DR. GARRY CONRAD
SCHROEDER, MD, FRCP
November 15, 1954 -
December 28, 2014
It is with deep
sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband Garry who was forced
to quit working from Cancer Care Manitoba due to acute illness in November
2014.
It was important to
Garry that people knew he did not retire voluntarily and that illness coerced
his leaving the medical profession. He had voiced that the perfect timing for
his death would be to finish his week of call and then expire. Given a choice,
there is no doubt that is exactly the scenario he would have picked. Always the
consummate professional where patient care was first and foremost.
He did not want a
lengthy obituary and honouring his wishes, this will be a relative short entry.
He always said to those whom he mattered knew him and to those who didn't, it
was of no consequence. He was a man of action, mostly anonymously; not one for
flowery sentiment or public recognition. He was well suited to his profession,
having served the people of Manitoba and Canada for nearly three decades as a
physician.
Garry was a man of
intense honour and integrity. His word and his handshake were sacred to him and
he didn't give either lightly. His favourite all time TV series was Dallas and
he loved it when JR said, "Contracts are made to be broken but a handshake
is the word of God".
He was extremely
generous with both his time and his money, always going and working the extra
mile, as well as supporting many charities his entire adult life. Many patients
also received the benefits of "A one-time social work stipend that only a
physician could apply for on behalf of their patients". There was no need
for them to bother themselves with the paperwork, he would do it for them. The
next day, the fund was readily available. It was always patient care first and
his dedication was reflected in his clinical practise every day, including time
off as he would research like a fiend to ensure he was always up on the latest
drug or therapy.
Garry was particularly
interested in supporting the poor with social justice and their much needed
medical attention. He also loved animals, "critters" as he
affectionately referred to them and supported their well-being also. He was in
many ways charmingly old fashioned and chivalrous. He was a staunch defender of human equality.
One such example was working with female Muslim residents who would ask if it
was okay if they left to say their prayers. He would reply, "You don't ask
me to say your prayers. You tell me".
There are so many examples
of his goodness throughout his life both professionally and personally, but
honouring his wishes, they are private and not to be on public display.
As his wife, I wish to
express my deep appreciation to the kindness shown to Garry during his hospital
stays; gifts, food, visits, prayers, and the best medicine of all, a cup of
tea. Following in his own way, those of
you who were important to him know whom you are. It was the encouraging words
and doing what you could to show compassion that deeply touched him. Although he did not want many visitors, his
affections and thoughtfulness were voiced as it was expressed to him people
were thinking of him or praying for him. He would say thank you and want you
all to know it was appreciated even if it could not be expressed in person. It
did comfort him and make a difference in his final days.
All of the staff, in
all parts of his hospital stays were deeply appreciated; not just the usual
physicians and nurses but the auxiliary staff and in particular the nursing
assistants who provided him much physical comfort. He mentioned this several times. As his wife
I also wish to express my deep gratitude for your expertise and kindness on HSC
H4 and MICU.
The world is less of a
better place because he is no longer in it. He will be deeply mourned and
cherished.
A private family only
service will be held to honour Garry's life.
Wojcik’s Funeral
Chapels & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Rest my dearest
love rest.
You successfully
ran a valiant race and made the world a better place.
It was not in vain. It will not be forgotten.
You made a
difference and it was indeed good.
Rest my dearest
love rest. It has been well earned and more.
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 - 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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