Obituary of Dr. George deVeber

Dr. George deVeber M.D., FRCPC May 14, 1932 – November 19, 2016 George passed away peacefully in his 85th year, surrounded by family and a golden late autumn sunset. Until a few months earlier, he was enjoying life living in Rosedale, driving up to Collingwood, playing golf and sharing time with his friends and family. Beloved father of Scott (Christine) and Hilary (David). Loving grandfather to Gabriel, Heath and Celeste. Former husband of Heather (nee McNeil). Brother to Dr. Barrie deVeber of London, Ontario. He is survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends. George was born and raised in Toronto's Moore Park neighbourhood. His high school years were spent at University of Toronto Schools (UTS), where many of his most enduring memories were made on the hockey rink. He graduated from University of Toronto Medical School in 1956 where he formed many lasting friendships. George was a pioneer in the treatment of kidney disease. In 1965, at age 33, he founded the first chronic dialysis program in Ontario at Toronto Western Hospital and went on to lead the Division of Nephrology until 1987. George founded the first kidney transplant program in Ontario in 1968 and that same year was part of the Transplant Team for the province’s first heart transplant. In 1968, George founded the Ontario Chapter of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, where he remained involved for over 20 years. George served as President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada in the 1980’s. He was also instrumental in establishing Ontario's first organ donor program, now known as Trillium Gift of Life Network. After leaving the Western in the late 1980’s, George joined the private sector as Medical Director for Baxter and then worked in biotech at Vasogen. George was nominated for the Order of Ontario in 2011. He continued to work as a Physician up until he was 82. An avid sportsman, over the years George was a member of the Toronto Racquet Club, Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, Devil's Glen Ski Club as well as the Thornhill and Mad River Golf Clubs. George’s family and friends will remember him for his kindness, generosity of spirit and sense of fun. George often put the needs of others ahead of his own. A special thanks to Phyllis Clermont for her care of George and assistance with the deVeber family Genealogy project. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 28th. The funeral service will be held in ROSEDALE UNITED CHURCH, 159 Roxborough Drive on Tuesday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a celebration of George's life will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, 44 Price Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ontario Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada at www.kidney.ca/ontario/donate. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.