minutes. Malcolm truly had a zest for life which was summed up in his email signature, "Gotta love life....." Malcolm will be missed by a wide swath of friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Ghazal; step-children, Brieana and Jacob Fleming; children, Elan and Gillian; mother Marie; sister, Veronica Ghazal; brother, Edwin Ghazal; and his in-laws, Gene and Robin Bernard. A Celebration of Malcolm's Life will be held at The Well Community Church, north campus, 2044 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA, on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. As this is a celebration, and he was a lover of color, please wear color and not black. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made honoring Malcom E. Ghazal M.D., to Loma Linda School of Medicine Scholarship Fund at LLU Health, P.O. Box 2000, Loma Linda, CA, 92354. Online donations may be made at www.advancement.llu health.org. You may also donate to Malcom E. Ghazal M.D. Foundation at Premier Valley Bank, 255 E. River Park Circle Drive, Ste. 180, Fresno, CA, 93720. This fund was established to allow Malcom's generous spirit to continue to bless local, faith based, charities for many years to come.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee from Mar. 18 to Mar. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for MALCOLM GHAZAL

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Deborah Burchfield

March 12, 2025

A kind, thoughtful man and a talented caring doctor.
Blessed to have known him. Grateful for his many years of wonderful care of my husband.

Marnie Coker

March 13, 2023

I miss you my friend. There will always be a special place in my heart for you

Don Bowen

April 12, 2015

Dr. Ghazal introduced a new and superior technique to do hip joint replacement to Fresno; the anterior approach. With this technique no muscles are detached and no muscles are cut. The result is that post surgery hip joint dislocations are almost unheard of, recovery is much more rapid. Due to my MS it was necessary for me to have 1 week of rehab it Visalia. My 4.5" incision was of great interest as the anterior approach was not done there in 2010. I shall forever be grateful to Dr. Ghazal.

Khalil Massoudi

April 7, 2015

Dr. Ghazal operated on my knees due to soccer injuries and each time he did a great job. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Frank Rodriguez

April 5, 2015

R.I.P. DR.GHAZAL. IF THE NEXT SURGEON DOE'S HALF AS GOOD A SURGERY ON MY NEXT SHOULDER AS DR. GHAZAL DID ON MY FIRST. IT'LL BE A COMPLETE SUCCESS. NO OFFENSE INTENDED. JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHAT A GREAT SURGEON AND HUMAN BEING THIS MAN WAS.

Jacob Deeb

March 31, 2015

Malcolm is my nephew and I always thought highly of him. He was smart, well educated, and very caring to every member of our large family. He was well liked by everyone and touched the lives of many. He had a passion for living and his kindness and generosity were unsurpassed. I am confident that one day we will meet him in the presence of the Lord. God bless.

Doug and Gena Graham

March 28, 2015

There are no words to describe Dr. Ghazal, he was just so talented and special. He performed surgery on my husband's hips both of them and did a fantastic job. He knew we didn't live close by so when it was time for my husband to be discharged from the hospital he came before we left and told us if we needed anything he was a phone call away and handed us his cell phone number and said call day or night I am available 24 hours a day. He even went as far as calling himself to check up on him, very rare. Our deepest condolences go out to his whole family if he made his patients feel the way we do can you just imagine how he made you his family feel. I also want to thank his family for sharing him all these years with us because we know it couldn't have been easy having a Physician in the family being called away or late getting home because of a patient. Takes special people to have that understanding. May God give you the strength you need while you go through this difficult time in your lives, may he wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and carry you through. Dr. Ghazal will be very deeply missed, all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless

Mary Richardson

March 27, 2015

Will always remember this very gifted surgeon! Very much loved and respected!

Rosemary Alanis

March 27, 2015

Dr. Ghazal treated my husband for a shoulder injury. I loved going to the appointments when I knew Dr. Ghazal was going to be there. On our first appointment I commented on his socks and we must have chatted and laughed for a good 15 minutes before he discussed my husbands injury. I was so saddened when my husband told me of Dr. Ghazal's passing. People do not realize how one person can touch a life. My husband and I will always remember his quick wit and those beautiful socks!

Snowboard Injury

March 26, 2015

Thanks to Dr. Ghazal I can play catch with my children, without any pain or discomfort. He fixed my shoulder 21 years ago and I wish he had done my knee.

Theresa Godiksen

March 25, 2015

To Gillian and Elan. My heart and prayers to you. May God comfort u and give u peace. With love. Theresa Godiksen

Rich Oliver

March 25, 2015

Malcolm was an inspiring man and a caring surgeon who rebuilt my body many times. I was always uplifted and encouraged by just a short visit with him.

Carolyn Hallett

March 25, 2015

I too am a grateful patient for Doctor Ghazal's expertise in my hip replacement about 10 years ago. Since recovery, which was totally uneventful, I have not had an ounce of trouble with that hip--such a testimony to his abilities. I was totally shocked to learn that he had passed. I feel sad for the loss to those of us who remain, but grateful that those of us who are believers will see him again.

Friend

March 25, 2015

I worked with Malcolm in 4 different health care facilities in Fresno ,16 years and long hours ,those memories of him will always be in my heart

Melinda Davis

March 24, 2015

So sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Ghazal. He was the only surgeon I have known that made me totally at ease through the entire surgery process. No fear, little pain, and total confidence. I will miss you.

Gail kull

March 24, 2015

I will miss you my friend . I was Dr Ghazals first solo surgery before his state boards. I went on to have two more shoulder surgeries and two total hip replacements. I did the joint replacement exercises with his patients at Saint Agnes, he would come in and share and answer patients questions. He always had time for me and called me his VIP. I will miss you friend

Cari Hager

March 24, 2015

Dr Ghazal was my husband's surgeon on his ankle and also his knee. It was always comforting to know that he would be doing surgery on my husband as I knew his work from the many times he had performed surgery on my Mother. He was like a bright light that could just make a person comfortable...you just knew you were in great hands. Rest in Peace, your spirit will be missed here on earth.

Jill Brinkman

March 24, 2015

With tears in my eyes, I am remembering Dr. Malcolm Ghazal. To me, he was my hero, starting several years before my first hip replacement in 2006. My arthritic hip was end-stage for a long time and he was very patient with me; he never told me I had to have surgery, but only asked if I was ready yet. He was so reassuring to me when I finally said I'm ready. Hip replacement surgery was so terrifying to me, and still is, even though I have had a revision, and a second total replacement. He performed them all, and his calm, steady and reassuring demeanor helped me to get through it all. He even did my shoulder surgery just this last August. I was so devastated to learn of his illness, and now his passing. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. I will be forever grateful to this wonderful man for doing everything he could to improve my mobility. May he rest in blissful peace.

Angie

March 21, 2015

Missing you Dr! It was a privilege to
Work wth you. Today we celebrated your life here on earth and how jealous we are that you're with your Heavenly Father.
Thank you for being YOU and for always stopping and taking the time to ask how one was doing.
Never rushed.
You made a difference and left a footprint in all of our hearts. Much love to the family who has been so supportive and strong during this time. God bless you Michelle, Bre and Jacob <3

Liz Balboa

March 21, 2015

R.I.P.DR.Ghazal I will miss your warm smile and words of wisdom.It was a privilege to work with you!! God Bless you Michelle &family.

Peter Jarzem

March 21, 2015

I trained in orthopedics with Malcolm. He was alway a great guy and I will miss him. I was always hoping that we would cross paths again even though I have not seen him in years. Condolences to his family.

Jeannie Fox

March 21, 2015

I just loved Dr. G. He was a wonderful caring person. When Dr.O'Donnell retired I was refered to Dr.G. for a total knee replacement,for which I had painfully been waiting. I had been told I needed to wait until I was older until Dr.G. examined my knee and asked me if I was ready to have a more mobile life. He shared that I was too young to be in so much pain and needed to be active and happy. I shared that my history of staph infection had scared off other doctors. He took my hands into his and with that great smile he asked me "do you trust me, and if you do, we can do this together". The morning of surgery I wouldn't let the nurse start the IV until I saw Dr.G. He came into the pre-op holding room inquiring if everything was alright and I asked if he would pray with my husband and myself. He readily grab our hands and my husband prayed for the Lord to guide Dr. Ghazal hands during surgery and then we closed the prayer by singing Amazing Grace. He teared up and said "Amen". He had such a good heart. So, when I think of my Dr. G, I will always remember his hands, his passionate smile and his loving caring spirit. Goodbye for just a short time, until we meet again.

Mahmoud ( Mourice ) Ben Yahid

March 21, 2015

I knew him through my friends Jay & Greta. Then he operated on my Knees. May he rest in Peace.

March 20, 2015

God is in control of this one ... I would keep you hear with me to say good morning sweetheart have A great day. With your smile and wonderful voice ... God bless you hold my rock and it will all be ok. I miss you. Ally

Angela Heinz

March 20, 2015

Dr. Ghazal will be deeply missed. I will never forget his comment to me as I shared that my husband and I were wanting to start a family. "Angela, I sure hope it works out for you because you will make a great mom." As I celebrate my son's 2 month birthday today, it is extra special.

Tammy Beers

March 20, 2015

I met Malcolm over the phone as I assisted with his recruitment to Fresno and Saint Agnes. He was so charming. When we finally met on his first visit to tour the area, he proved to be gorgeous too! Always a professional, and very well respected as a surgeon. But my greatest joy is knowing he knew Jesus as his Lord in the past several years. We shared scripture and songs of encouragement. He was on an extended mission these past few years, depending on God and touching the lives of others. I am blessed to know him and look forward to a heavenly reunion. I pray for comfort for all his family, friends and co-workers.
Tammy Beers

Sergio Gutierrez

March 20, 2015

Dr. Ghazal was not only my doctor but also a friend. He will be missed greatly. Rest in peace my friend.

March 20, 2015

I worked for Dr. Ghazal for a while, and I remember so many times he would make me laugh. The whole staff sat together at lunch one day discussing what they would like to come back as in their second life if we had one. Everyone took turns saying things like "Rock star", "Billionaire", all kinds of crazy things and I wondered what Dr would say when it was his turn. It was finally his turn and he smiled and continued eating his avocado he cut open for lunch and said, "If I come back, I want to come back as one of Tammie's dogs" and we all laughed. I took that as a compliment, he knew how well I took care of my babies. It also showed me that Dr. Ghazal understood the importance of the simple things in life. While I would be honored to think of Dr as one of my huskies, lol, I prefer to think of him as an angel in heaven, sitting and discussing the world with our lord, I'm sure he has some interesting things to say about it. So long friend, will see you again.

Tammie

Leslie VanMeter-Patterson

March 20, 2015

I am a walking testimony of the magnificent work you performed on me in the past 2 decades. You were more than just our Dr., you were also a dear friend. I will miss you terribly and will always treasure the wonderful care that you gave both myself and Jeff. Your fight is now over. R.I.P.

Eric and Darlene Hanson

March 20, 2015

Love and miss you so much already!! Until we meet again!

Renee Garcia

March 20, 2015

I must of been one of Dr. Ghazal's privilaged patients in 1991 when he first moved to Fresno. I was shocked to hear of his passing. I still remember how meticulous he was in his work. My condolences to his family and their loss. May you bask in the memories made with him throughout the years.
Hugs.

Michelle Dixon

March 20, 2015

The world has lost an amazing man. Funny and serious at the same time. I have so many great memories from when I worked for him. He was patient in teaching me and opening my eyes to things I would knot have known or seen otherwise. I will keep his family in my prayers.

Melanie Spigelmyre

March 20, 2015

Doc, was a great person and surgeon who I had the pleasure of meeting in 1992 when I was referred to him for my ACL surgery. His bed side manner was like no other along with his gentle personality. He sponsored our softball team and we made sure our jerseys were bright. Malcolm never forgot who you were and when I had heard he had been sick I called his office and left a message for him. Sure enough I received a personal phone call and we caught up after all those years. Doc you will be greatly missed.

George Deeb

March 20, 2015

Hi I am Malcolm's uncle George, we spent our youth together, he was a very smart boy, very athletic.
May the Almighty Lord rest his soul, we will miss him dearly.
Jesus said he who believes in me, even if he dies will be resurrected, and we will be in Heaven with him.
Without this powerful statement, life will have no meaning.

Janet Chilingerian

March 20, 2015

Dr. Ghazal did my hip replacement in 2009. His calm bedside manor before and during my recovery was encouraging. I looked forward to my once a year visit. 2014 was my last, he said he was releasing me,I was doing fine and to call if I had any problems. I was going through a difficult period and we talked about it. As we said goodbye, I told him how sad for me I looked forward to our annual Feb. visit. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a once in a lifetime doctor who genuinely cared and took the time to listen. I am deeply saddened.

Thé Ghazal Bionic Woman

Chanel Wapner

March 20, 2015

I don't know what to say? At 2:15 am on March 11, 2015 I had this strong feeling that woke me up. I was suppose to send you a message on your cell which I did. Just telling you again, how much I am greatful for you. How I pray for you often, how I am blessed to have known you.... What I did not realize at that time was you already took flight, Maybe my urge to text you was you flying by letting me know you will be in a new tie and matching socks that I have not seen before so when we meet again.. And we will We can laugh and hug..... I will miss you so much mon amie.
God bless and hold your love ones.

David and Suzann Weaverling

March 20, 2015

We were extremely lucky to have Dr. Ghazal as David's doctor during his hip replacement. He was straight forward and clear in his instructions. But more importantly he was the key person to encourage David to get back to doing something which he really liked; which was riding his motorcycle again. God Bless Dr. Ghazal. We will never forget him.

Debbi Peugh

March 19, 2015

Dr Ghazal did both of my shoulder surgeries. The latest was in 2013. I had put off going to see him as I tried to handle the shoulder problem myself. I had waited what I thought was too late as I was going on a mission trip within weeks and was in a lot of pain. He worked me in to his already busy schedule so I could go pain free. We have lost a great surgeon, but more than that... A caring man. Praying for his family at this difficult time. May The God of Comfort keep you until you see him again.

March 19, 2015

sending Malcolm E. Ghazal's Family our Condolences! We are sorry for your loss.
Jalhayan Family

Patricia Corless

March 19, 2015

Doctor Ghazal performed knee surgery on both of my legs. He had a great disposition and was very attentive to my recovery, such a good surgeon. My prayers are with the family. What a terrible loss.

Robert Sena

March 19, 2015

To
Dr. Ghzal's Family
I will pray that you will have the strength go forward with the many great memories Dr. Ghazal has left you with.
I had the best experience in his medical care, an opportunity to be one of his patents. His assurance that everything would be fine, he was right on every aspect and more. He said "trust me this is not my first Rodeo".
I'm sure the Great Surgeon up stairs has a place for this Cowboy.

Gratefully
RSen

Becky Clark

March 19, 2015

A truly gifted physician and showed true caring of all his patients (a rare trait). Thank you Dr.Ghazal for your help, and friendship!
Prayers to his wife and family

Carla Willard

March 19, 2015

So sorry to hear this news. He was a very generous man.

Edward Martinez

March 18, 2015

I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Ghazal's passing. He gave me my life back after replacing my left knee. He was very caring and and had a wonderful persona. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

Jerry De Young

March 18, 2015

Malcolm was a great friend, who you could count on when ever you needed anything. I am grateful for his expert surgical skills through two shoulder surgeries over the years. I also enjoyed sharing a severel meals and a great bottles of wine with him in Carmel.

Malcolm also loved to play golf. We shared several rounds of golf over the last several. Like me Malcolm was true exotic car aficionado ... always enjoyed anything that had wheels and horsepower.

We will miss Malcolm but cherish the many years of friendship and time shared together.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Michelle and his entire family.

Gretta Ghazel

March 18, 2015

RIP Malcolm. What a great loss. You will surely be missed!!!

JoEllen Moreno

March 18, 2015

I had the pleasure of helping Malcolm start and build his medical practice in Fresno, CA on December 1, 1991. What an adventure that was! He was a very dedicated and hardworking man. He found such joy in helping his patients to improve their health. He was funny and professional at the same time. His patients loved him as much and he loved them. I worked with him the first 8 years of his practice and saw the joy, first hand, that he brought his patients and all who were around him and worked with him. He inspired many of our employees to spread their wings. Which they did. He was a great teacher, surgeon, boss, and friend. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies go out to his family during this time.

Deborah Burchfield

March 18, 2015

Dr. Ghazal will be greatly missed. My husband was his patient for over twenty years. He used his knowledge and skill through many frustrating, difficult, and heartbreaking times in a long journey. He always showed the utmost care and compassion for my husband and genuine concern for the difficulties I had in caring for him. I appreciated that he cared about that too. He was a good listener, funny, and very handsome along with being a skilled doctor. He was a complete package. Our sympathies go to his family as we realize that if he was all that to us, he was so much more to his family. We pray that God blesses you with his peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Marnie Owen

March 18, 2015

I will dearly miss him. He was such a kind wonderful man as well as a skilled surgeon. May he rest in peace.

Donald Bowen

March 18, 2015

I am so sorry to learn about this. Both my wife and I were blessed by Dr. Ghazal's great surgical skill. Every day were are pain free thanks to him. His passing is a great loss to the medical profession and the citizens of Fresno and the central valley.

Daren Miller

March 18, 2015

Doc was a good man. I loved visiting his office because I was assured fabulous service and a great story. He will truly be missed by me and my 4x surgically repaired left knee.

March 18, 2015

mike jensen

March 18, 2015

May he rest in peace. He will be missed by many.

Nastassia Vasquez

March 18, 2015

Forever in our hearts Dr. Ghazal

March 18, 2015

Such a wonderful, thoughtful caring man. He replaced my husband's knee in 2003 and send a gracious letter of condolence on this death in 2004. I will never forget his passion. Repaired my knees also, and have missed his wonderful presence in his office. He will be greatly missed. Carol Fuchs

Jacqueline Staley

March 17, 2015

May he rest in peace. He was the most compassionate physician I knew. My prayers for his family.

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