Fawzy MORCOS

MORCOS, Dr. Fawzy Helmy
February 28, 1933 - March 5, 2016
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father and grandfather who passed away peacefully at home on March 5th. Mourning his loss are Corry, his loving wife of 46 years; children Rebecca (Harold), Nathan (Noelle), Camila and Theresa (Kevin); grandchildren Madeleine, Auke, Samuel, Joachim, Miriam, Callum, Nicolas, Owen and Jacob; sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews; as well as many friends, colleagues, former patients and students.
Fawzy was born in Assyut, Egypt and completed his medical degree in Cairo. He did post-graduate training in obstetrics and gynecology in England and it was there that he met his life's companion, Corry. They married in 1969 and subsequently moved to Edmonton where he began a long and thriving career both in private practice and academia. His primary passion was bringing new life into the world and he rejoiced in delivering approximately 25,000 babies, including many high-risk pregnancies and difficult births. He was much-loved by his patients and respected by the medical staff he worked with for his gentlemanly and professional manner and his compassionate nature. He was a skilled surgeon, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Misericordia hospital for 15 years and recipient of the Outstanding Physician Award in 2000 from the Capital Region Medical Staff Association. Many of his efforts in improving maternal care were considered ahead of his time, including introducing the rooming-in of newborn babies with their mothers (the first hospital in Canada to do so) and piloting a then-revolutionary hospital-based midwifery program in the 1980's.
Another passion of Fawzy's was education, most clearly evident in his decision to pursue a Masters degree in Educational Psychology in the midst of a very busy practice in the mid-'80s, the focus of which was maternal-infant bonding. He was an associate professor at the University of Alberta and taught many medical students, interns and residents to whom he passed on his values. He organized 33 conferences where he focused on integrating the disciplines of medicine, law and ethics. He sat on several ethics' boards and was involved in extensive collaboration with the Department of Education at the U of A which culminated in an honorary alumni award in 2014.
Fawzy had a strong faith in Jesus Christ, which was expressed in a deep and abiding principle that each human is made in the image and likeness of God and is worthy of care and respect from the moment of conception onwards. He led a life of service and generosity, helping people in all walks of life, and was a father figure to many. In the last few years of his life he was very involved in his Coptic Orthodox Church community, where he sat on the board of deacons and helped direct the establishment of a renovated church building and new community centre.
As a husband, "Nabil" was Corry's joy and the love of her life. As a father, "Papa" was a loving model of integrity and compassion and his children were blessed by his gentleness, understanding and good humour. As "Grandpa" he loved to play and was always up for a board or card game. He was a loving and generous brother to all his sisters. While we grieve our loss, we rejoice that he is in the arms of his loving Father in heaven. A special thank you to the wonderful palliative home care that provided support and allowed Fawzy to pass away peacefully at home.
Visitation will be at the Glenwood Funeral Home, 52356 Range Rd 232, Sherwood Park, from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Friday, March 11.
Funeral will be at St. Mary and St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, 5803 11a Ave, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 12.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not be faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)