Joseph Selwyn Gruss

Dr. Gruss was my doctor since I was 3 months old. He performed as many as 10 surgeries on my face. Everytime I look in the mirror or someone looks at me I have him to thank for removing a large nevus. I get consistent compliments on my looks and it is all thanks to him removing a possibly cancerous mole from it, that covered over half my skull. Thank you to his family. He made my face a work of art that I can confidently smile with.

Joe and I spent many many hours together in the operating room and on the golf course. We were also significant participants in the team of surgeons separating the Lincoln Twins (one of whom has recently made the news by announcing a successful pregnancy and delivery!). During the separation procedure (which took over 30 hours), having finished our initial roles in the surgery we 'took a break' (during ortho's part), left the OR and were able to manage several holes of golf! Only to...

While browsing the internet today, I was totally shocked to learn of Joe's untimely passing. As his secretary from his Sunnybrook Days, I can't say enough about this kind and caring man who was the best "boss" I have ever worked for. When Joe, Eve Jenny left Toronto for Seattle, the bottom dropped out of my world. I truly loved working for such a gentleman and getting to know his family and have never forgotten their kindness and generosity to me and my family over the seven years I was...

Dr. Gruss has always been and will continue to be my hero. I met him at three weeks old and remained his patient for 25 years. He performed my 15th--and last operation a few months before he retired. Such a man can't possibly be replaced. He saw me through my roughest years and supported me with the greatest of optimism. I can still hear his lovely voice greeting me with hello at appointments and asking about my family. His life will undoubtedly be honored throughout the medical community and...

I had the good fortune of receiving life changing surgeries from Dr. Gruss since I was 3 years old and every few years after until his retirement. He helped give me the confidence that I needed to be my true self, the person who I knew I was on the inside. He gave me freedom. His light has not left the world, for he has left his brightness with every patient, colleague, student, teacher, friend, and family member. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

Dr. Gruss, gone but...

I knew Joe well as a master surgeon and colleague at Children's. He was also a treasured skillful golfing partner. As a master of both endeavors he traveled the world, sharing his expertise, teaching, curing, what many felt to be incurable, and challenging any course that may happen to be accessible. He loved a challenge and could tackle plastic reconstructions that others felt to be impossible. I was fortunate enough to share unforgettable times with Joe both in the operating room and...