In Celebration of

Dr. Alan Horst Gerulath

March 23, 1939 -  March 13, 2024

Dr. Alan Horst Gerulath, 84, of Etobicoke, peacefully passed away with family by his side on March 13th, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Alan is survived by his wife, Susan, his sons Karl (Sharon) and Peter (Alana) and his four grandchildren Finn, Jack, Henry and Everett.

Alan was born Horst Alwis Gerulath on March 23, 1939, in a German settlement in Kaunas, Lithuania to Gustaf and Amanda Gerulath. Extraordinary circumstances led Alan’s family to Germany where they lived in Dresden, and Lebenstedt, then to Canada where they settled first in Hamilton and eventually in Toronto. This would become the family home where he spent the rest of his life.

Alan embarked on an academic journey at the University of Toronto, where he cultivated his passion for medicine, earning his M.D. in 1963. His quest for knowledge led him to pursue a two-year fellowship at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, where he earned his Master of Science from the University of Texas. With unwavering commitment, he dedicated his career to serving others as a Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology specializing in Oncology. As well as being an excellent physician, Alan was also a leading scientific researcher in the field of women’s health. Alan was also an educator. He returned to his alma mater as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and lectured around the world. He left an indelible mark on countless lives during his tenure at St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto.

It was at St. Michael’s Hospital that Alan met Susan, his travel companion and devoted wife of 54 years. They married, and settled down in Etobicoke, their home base from worldly adventures, and raised their two sons. Following retirement Alan relished his new role as Opa, and delighted in spending time with his grandchildren and finding new adventures to take them on.

Alan was a man of many passions. An intrepid traveler, he roamed the world's corners, collecting experiences and stories. A connoisseur of fine cuisine, he found joy in savoring life's flavors alongside those he held dear, and in close company he never missed an opportunity to share an exaggerated tale, an off-color joke or to feed the dog under the table.

The family invites friends and loved ones to reminisce and pay their respects during the memorial at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 2-3pm with a memorial service in the Chapel at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arthritis Society of Canada in Alan’s name would be appreciated.

Guestbook 

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Jackie & John Beunen (Friends)

Entered March 19, 2024

Very sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Sharon, Karl, Pete, Susan and families.

Steve Cosentino (Cousin)

Entered March 19, 2024 from Whitby/Highlands East

Fran, Karl, Peter and family, I am so saddened to hear this news. My sincerest and most heartfelt of condolences. Steve

Martha Quin (Sister-in-law)

Entered March 19, 2024 from Ajax

Alan was an amazingly compassionate person He never failed to advise and refer us to medical specialists when needed but most importantly we were family to him. My daughters Anicka and Jennie are mourning the loss of their Uncle Alan and godfather who seemed so strong that somehow he would always be a presence in our lives. Rest In peace Alan until we meet again
Love Marty, Anicka, Jennie, Cliff, Matthew & Gracie


Dana Sheahan (Friend/Colleague of Karl & Sharon)

Entered March 23, 2024 from Mississauga

Dear Karl, Sharon, and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your father/father-in-law sounds like an incredible man, doctor, and Opa. Hold close all the many wonderful memories you have to help you during this difficult time.
Love Dana Sheahan

Dr. Fred Engle (Former colleague from Mount Sinai Hospital)

Entered March 23, 2024 from Toronto

I first met Alan Gerulath when I began my residency in O&G in 1970. Through those earlier years of training and then as a colleague at the U of T, Alan was always a friend, a source of information and a teacher.
I will miss him.

Photos 

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