Family, friends, colleagues and patients of Dr. Edward Grodecki mourn his sudden and tragic passing in a plane crash on the night of September 20, 2017.

Born in 1955 to Alice and John Grodecki, recent Polish immigrants, Ed grew up an only child to loving and dedicated parents who faced the constant challenge of providing for their family. A sense of loyalty, commitment to family, and unyielding work ethic defined how he lived his life.

A gifted oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Ed began his career with a committment to patients where the need was the greatest, including Haiti and remote Northern Canadian communities. He continued on to create a network of offices throughout Southern and Northern Ontario. His tireless work to build an infrastructure through which Canadians could receive much needed care has been widely lauded in the medical community. The kindness, compassion, dedication, and loyalty with which he treated his patients and colleagues have left lasting impressions on the hearts of all who crossed his path.

More than anything else, his commitment and love for his family was expressed in every facet of everything he aimed to achieve, accomplished and was proud of in his life. He leaves behind his wife Trish, who was the love of his life, and their two daughters Natasha and Savannah. Despite his busy schedule and intense work travel, Ed’s most cherished moments were spent with his family. His loving family, along with everyone else whose lives Ed touched, will honor his memory by aspiring to treat others with the love, compassion and respect Dr. Grodecki was known for. His larger than life personality and crazy sense of humour will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to all of the rescue teams involved, whose professional and tireless work throughout a 39-hour search has allowed the family to say their final goodbyes.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of Jane subway from 3-5 & 7-9 Wednesday, and 2-4 & 6-8 Thursday. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 29, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 47 Reynolds St., Oakville, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of fresh flowers, please contact Sheridan Nurseries ((905) 624-3722) to contribute to the memorial garden which will be planted in Ed’s honor at the family’s home.

For those who wish to assist the family of Ed's flight instructor Veronica Draghici who passed away with him in this accident, may contribute through https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-veronica-draghici