41 messages received
I worked with George Wolfe at the Moose Factory General Hospital in the 1990’s. I provided anesthesia for his patients. From across the drapes I observed a very skilled surgeon at work helping the people of the James Bay coast. Being in a remote operating room, he was often called on to perform surgery that would have been done by a sub specialist in southern hospitals. And so he served as general surgeon, vascular surgeon, obstetrician/ gynecologist, ENT surgeon, and urologist to the Nishnawbe people under his care. Few physicians could claim to have such a diversified practice. Always up for a goose hunt once he had to be retrieved from the James Bay lowlands by helicopter to perform emergency surgery. Adieu, George.
John Epps, March 1, 2021
Dear Family of George, I was born and raised in Red Lake and have for many years documented the history of the early residents of the district. George and I corresponded at various points over the years, and I have always been in awe of the contribution he made to McKenzie Island and to the entire Red Lake District. My heartfelt condolences.
John Richthammer, March 1, 2021
Dear Tonie, Oh how well I remember your husband from Moose Factory days. I worked with him and marveled at his kind manners assuring his patients with “soon you will feel much better”. He wanted my gall bladder but alas it only came out last month….but all the time I thought of him. He was tall and rather handsome with brilliant white hair and I could always hear his laughter from my Public Health Office….ohhh that was so very long ago. Tonie, he is very much alive in our hearts and memories. With our deepest condolences, Olga Leskiw and Nori Suzuki from Thailand
Olga Leskiw and Nori Suzuki, March 1, 2021
I have just learned of Dr. Wolfe`s passing. For a number of years I went to Moose Factory to fill in for George on his trips out. To the family I would say that it was a privilege to have known George and associated with him in those times and that capacity. I always thought that George epitomized the picture of indestructibleness. A truly amazing and caring gentleman!
Peter Scott MD,FRCSC, March 1, 2021
We were so saddened to hear of Dr. Georges passing. The knowledge and stories he passed along to Marilyn and I and to become Grandpa George to Tanis and Joshua are precious memories. Will always remember playing crib with him and seeing him in his shop turning wood down on the lathe and allowing Dave and I to work on our racing sleds during the winter in his space. He actually drove his plow truck down onto the lake in front of the house to help Dave and I to build our own practice track. It’s been a pleasure knowing Dr. George. Love to Grandma Toni from Gary, Marilyn, Tanis and Josh
Gary Lauzon, March 1, 2021
So very sorry for your loss of a wonderful person
Lorrie Brough, March 1, 2021
George was a good friend of our Dad, Harry Ehrlich. We 5 Ehrlich kids shared some wonderful times with the 4 Wolfe kids. Still remember Lisa and our little sisters and their rendition of “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree,” Thanksgiving at the Wolfe’s with Dr. W reading about the history of Thanksgiving from the Encyclopedia, and our adventure in trailer camping in Southern Oregon. Blessings to all the Wolfe’s. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne Ehrlich OBrien, March 1, 2021
Hi Toni, Our condolences to you and family from the Morison’s in Sioux Lookout. Our son Ryan was born into the old Sioux Lookout General Hospital where I imagine George may have worked at one time or maybe the old Zone Hospital. We lived for a time in Pickle Lake near where George worked in Pickle Crow. And of course we have all enjoyed time in Kenora and Lake of the Woods on the island that George spent so much time on. What an amazing career and life he had. He sure touched a lot of people’s lives in so many ways. I still meet people in NW Ontario that knew him. Our prayers are with you and we look forward to seeing you in Kenora. John, Lisa, Ryan & Christopher
John Morison, March 1, 2021
My mother Erna Arens Dowling always spoke so fondly of Dr. Wolfe. He was our doctor at Queen of the Valley hospital for many years. My condolences to your family.
Laura Dowling, March 1, 2021
Dearest Toni and Family, It was such an honor for Doug and I to have known George. As you know he was a great help to Doug when he was ill with IPF. I wanted to share some favorite stories about George that he told me when I was interviewing him to do a book about his life, which unfortunately, we never got to complete. George went to work at 13 on the railroad. He earned $13 monthly and took off for a month at a time – probably to hunt or fish. He related that he should have died at least 3 different times in the water during his lifetime. His favorite thing to do as a young man was to play the tuba. When he was a university student, to make extra money, he gave blood every 2 months for $25. He was an outstanding student and was the only graduate from his high school, after which, he was accepted at U of T Med school at 17 and graduated at 19. One of the landmark events in his life was when he was once chained to a prisoner from Kenora to Toronto and got paid for it. George’s Heritage 1. French 2. Bilingual/lived with his grandparents – grandmother never learned English 2. Born in Chapleau which was a train center. There were no roads, just trains. 3. His grandfather was from Rimouski, Quebec where he opened a store. He hunted & fished for food for his family. They lived on $200. monthly. George recalled that – movies were 15 cents then. 4. When Canada went into the Depression in 1929, his family did not receive welfare These few stories just scratch the surface about George’s remarkable life. He will be sorely missed, but I am so grateful to have had the privilege to know him. A life well lived and worth celebrating!
Suzie Sunshine, March 1, 2021
Toni and Wolfe family, please accept our sympathies, thoughts and prayers. I recall Friday night mixed curling in the 1980s where the good doctor told amusing stories about his time in the north as a young doctor. George was also a nice man, a life well lived.
Bill & Jo-Ann Glover, March 1, 2021
Dear Toni and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. George blessed us with his caring, wisdom and great stories. He was a legend and a fascinating neighbour. Hope to see more of you, Toni, next summer. Terry and Sheila Armstrong
The Armstrongs, March 1, 2021
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Wolfe. He was a dear friend to both of us and will forever remember his advise on many issues including our health. Moose Factory will be forever grateful for his service. William and Irene Carey
William and Irene Carey, March 1, 2021
So sorry to see the passing of George, he was a special person and always loved to talk to him…Condolences to Tony and her Family at this very sad and difficult time.
Judy and Rick Gervais, March 1, 2021
Toni, I am so sorry to hear the news about George. My thoughts are with you and your family and you will be in my prayers.
Charlene Owen, March 1, 2021
Toni, my condolences to you and your family in your loss. I remember the summers I worked at the golf course where I met you both.
Jennifer Lawrence, March 1, 2021
He was known as one of the best surgeons here on the Island of Moose Factory.He many a visits to my late parents Ron & Marie Mianscum.I remember him as a child,he operated on my hands.Sending my condolences to his family oxox ????????
Tina Mianscum-Wapacheee, March 1, 2021
Dear Toni and Family, So sorry to hear of George’s passing. Our family will always treasure the special times we got to spend with you both at the island on Lake of The Woods. My children were fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with such a distinguished member of our family as was I. His passing marks the end of an era for our Wolfe family – a family with an interesting history and many great stories – George being a key figure in many of them! George is fortunate to have left a wonderful legacy to many, something to which we can all aspire. May God bless your family and may George rest in peace with our Father.
Andrea, John, Matthew & Elaena Morison-Norrish, March 1, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr.Wolfe. Toni, I am, so sorry for your loss and he will be missed by everyone who loved and he knew him. May God keep you at peace now and for the days and years to come. My prayers to you and your loved ones. I also worked with Dr.Wolfe in the operating room in WGH,he was a fine surgeon and colleague !!
Sophia Linklater, March 1, 2021
Dear Toni and family Our sincere condolences to you and your family , George was a true gentleman , his accomplishments were many, to serving his country with distinction in WWII followed by an amazing Medical career, we are so sorry to hear of his passing .
Merle and Kevin Gavin, March 1, 2021
Tonie, we are thinking of you and your family at the time, remember having interesting conversations with George,he knew how to enjoy life. Gerry and Marlene Danis.
Gerry and Marlene Danis, March 1, 2021
Dearest Toni and Family….So sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was a kind and gracious man. You are in our prayers for comfort at this time. May God be with you.
Arnold and Astrid Allsopp, March 1, 2021
We offer our sincere condolence to his wife Toni, his children and grandchildren and his many friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie & Armand Bourget, March 1, 2021
Toni, we too are saddened to hear of Dr. Wolfe’s passing, we send you our sincerest condolences He was missed by so many when he left the area to retire, Bruce and I often talk about him and how willing he used to be to go out on an adventure. We treasure those memories of the boat and hunting trip out on the Bay and stayed at the camp with our family(s) and relative/elders, they truly enjoyed that fall hunt. Also, the brief visits to the beautiful Sesekinika with our children We are blessed that we knew such a man as Dr . George Wolfe. With Love & Respect Bruce & Stella Schimmens Moose Factory
Stella & Bruce Schimmens, March 1, 2021
We were so blessed in life to have crossed paths with George (and Toni). May Our Merciful Lord bring peace and comfort to all his loved ones. May God bless his soul.
John & Ursula Van Oosten, March 1, 2021
We were so blessed to have crossed paths with George (and Toni) in life. May Our Merciful Lord bring peace and comfort to all his loved ones. May God Bless his soul. Sincerely, Ursula & John Van Oosten
John & Ursula Van Oosten, March 1, 2021
Thank you to Dr. Wolfe for his generosity to so many over the years. My condolences to Toni and the family .
Beverly Allsopp, March 1, 2021
Growing up Doctor Wolfe was our neighbour in Moose Factory…he was great friends with my late Dad George Moore and my Mom Caroline who still lives in Moose Factory….I just want to say that I will always remember Dr. Wolfe as the man with the knife I would say as a child haha…so sorry for your loss Wolfe family….Donna
Donna Moore, March 1, 2021
Dear Toni and Family, My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Dr. Wolfe will be dearly missed!
Tom Armstrong, March 1, 2021
Dear Tonie and famiy, My sincere and deepest sympathies to you and your family.I worked with this wonderful man in Moose Factory where I seen him dedicate so many hours to the native population ..,He truly loved the North and I witness his incredible talent,expertise and compassion….. Prayers to you all……
Rita Perron, March 1, 2021
Dear Toni & Family, I am greatly saddened to hear the passing of Dr. Wolfe…I had the priviledge of knowing Dr. Wolf and worked with him in Albany & Attawapiskat Hospital as a Clinic Aide. Indeed he will be surely missed and will be fondly remembered around the James Bay Communities! God Bless you all today and as the days to come!
Stella Kiokee-Koostachin, March 1, 2021
Dr Wolfe was a very pecial Doctor in Moose Factory. He was well loved by the people there. Ian personally grateful for two surgeries he performed. My sympathy to the family in the loss of someone so special.
Wendy Kirk, March 1, 2021
Dear Family and friends of Dr. Wolfe: I never knew him, but I knew of him and his dedication. My friend was called back from the Germany where he was serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. His father was dying. The surgeon in charge refused to do anything more and felt Mike’s father had come to the end of his time. That surgeon then left on holidays. From the hospital window, Dr. Wolfe watched him leave, and as soon as he was officially off the property, he took over. A short investigation determined that the patient’s bowel had been punctured. Dr. Wolfe had him flown out to Toronto where his life was saved. Dr. Wolfe was a caring and loving man. My prayers are with you at this time of your loss. Eternal rest grant unto Dr. Wolfe, Oh Lord, and may Your Perpetual Light shine on him. God bless.
Doug Barker, March 1, 2021
Dear Toni, hugs and prayers to you and the family. We all have many memories of working with George, good ones here at Moose Factory. Take care. Anne
Anne Tomatuk, March 1, 2021
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Dr Wolfe. He was so kind hearted person. God bless.
Margaret Nakogee Grom, March 1, 2021
Dearest Toni and family. We were very sad to hear of the passing of George. Our prayers are with you and the family. I am sorry we didn’t get to see you and George this past summer but we still have good memory’s of you and George. Our deepest condolences. Shirley and Glen.
Shirley and Glen Lauzon, March 1, 2021
Dearest Toni and family….so sorry to hear of George’s passing….he was such a sweet man and dearly loved by everyone for his kind and gracious manner. You are in my prayers for comfort in your loss…May God be with you in the days ahead.
Lila & Ruben Charette, March 1, 2021
Dearest Toni and family: My most sincere condolences on the passing of George. I have had the opportunity to work in James Bay northern communities and would often run into someone who had the benefit of George’s surgical/medical skills. but beyond that they spoke of his deep commitment to those he served. A life well lived indeed.
Jo crouse, March 1, 2021
Toni and families…our deepest condolences to you all, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Brian and Leigh Fraser.
Brian and Leigh Fraser, March 1, 2021
Toni my sincere condolences to you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gerry Young, March 1, 2021
Dear Tonie, My Deepest Sympathies to you and your family. His struggle is over. Rest in peace Dr.Wolfe. My prayers are with all of you.
Aline Pittui, March 1, 2021