DR. WILLARD GREGORY "GREG" McCAIN

(May 15, 1942 – August 21, 2025) Dr. Willard Gregory "Greg" McCain, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and respected surgeon, passed away peacefully at his home, in Ballantrae, on August 21, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in London, Ontario, to Kenneth and June McCain, Greg spent his early years attending Upper Canada College. Skilled on the ice, with the missing teeth to prove it, he was a proud member of the first hockey team and excelled at academics. To his parents' great pride, he graduated from medical school at the University of Toronto and obtained his specialty in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1974, receiving the Chairman's Medal. He dedicated more than four decades to a distinguished career as a surgeon, defined not just by his expertise, but by the care and compassion he gave to every patient. He was proud to serve as Chief of Plastic Surgery at North York General Hospital before his retirement in 2014. Greg is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, DeeDee McCain. He was a proud father to Deb McCain (Matt McPherson) and Mark McCain (the late Mary McCain); and an adored grandfather to Davis and Daphne McPherson, and Hunter and Darcy McCain. His family was his greatest joy and most treasured legacy. A man of many passions, Greg embraced life to the fullest. He loved wine, art, books and music, and was an avid collector. Greg was a passionate sports fan, especially of hockey and tennis. He delighted in downhill skiing around the world with the Alpine Surgical Society, a group of doctors and their families who combined their love of mountain slopes and fine dining with medicine. Theatre was another lifelong love. Greg avidly consumed everything from Broadway blockbusters to the most avant-garde productions. At home, he would spend hours listening to cast recordings, and was happiest when tuned in to The Broadway Channel on SiriusXM - especially on long drives to and from Florida. Greg and DeeDee's winters as snowbirds on Longboat Key became a cherished tradition - a place Greg always called, "the best mistake I ever made." Greg's humour, wisdom, and generosity will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. He lived as a true bon vivant: someone who delighted in the many good things in life - and above all, people. A private family celebration of Greg's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to North York General by visiting www.nyghfoundation.ca/mccain.