July 6, 1952 - May 8, 2018 Graham Deakin Waring passed away on Tuesday May 8, 2018 at City of Hope in Duarte, California after a bout with Leukemia. Born in Liverpool, England, Graham moved to Vancouver, Canada at the age of six before finally settling in Culver City, California in 1968. Graduating from Culver City High School in the Class of '69, at the age of 16, he went on to complete his undergraduate degree at UCLA majoring in Biochemistry. In 1979, he realized a lifelong dream when he graduated top ten in his class from UCLA Medical School. On completion of his internship and residency he joined the prestigious Westside Internal Medicine Group and became a member of the renowned St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. During nearly forty years of practice as an internist he served the Westside of Los Angeles with the highest standard of care. A master of his craft, Graham brought an unparalleled diagnostic acumen to his patients along with genuine concern, stellar bedside manner, and levity. His passion for medicine extended beyond the four walls of his office in Santa Monica, illustrated by his efforts in 2005 when he partook in relief efforts in Louisiana following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Needless to say his passing is a great loss to the community of West Los Angeles and medicine as a whole. On top of being a world-class physician, Graham was a loving father, husband and brother. He did well navigating the difficulties and demands of his given profession, and admirably balanced his work and responsibilities to family. Graham is survived by his wife Sylvie, children: Colin and Emma, and brother: Neil. He is predeceased by his parents: Ron and Mavis Waring, and sisters: Jillian and Carol. Graham will forever be remembered for his generosity of spirit, humor, passion for his profession, sonorous voice, and trademark mustache, and will be dearly missed by everyone whose life he had affected both personally and professionally. Services for Graham will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 22 at Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, California.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on May 20, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Graham Waring

24 Entries

MICHAEL J MACDERMOTT

April 12, 2025

Great doctor and person

Karen Brooks

July 17, 2021

I just found out of Dr. Waring's passing (3yrs. ago). He was my doctor for many years before I left CA 16 years ago. I have been to many doctors before and since but Graham was the very best doctor I have ever known. I often thought of him and missed his kindness, humor and expertise in medicine. He was exceptional physician and wonderful human being.

Greg Stone

December 15, 2019

Such a great doctor and man. He treated many of my family and will be missed. Wished there were more people like him. He took the time and really cared for his patience. God bless you Dr. Waring!!!

Me at Science Museum USC - King Tut exhibit 2019

Rosemary Ceravolo DeSarro

March 13, 2019

I worked at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica for 10 years, where I had the opportunity to meet Dr.Graham Waring. He was so great , so professional. I ended up going to him myself. He saved part of me when I had walking pneumonia. Always a place in my heart for Graham Waring. Blessings to his family.

Marcy H.

August 13, 2018

I was so sad to hear that Graham WARING passed away - he definitely made the world a better place.
He was the' only doctor you wanted to see when sick.
His knowledge, patience, ability to listen and really hear what was said combined with his sense of humor are truly what made him special, real and admirable.
My heart goes out to his family and to his staff at the office.

Allain Denise

July 20, 2018

Condoléances à la famille , cousine Sylvie et sa fille Emma. La famille Allain de la Gaspésie vous souhaite courage. Nous sommes de tout coeur avec vous. Au plaisir de vous revoir sous peu.

Kieron OShea

July 18, 2018

I just discovered Graham passed away. Graham was recommended by a Doctor Without Borders' doc when I asked for the MD the doctors went to when they wanted the opinion of the Best of the Best'.

I will not remove Graham's name from my contacts. I'll look at it when I want an MD, and being there, he will remind me of the standard bearers in the world that, once gone, diminish the world we are left with.

Graham was the apogee of what I referred to as an extraordinary physician.

As anyone who had ever met Graham would attest, he was a savant (Google search savant. Instead of learned person, especially a distinguished scientist. synonyms: intellectual, scholar, sage, philosopher, thinker, wise/learned person; guru, master..., the reference should read: See Graham Waring, MD ).

Graham was like a man beyond his time; a country doctor practicing in Santa Monica. He didn't watch the clock, he observed, and listened to his patients. And that occasionally took some time, but Graham understood people took time.

Convention was good for some things, but not for everything. For example, he didn't let convention get in the way of teaching moments. There was a visit when I went to see him to remove 10 stitches from my ankle after crashing my road bike. I had my young son along and Graham saw him staring intently at my stitches, so he said; Do you want to take out your Dad's stitches?' It was one of those moments that defines a person. I can still see the concentration in my son's face as Graham handed him the scissors, and the two of them leaned over my raw wound. Graham, ever patient, instructing my son in arts he knew well, but letting my son do the work, so when it was done more than stitches were removed. The mystery of a medical practice was replaced with empowerment and confidence.

And it wasn't enough he taught my family how to remove stiches, on another occasion after I came home from a trip to a remote island in Indonesia where I had punctured my leg with a fin, Graham brought sutures and suture needles, along with a vial and syringes, and in 20 minutes taught me to suture a wound in situ in far corners of the world without emergency services to rely on. I left that day with a bag of supplies and knowledge, via the instructions from Graham, that I knew what to do and can do it if need be. He was the rare person who could not only do, he could also teach, really well.

Graham was revered by his peers as; a Physicians' Physician, and beloved by his patients as the very personification of the meaning of a caregiver and friend. Graham Waring is one of the standard bearers, who in practicing medicine made people not only well, but better.

June 29, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences. As a patient of Dr. Mark Biscow, I just learned of Dr. Waring's passing.

Margaret Jambor
Hermosa Beach,CA

Linda Bodenstein

June 13, 2018

I just found out about the passing of a wonderful man. Dr. Waring, or Graham, as he liked to be called, was my doctor for 33 years. I'm devastated by the news. I trusted him and confided in him not only as doctor but as a friend. He was part of my entire adult life. He was my doctor longer than any of my parents were alive to be my parent. He watched me get old or "mature," was there for me when my dad died, and again when my husband died. He was always there and now he's gone. He was the best doctor ever. I'd always brag to people how I had such a great doctor. Thank you, Graham, for being a part of my life and for taking care of me. My sincere condolences go out to your family. Rest in Peace.
Until we meet again.

STEPHEN SCHUTTER

June 7, 2018

I just learned today of Dr. Waring's passing. I used to come from Washington DC each year to see him because there was no other doctor I trusted as much with my life as I did with Graham. He had a rare combination of being a fantastic doctor with real concern and spent time with you going all over various aspects of your life and being hilarious at the same time. After seeing Graham for some years it came time to have my PSA test and prostate checked. It was that time of life. Well Graham had gotten to know who I was and how I am and when it came time to examine me around that part he put on a pair of gloves, snapped the I guess what is latex, smiled and said, "now we become friends". I burst out laughing but that was the great sense of humor as well he knew that this would be my first time it was a means of relaxing me. The man took much care in my health over the years and I am shattered here writing this knowing that someone who was so important and great doctor and person is now gone. I feel such a sense of loss now and I am certain I am not alone. Best wishes to Graham's family and children. Your man was a classic to many of us and is greatly missed.

Steve Plenge

May 30, 2018

I just learned of Graham's passing and am devastated at the loss of an amazing man. My doctor for over 30 years and am honored to say my friend as well.
A huge loss to the community. His wonderful care he gave to each patient, his completely non PC humor and the focus and understanding of the human condition were incredible.
I will greatly miss him.
my heart and condolences go out to his family.

Debbie Denise

May 26, 2018

Graham was the best neighbor, friend, confidante and doctor. We all loved him and will miss him more than words can tell.....

May 24, 2018

God broke the mould when he made Graham. He was our doctor for 25 years. He made us laugh and he made us well. He was the gold standard for all who choose the medical profession. We feel blessed to have been a patient of this thoughtful, caring man for so many years. You will be missed Graham but not forgotten. Rest In Peace !

Pauline & Dick Troy. Santa Monica, Ca.

Julia Waring Webb

May 24, 2018

Graham was my cousin. We were both born in St Helens, Merseyside, England -- a small industrial town 20 miles east of Liverpool. Graham profoundly remains in my heart as a funny and kind. He was gifted in his professional capabilities. A tremendously sad loss for me and all of his family. Julia Waring Webb

Gloria Norris

May 23, 2018

I just learned of Graham's passing and am devastated by this news. I always considered myself immensely fortunate to be his patient. No doctor I've ever seen has even come close to him. He was brilliant, kind, funny and deeply empathetic. As many have stated, he was an amazing diagnostician. It is a terrible loss to me and to all of his patients. My deepest condolences go out to his family, who he always spoke of with such love.

Dee Ragano

May 23, 2018

RIP
Dr Waring..u were the best Dr..ever!!
I will miss u dearly...and will forever be thankful for all u did for me !!!

Chad Dreier

May 23, 2018

The Dreier family is devastated over this - Dr. Waring was an amazing physician and even better friend. Our lives are better and healthier because he was in it. Is there a charitable organization we could donate to in his honor? Thank you so much!
Chad, Ginni, Kristin and Doug Dreier

Kimberly Mack

May 23, 2018

Dr. Waring was my doctor for over 30 years. There is no one like him. I adored him and am heartbroken at his passing. He was a gifted doctor and caring
human being. It was a beautiful service yesterday, and my prayers go out to his family. RIP Dr. Waring. We loved you and will miss you.

May 22, 2018

Sylvie and Graham
So hard to believe the man that made my job better each day by his pranks and jokes on me has passed at such a young age. He made me laugh We worked in the same building for over twenty years. He was funny and kind. He loved his family and his patients. He helped so many people with his great knowledge and medical care. I sent my family to him. They were all thankful to have such an excellent Doctor on their side. He will be greatly missed but the years of great memories will live on. Lots of love to you Sylvie and the family. Sandra

Joy Miller and Family

May 22, 2018

Our hearts are crushed. Dr. Waring was always there for us -- 35+ years. He met our serious doctor appointments with supportive concern, took meticulous, detailed notes for diagnosis (brilliant diagnostician), and would fit in some corny comment or joke and leave you laughing as he left the room with his warm smile...the best medicine man ever! Our hearts go out to his family and his dedicated office staff. We will never forget!

Agnes K. Nagy

May 22, 2018

Dr. Waring caring and exceptional knowledge kept many of us healthy. When in pain, just to talk to him made one feel better. He will be greatly missed!

David Sapia

May 21, 2018

Your looking at a man who literally saved my life. What can I say about this great man. The bedside manner of George Carlin crossed with a genius level ability to get to the bottom of any medical condition he came across. Graham diagnosed me with a life threatening condition (that all other Doctors before him missed) and went on to see me through all the hospitalizations. Even when there was little to smile about, I could count on Graham to make me laugh like no other. There will never be another like him. I'm alive and kicking and a much better person for having known him...Can't believe he is gone. So hard to goodbye....

betsy

May 21, 2018

Dr. Waring was a great physician -- the kind you brag about having. His kindness, skill and intelligence will be missed. So sorry for his family's loss and our loss. He was a medical hero.

May 21, 2018

As a patient, I will miss Dr. Waring's ability to share his knowledge, his bedside manners, and his humor. I clearly can remember Dr. Waring making us laugh when we bumped into each other at 3rd St. Promenade!
My condolences to Dr. Waring's Family and Friends.
Greg Miguel

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