Dr. Ed Rzadki (Colleague)

Entered February 27, 2017 from Toronto

He was an inspirational Chief of Staff from the Beginning of Etobicoke General Hospital. He marshalled a group of diverse physicians several years before the hospital officially opened in 1972.
He led them through the onerous task of developing professional rules and regulations so that EGH could not only meet the demands of the Regulatory Bodies but improve and set new benchmarks for the delivery of health care to the Etobicoke Community. The Tag Line that I remember most was "A Little Virtue Will Never Hurt You" which was at the top of every Medical Advisory Committee Agenda. He was a diligent conscientious Chairman who exuded charm and passion but in a quiet persuasive manner. His sense of humour was dry and witty and usually had us rolling the isles. His ability to captivate his audience was legendary. Thank you John for your exemplary leadership. Sincere heartfelt condolences to Sheila and your family.May your soul rest in peace. Ed Rzadki

Margaret Marnie-Lecky (Neighbour)

Entered February 28, 2017

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of John. When my mother Nora had an appointment, she said most of the time was spent discussing their love of art. He will be missed by his neighbours, & friends of Thistletown. My condolences to Sheila & her extended family - Marg Lecky & Joan Garratt

Vince Murray (former neighbour)

Entered March 1, 2017 from Kelowna, BC

On behalf of the Murray family (former residents of Thistledown), please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Dr. McIlraith was our respected family doctor over 40 years ago and living in the same neighbourhood we have fond childhood memories of many outdoor pursuits at Torhaven (riding behind the tractor lawnmower still brings a smile).
Our hearts are with you at this time.
Al (Marilyn), Paul, Vince, Gina

Lorraine & Walter Wiush (patients of Dr. McIlraith for many years)

Entered March 5, 2017 from Etobicoke

The last of the best doctors!!!

Doreen McArthur (Extended family)

Entered March 6, 2017 from Lindsay, Ontario

He was a very special gentleman.

Dr. John B. McIlraith – July 1, 1926 – February 24, 2017

John was a son, husband, father and grandfather born on July 1, 1926 to parents Jack and Evelyn McIlraith (Coutts) predeceased in Toronto, Ontario. He attended Runnymede Public School then Humberside Collegiate and finally the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine where he graduated in 1951.

During medical school he took up the sports of boxing and lacrosse. He was the Secretary Treasurer of the Athletic Association in his 2nd year and the Class President in his 3rd year. John had a wonderful sense of humour and love of comedy. In his 2nd year of medical school he took part in the spoof “Daffydil Night”. He was also known for including jokes and funny sayings in his speeches and presentations.

John opened his first medical practice on Runnymede Road in Toronto. He met his wife, Sheila, after treating his future mother-in-law and asking only for “oatmeal cookies” as payment. Later he built a new office in Old Thistletown with his partner Dr. David Storey. As a family physician John developed a strong and devoted relationship with his patients. He delivered many babies over the years and would often have to leave the cottage soon after he arrived saying “Time to deliver a baby!” Being “On Call” and keeping his black doctor's bag in the car was common in the early years.

John was the founding Chief of Staff of Etobicoke General Hospital from 1971 to 1984 where he was a tireless and diligent leader who set new benchmarks for the delivery of health care to the Etobicoke Community. People who knew him said he exuded charm and passion in a quiet, persuasive manner and his dry sense of humour often had his colleagues “rolling in the aisles”.

John cherished time to relax at the Scugog family cottage. His favourite pastimes were reading a favourite book, watching the hummingbirds or cutting wood with his ax. Winters were spent skiing at Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood where he spent many a day trying to wrangle his four children to teach them the finer points of slalom style skiing – no more snowplowing allowed!

At home his favourite pastimes were painting with watercolours and oils and sculpting metal. John was inspired by all styles of art and produced many beautiful landscapes and abstracts. They filled practically every wall of Torhaven the family home.

All in all he was a man of few words, subtle humour and great intelligence with a love of art, music, the Bullmastiffs and his cherished family.