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George DeVEBER Obituary
May 14, 1932 - November 19, 2016
George passed away peacefully in his 85th year, surrounded by family and a golden late autumn sunset. Until a few months earlier, he was enjoying life living in Rosedale, driving up to Collingwood, playing golf and sharing time with his friends and family.
Beloved father of Scott (Christine) and Hilary (David). Loving grandfather to Gabriel, Heath and Celeste. Former husband of Heather (nee McNeil). Brother to Dr. Barrie deVeber of London, Ontario. He is survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of longtime friends.
George was born and raised in Toronto's Moore Park neighbourhood. His high school years were spent at University of Toronto Schools (UTS), where many of his most enduring memories were made on the hockey rink. He graduated from University of Toronto Medical School in 1956 where he formed many lasting friendships.
George was a pioneer in the treatment of kidney disease. In 1965, at age 33, he founded the first chronic dialysis program in Ontario at Toronto Western Hospital and went on to lead the Division of Nephrology until 1987. George founded the first kidney transplant program in Ontario in 1968 and that same year was part of the Transplant Team for the province's first heart transplant.
In 1968, George founded the Ontario Chapter of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, where he remained involved for over 20 years. George served as President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada in the 1980s. He was also instrumental in establishing Ontario's first organ donor program, now known as Trillium Gift of Life Network. After leaving the Western in the late 1980s, George joined the private sector as Medical Director for Baxter and then worked in biotech at Vasogen. George was nominated for the Order of Ontario in 2011. He continued to work as a Physician up until he was 82.
An avid sportsman, over the years George was a member of the Toronto Racquet Club, Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, Devil's Glen Ski Club as well as the Thornhill and Mad River Golf Clubs.
George's family and friends will remember him for his kindness, generosity of spirit and sense of fun. George often put the needs of others ahead of his own.
A special thanks to Phyllis Clermont for her care of George and assistance with the deVeber family Genealogy project.
The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 28th.
The funeral service will be held in ROSEDALE UNITED CHURCH, 159 Roxborough Drive on Tuesday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a celebration of George's life will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, 44 Price Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ontario Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada at www.kidney.ca/ontario/donate. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com
Memories and Condolences
for George DeVEBER
5 Entries
Louise Johnson
December 24, 2016
As one of the two original nurses who worked with Dr. DeVeber to establish the Dialysis Unit at Toronto Western Hospital (1965-1970), I am grateful I had the opportunity to be associated with him in his capacity as physician, teacher, and a supervisor.
As a physician he guided his students and nursing staff to offer care that encompassed the physical and psycho social needs of his patients.
As a teacher he shared his knowledge and experience and encouraged us to apply what we had learned towards the service of his patients.
As a supervisor he motivated us and provided opportunities for us to keep abreast of current and emerging developments in Dialysis and Nephrology. He allowed us to grow and develop to our full potential; and allowed us to be an integral member of the team in for developing care plans for patients. His influence motivated me to be a better nurse and career change to health administration.
FREDERICK WALSH
December 4, 2016
To the deVeber Family:
George was my classmate (5T6 Medicine U. of T.), colleague and friend. He was one of many great doctors from that class.
George was my center-man for our Meds Inter-faculty Hockey team. As one key game was ending, George was taking the face-off at the circle to the left of the rival goaltender. George positioned me right behind him at the edge of the circle with the admonition be ready. He won the draw, the puck came right to my stick and I fired it into the net for the winning goal.
I recount this story to illustrate two great atributes of George:
1)his capacity to see the big picture and to think 'outside the box'.
2)his firm belief in the team' concept: there is no I' in TEAM.
At the Toronto Western Hospital, he saw deficiencies for his patients' care, and he set up the dialysis team. That led to the kidney transplant program and the development of the anti-rejection drug management of the transplant recipients. That contributed to the success of the heart transplant program.
Personally, I will miss George's warm infectious smile behind the big horn-rimmed glasses.
Fred Walsh MD
Barbara Hyland and Geoff Armstrong
November 29, 2016
Our deepest sympathy Much love to you all
Susan Van Etten Lawson
November 28, 2016
Dear Hilary and Scott (& to my dear friend, Heather as well), I was saddened to learn of George's passing and send big hugs to you all. George's life is a chapter closed, but he did leave a wonderful legacy and memories for us all to cherish. Susan Van Etten Lawson
Doug Cramp
November 27, 2016
Dr.deVeber was a friend and a pleasure to work with at Tooronto Western Hospital. He worked with myself and many others to produce RATS for his kidney transplant patients. Doug Cramp B.SC.Phm.
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Memorial Events
for George DeVEBER
Funeral services provided by:
Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8