Michael Andrew SIMURDA

MICHAEL ANDREW SIMURDA M.D. F.R. C.S. (C)
Peacefully passed away at home in Kingston, Ontario, on November 19, 2013, at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Albina Maryann (Bink) and proud father of six children - Michael (Debbie), Lori (Yves), Robert (Jeanette), David (Lise), Susan Weighell (Patrick) and Andrew (Carolyn). 'Dedo' to six cherished grandchildren - Sam, Luke, Jack, Jenna, Sophia and Cole. Brother of John Edgar Simurda (Olga) of Bradford and sister, Marlene Langdon (Jim) of Cookstown. Predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Mary Simurda and baby brother, John Simurda of Bradford. In 1934, Mike and his mother arrived in Canada from Czechoslovakia to rejoin his father who had emigrated to Canada in 1930 to shape a new life for his young family. The family settled in Bradford, Ontario, and established a vegetable farm in the newly opened Holland Marsh.
Mike completed his basic education in Bradford in 1946. He attended medical school at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1953. There he was awarded the Gold Key and nominated into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He interned at the Toronto General Hospital. He was selected to train in orthopaedics in the Gallie course of surgery, thereafter receiving his F.R. C.S. specialty certificate. He was subsequently awarded a McLaughlin Fellowship under the auspices of Queen's University for further specialized training at King's College Hospital in London, England.
Upon starting his practice at Queen's University in Kingston, he opened a public clinic which provided free orthopaedic consultation and surgery for all patients requiring orthopaedic care. In 1965, he applied to the Royal College of Surgery of Canada and was granted approval to establish a post-graduate orthopaedic training program at Queen's. Over the years, and in collaboration with a group of renowned orthopaedic surgeons and researchers, many individuals have been able to complete their orthopaedic training through the Queen's University Orthopaedic Program. Mike got tremendous pleasure from staying in touch with those he mentored over the span of his long career.
Mike dedicated himself to teaching, clinical research and surgery. He published and presented numerous academic papers. He was a member of the Dewar Orthopaedic Society, the Little Orthopaedic Club in the United States, the Association of Bone Surgeons and the Ontario and Canadian Orthopaedic Associations. He served as President of the Medical Staff of the Kingston General Hospital, the Kingston Academy of Medicine and the Ontario and Canadian Orthopaedic Associations.
In 1973, he, along with a small group of associates, purchased the Montreal Canadiens Major Junior A franchise and brought Major Junior A hockey to Kingston as the Kingston Canadians.
He was nominated as an Honorary Physician of the Kingston General Hospital and retired from Queen's University as Professor Emeritus.
Age and arthritis forced him to choose an easier lifestyle - he enjoyed cottage life, reading and duplicate bridge. He was a member of the Cataraqui Golf and Country club for 50 years and he treasured his fairway buddies immensely.
His life of hard work was enabled by his wife, Binka, with whom he shared a beautiful and loving marriage for 57 years. He relished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, generous with advice that has served each of them so well. He could not have been a more protective or supportive father.
To those who loved him and knew him best, he was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He gave of himself selflessly. He is, and always will be, sorely missed.
In accordance with Mike's wishes, a private family service will be held to celebrate his life. Arrangements entrusted to Robert J. Reid & Sons, 309 Johnson Street, Kingston. Online condolences at www.reidfuneralhome.com