Passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the age of 78. Loved by his wife Lorna, daughters Lynn and Karen (Jim), son Jeff and his pride and joy his grandsons: Kris and Jorgen. Hjalmar was born in Riverton, Manitoba and grew up in Gimli and Winnipeg. After graduating from the University of Manitoba he began his medical career serving as the only doctor for the Gulf Islands, residing on Salt Spring. Following this, he completed his residency, specializing in pediatric urology, at UBC and practiced at BC Childrens’ Hospital until his retirement in 1995. During retirement he continued to mentor and teach medical students as well as spend as much time as he could at the Shaughnessy Golf Club.
A well respected and popular physician, he was known for his kindness, sense of humour, and practical jokes. In addition to his clinical work, he was passionate about teaching and mentoring and was a Professor of Surgery at UBC, actively involved in surgical research. His joy was his family, their summer place at Woodlands, his many friends and his Icelandic heritage. It was a toss-up whether hockey or golf came first. He will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, friends and by his former patients who were fortunate enough to have been in his care. Special thanks to the VGH Emergency staff for their kind and compassionate care.
Service to be held on Thursday, May 21, at 11am at St. Mary’s Kerrisdale Anglican Church, 2490 West 37th Ave., Vancouver. Reception to follow at the Arbutus Club.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Urology Foundation, 6th Floor, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9,
or a charity of your choice.
Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 604.738.0006