Philip Heath Gattey

1956 - 2023

Philip Heath Gattey

BISMARCK - Philip Heath Gattey, 66, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on July 12, 2023. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck, with the Rev. Joshua Ehli officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Born on November 21, 1956, in Calgary, his family moved many times across Canada and the US. He met the love of his life, Marice Knox, at the University of Saskatchewan and they were married in Moose Jaw on May 31, 1980. Marcie and Philip had four beautiful children and resided in Saskatoon, Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, Moose Jaw, Prince George and finally Bismarck.

Philip was known to his loved ones as Philip, Papa, and Granddad. He was a dedicated and loving father, grandfather and accomplished orthopedic surgeon. He was known and respected for his surgical ability and dedicated care of patients with difficult orthopedic problems.

Philip's career in medicine spanned several decades and locations. After completing his education at the University of Saskatchewan Medical School with distinction, he did General Surgical then full Orthopedic Residency, with Fellowship in Toronto 1985-1986. He began his professional journey as a solo orthopedic surgeon in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 1986 to 1993. He then joined a group orthopedic practice in Prince George, British Columbia, from 1993 to 1995. Philip's commitment to providing exceptional care led him to MedCenter One Orthopedics, where he served his patients until 2014, folllowed by two years of locum work across the U.S. Philip retired from medicine in 2016, not long after the passing of wife Marcie.

Philip was a faithful Catholic, whose study and application of his faith were clear to those who knew him. He had an intimate prayer life and attended Mass regularly at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.

Beyond his professional achievements, Philip was a home handyman, gardener, literary enthusiast with a keen interest in history, and hunter.

Philip leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his children; son, Nathan (Kate) Gattey, Bonners Ferry, ID.; daughter, Lynelle (Tyler) Kolden, Littleton, CO; son, Evan Gattey, Coralville, IA; son, Jared Gattey, Portland, OR; and grandchildren Marie, Leah, Therese, Nolan, Connor, Andrew, Jack, Luke, Heidi, Blaise, and Isaac. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcie Rayne Gattey (nee Knox), his mother Bettejane, his father Paul, and his brother Scott Gattey.

The loss of Philip Gattey will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and the medical community. He will be remembered for his remarkable skills as a surgeon, his dedication to his patients, and his love for his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.