FAY RUTH DIRKS

Fay Ruth (Inman) Dirks, MD FRCPC (July 11, 1933 – November 21, 2025) Fay passed away on November 21, 2025, at age 92, at the Toronto General Hospital following a complicated illness. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Dr. John H. Dirks; her sister, Heather Inman; her four children and spouses, John Mark (Catherine), Peter (Tara), Martha (Michael) and Carol (James); and grandchildren, Julia, Claire, Olivia, Nicole, Matthew, Andrew and Rachel. She was predeceased by parents, Mark and Georgina (Livingstone) Inman; and grandson, Samuel. Born on July 11, 1933, in Clyde River, Prince Edward Island, Fay grew up in London, Ontario, where her father was Professor and Chair of Economics at the University of Western Ontario. A very accomplished student, Fay was one of only four women to graduate from UWO medical school in 1957, doing so as the gold medallist of her class. She met her husband, John, during her residency at the Montreal General Hospital and married in 1961. A widely respected internal medicine specialist and leading educator, she received additional training at the US National Institutes of Health, and held professorships at McGill, UBC, the University of Toronto, and the Aga Khan University (Pakistan) before retiring in 1998. Fay was always highly respected and beloved by her colleagues and students, both for her high standards and her memorable parties. Fay was John's essential partner for a rich and sociable academic life in his lifelong international career. A very devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Fay was deeply interested in the lives of each family member. Out of her warm hospitality and easy conversation she formed many close and lifelong friendships. The summer home on PEI Fay shared with her sister was a rallying point for her family for over 30 years. Having many interests, Fay read avidly, was a superb cook, and became an enthusiastic sports fan, rarely missing a Triple Crown horse-race or Blue Jays baseball game wearing the team jersey. An active church member, Fay served many years on the chancel guild at St. Paul's Bloor Street Anglican church and on the Board of Wycliffe College. Her family thanks Dr. Catherine O'Brien and the wonderful team of surgeons, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals at the Toronto General Hospital, especially the ICU, where she spent the last two weeks of her life. We are most grateful for the excellent care they all provided. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Bloor Street Anglican Church in Toronto on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. For online condolences and donations information, see https://mountpleasantgroup.permavita.com/site/DrFayDirks.html?s=1