George Murdoch

MURDOCH, George1922 - 2010 Dr George (Geordie) William MacKay Murdoch, 87, died at noon on May 1, 2010 in Vancouver, with family attending, after a life full of love and laughter. Geordie was born December 5, 1922 in Edmonton, Alberta to Robert and Florence (MacKay) Murdoch and was little brother to Jane. He lived in Vancouver from childhood, attended Cecil Rhodes and Maple Grove Elementary Schools, Point Grey Junior High and Magee High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and tennis, then UBC. Geordie volunteered to serve his country in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a bombardier during World War II, and was stationed in England for 3 1/2 years. As a returned serviceman, he completed his degree in Zoology at UBC, then entered Medical School at Queen's University in 1948. He worked summers on the CPR. At Queen's, Geordie met his future wife, Monica Evelyn McMullen, who was also a medical student. It was a longstanding joke between them that he owed his medical degree to Monnie's excellent notes and strict tutoring. On graduation, Dr Murdoch returned to Vancouver and joined the Seymour Medical Clinic. In 1962 he opened his own office at the Fairmont medical building, where he practiced for more than 35 years. He had a large, busy, old style family practice and was available to his patients all times of the day and night, doing house calls each evening and on weekends. He was greatly loved by his many patients and well-known for his caring, sympathetic personal style and ability to recall the smallest details of anyone's family tree. Geordie's life was devoted to his family and his medical practice. He was truly a people person who loved to spend time laughing and visiting with family, friends and patients. Geordie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dr Monica; daughters Jane Murdoch (Ron Skolrood) and Dr Jean Murdoch (Dr Colin Marsland); son Robert Murdoch (Alexis Hinde); six grandchildren; sister Jane Knott (Dr Nairn Knott), nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. We loved and will miss him. An announcement of a celebration of his life will be made in June. In Geordie's memory, call someone you love.