Dr. Paul Kortan

1949 - 2022

Dr. PAUL KORTAN March 19, 1949 - November 26, 2022 It is with great sadness that we announce that our husband, father, brother and grandfather, Dr. Paul Kortan, passed away on November 26, 2022. He was 73 years old. Paul was born in Košice, Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) to Alexander and Vera Kortan. In August 1968, while in Switzerland on his way home from a holiday, Paul received word from his parents that he should not return home as Soviet-led troops had invaded Czechoslovakia. So, at the age of 19, with nothing more than a backpack, Paul immigrated to Canada. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, went on to study medicine at McMaster University, returned to Toronto for postgraduate training, and proceeded to complete training with specialists in Belgium and Germany. Paul became a dedicated Therapeutic Endoscopist at the Wellesley Hospital in Toronto which eventually merged with St. Michael's Hospital where he spent the remainder of his career. Paul worked his way to the pinnacle of his profession where he was universally respected by his fellow physicians, cherished by his students, and loved by his patients. Paul leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Sylvia; children, Allan (Ashley) and Daniela (James); sister, Cathy (George); and granddaughter, Ava. Paul loved making those around him laugh, keeping up-to-date with global political affairs, and enjoying his limited free time with family and friends. He was a remarkably caring and humble man who impacted many people with his empathy, love, and compassion. He will be dearly missed and remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his incredible sense of humor, and his immutable kindness. A service will be held at Steeles Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, November 30th, at 10:30 a.m. EST. For funeral and livestreaming details or to leave condolences or a tribute for the family, please visit paulkortanmemorial.com. Donations in memory of Dr. Kortan can be made to the St. Michael's Foundation and the Dr. Paul Kortan Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship Fund, by visiting: stmichaelsfoundation.com/paulkortan.