Harold LAIMON

LAIMON, Harold M.D., FRCS, FACS
July 16, 1928 – January 19, 2017
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Harold Laimon, aged 88, on January 19, 2017 in Vancouver, BC. Harold was predeceased by his brothers Mel and Sam and sister Libby. He is survived by his wife Patricia; three children, Dan, Sara (Jonathan), and Debby (Gregg); and four grandchildren (Rachel, Toby, Isaac, Lucas). Harold was born to William and Sarah Laimon on July 16, 1928 in Kamsack, SK. Growing up, he was a superb trumpet player and avid curler. He received a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan in 1949, and a medical degree from McGill University in 1953. He completed internships in Regina, Outlook, and Saskatoon, and a four-year residency in General Surgery at Vancouver General Hospital and Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, OH. He met his wife Patricia (Pat) in Cleveland in 1959. They married in 1962 and moved to Vancouver where Harold enjoyed an outstanding career in General Surgery through 2001. Practicing at Vancouver General Hospital, Richmond General Hospital, and the University of British Columbia, Harold had the rare combination of superb surgical technique and a compassionate bedside manner. He was a long-time member of the Beth Israel Synagogue and very active in synagogue activities. In addition to being past president of the Men's Club, he served two terms on the synagogue board, and was on the original board for the Louis Brier Home. Harold had a passion for music. He and Pat regularly attended concerts at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Recital Society, and Friends of Chamber Music, and were strong supporters of the Vancouver Academy of Music. In spite of vision challenges later in life, Harold continued to attend concerts, educate himself, and be a friend/mentor to many people in the community. He was a long-time volunteer for the Jewish Seniors Alliance, calling several seniors on a weekly basis to offer social support and friendship. His approach to life was both inspiring and a role model to many of his friends. He was once quoted in an interview saying "one should not let a disability be an excuse for not trying to reach your full potential in life". Harold was happiest when helping other people. This was clear in his work as a physician and his involvement in the community. He approached everything he did with kindness, compassion, integrity, and respect. Harold loved his family and friends very much. He will be deeply missed by all. Many thanks to Dr. I. Perlman, Dr. M. Tosefsky, Rabbi Infeld, Rabbi Stein, Debby Fenson, Reverend J. Marciano, the Vancouver General Hospital and Palliative Care Unit, and St. John Hospice for their care and attention. The funeral took place in Vancouver on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the Beth Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Beth Israel Synagogue Building Fund or Music Fund (604-731-4161), the Vancouver Jewish Seniors Alliance (604-267-1555), or a charity of your choice.