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3 trees were planted in memory of John McGrail
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
3 trees were planted in memory of
John Simon McGrail
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All our love and deep respect on the passing of Simon to the McGrail family . Liz, Keiko, Hana & Steve Hoiles Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Brian and Wendy Collier planted 5 trees in memory of John McGrail
Sunday, May 30, 2021
5 trees were planted in memory of
John Simon McGrail
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These trees are in memory of Dr. John Simon McGrail, a great man, amazing doctor, good friend. Please accept our sincere sympathies for your loss. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Anne Marie McDevitt posted a condolence
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Simon was a great doctor and a loving person. His legacy left the world as a better place. I will miss him.
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Lynn Tait (late husband James Jamieson Tait) posted a condolence
Monday, April 4, 2022
To Simon's family, I offer my delayed sympathies at the loss of Simon. I know without a doubt that my husband were he still here; would feel the same way.
Simon will be sorely missed by our family for what he gave my late husband and I. His excellent surgical skills and innovative procedures brought my husband's hearing back from less than 45% in one ear, less than 50% in the other to 80% and 85% respectively and without pain. Through many surgeries on both ears James was able to enjoy several years without hearing aids which afforded him the opportunity to actually hear his children's laughter all because of Simon. Simon gave James something he cherished and that was his hearing.
As for myself, Simon was able to give me the ability to breathe properly and without discomfort which I hadn't done since my early teens.
Both Brits and ever the jokers, James and Simon often teased and joked with each other during appointments and hospital visits. There was always laughter going on when these two guys were in each other's company. It was always interesting and afforded a chuckle to hear where Simon was rushing off to, had just flown in from or where he was was going on the plane that was waiting for him at the airport.
Please know McGrail family that your brother, husband, uncle, father and grandfather was loved not only by us but by every patient he was able to help or touch if even just a little bit.
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Kelly and William Best posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Dr. McGrail will go down in our history as the absolute best ENT doctor ever.
His medical professionalism and especially his knowledge was beyond reproach! He caught that my hearing loss attributed to my acoustic neuroma! Keep in mind I had seen dozens of doctors before him.
He really listened to me/usresearched and had an idea. His idea was correct!
I am hoping this does not sound like a google
Review but a review of how brilliant he is!
Thankyou Dr McGrail- from the bottom of our hearts! You saved our lives!
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Dick Howard posted a condolence
Sunday, June 13, 2021
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of the former Burnley Goalkeeper, Simon McGrail, a good friend over the years. He was later to become a renowned surgeon and team doctor for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Team Canada. Fonder memories of pick-up soccer games in the back garden off his former home off Bayview Avenue; games that involved the Wizard of the Dribble, Sir Stanley Matthews, an icon of English soccer (football). Parent evenings at Crescent School were equally enjoyable with progress reviews on McGrail 1 (Mark), McGrail 2 (Chris) and McGrail 3 (Justin)! These meetings always included discussions on the current status of the 'Claret and Blues' -- Burnley Football Club. In more recent years we reconnected in Nova Scotia when he involved me in a goalkeeping program at Acadian University and we had the opportunity to catch up. Sad that our paths did not cross more often. My condolences to the family. A true gentleman. He will be missed.
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Paul Odell posted a condolence
Sunday, June 13, 2021
It was my great pleasure to train under Simon at the Wellesley Hospital in the early 1970's. I learned much from Simon both medical and non medical. He was a true gentleman and a great role model for residents to emulate. We stayed in touch for many years after my residency had been completed and I sought his advice on numerous Head and Neck cancer problems and he was always helpful. It is sad to hear of his death but he left behind a world that was a better place and so many benefitted from his skills. He will be missed.
Paul Odell MD
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Anil Katyal posted a condolence
Thursday, June 10, 2021
I was very sad to hear of Dr. McGrail's passing, and my sincere condolences to his family. He was always a great teacher, mentor, and friend to me when I was a medical student, otolaryngology resident, and beyond. I will miss our great memories of discussing our dreadful Toronto Maple Leafs and English Premier League Soccer. And of course as everyone knows the stories were legendary.... He was always a gentleman to all, and he truly will be missed!
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Rebecca Caine uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, June 10, 2021
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I’m so sad to hear of Simon’s passing. He took care of me from the age of 22 in My Fair Lady through my years in Phantom and the COC. He fiercely and with glee defended me when Drabinsky would try to get me sing when exhausted and showed up at a concert only a few years ago. I burst into tears with delight. Rest in peace, dear man, thank you and so much love to Janet and the family.
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Susan McGrail posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, June 7, 2021
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Susan McGrail posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, June 7, 2021
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Susan McGrail lit a candle
Monday, June 7, 2021
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peter hooker posted a condolence
Sunday, June 6, 2021
i first met Simon through George Gross and my wife Olive and I became firm friends with Terry and Simon . We enjoyed many parties to-gether and shared our love of Football (Soccer) . One weekend he entertained the legendary footballer Sir Stanley Matthews even kicking the ball around with him in the back garden ! We ended up driving he and his wife back to their hotel . A few years later I met Sir Stanley prior to an England International match and he remembered the party well ! Also in his capacity as an Ear , Nose and Throat specialist Simon looked after Englebert Humperdink when he was in town . After one of his shows we were invited backstage with Simon and found out that Enge was a great golf fan and he accepted my invitation to play at my club St. Georges . Simon did not play but accompanied us around the course and at the third hole a bridal party were in the garden by the tee and one guest came over and said " is that actually Englebert "? When told it was the whole party came rushing over and Enge was most gracious for a few moments before we had to tee- off !! Some happy memories of Simon . My deepest condolences to all the family from mine ...several of whom had surgery by Simon ! Peter Hooker
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Penny Parker/Rankin posted a condolence
Saturday, June 5, 2021
I remember having the dubious honour of removing Dr.McGrail’s sutures after his appendectomy! He had a “private” room on 4S (Urology) at the Wellesley. I was Head Nurse at the time and colleague of Dr.s Ara Keresteci, John Rankin, Michael Jewett. I shook in my boots but he was so gracious and matter of fact. Always a gentleman.
My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Sincerely Penny Parker.
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Dr.Lorne Tarshis posted a condolence
Saturday, June 5, 2021
I am saddened to have just learned of Simon’s death.
Simon was a mentor and colleague of mine at the Wellesley Hospital.
Recognizing my surgical skill but with complete self confidence Simon offered me a Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology and subsequently a staff position and academic appointment as assistant professor at the Wellesley Hospital.
Shortly thereafter I was appointed by the University to be chief replacing his tenure.In my opinion a complete success story in a mentor -student relationship.
I am indebted to Simon for allowing me the freedom to explore and find my surgical passion.This led to the building of a private clinic in Toronto ..The Institute of Cosmetic Surgery..and a 35 year career dedicated lovingly and exclusively to cosmetic surgery.Without this freedom to explore,unusual in an academic environment,I do not know if I would have found the career path which has given me so much joy for so many years.
My condolences to all of Simon’s loved ones. He was a lovely unique man.
Respectfully
Dr.Lorne M.Tarshis
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A tree was planted in memory of John McGrail
Saturday, June 5, 2021
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Our thoughts and prayers to the McGrail family. Sincerely, Margaret Millington , the late Bill Millington and family Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Margaret Millington posted a condolence
Saturday, June 5, 2021
My sincere condolences to the McGrail family. As we were close friends to Simon and Terry when we lived in Oshawa ( many moons ago). Simon was my daughter (Ann’s) godfather as we were godparents to Mark.
I am most interested in contacting Terry, if so, she can contact me at 1-613-332-1642.
Loving thoughts and prayers,
Margaret Millington ( and the late Bill Millington)
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Alexander Clark posted a condolence
Sunday, May 30, 2021
I was a patient of Dr. McGrail's back in 2005. At the time I was studying trombone in university and I ruptured my orbicularis oris muscle. No one took me seriously or knew what to do until I met Dr. McGrail. When I contacted him he was actually in town visiting a family member and he saw me the same day! He was a very nice man, patient, empathetic, and encouraging throughout the whole injury. I ultimately ended up going to Toronto to get surgery from him. He called my trombone teacher to explain the injury prior to the surgery, and even met with me at his home in Nova-Scotia for a follow-up appointment. I was very impressed that he took the time to work with, understand, and develop solutions for such a niche group of patients.
Although I was never able to fully rebuild my trombone abilities back to a competitive level, I was inspired by his passion for helping musicians and I ended up switching career paths to pursing a career in medicine. I'm now one of the junior otolaryngology residents at Dalhousie University and I hope to incorporate his orbicularis oris repair procedure for brass players into my future practice.
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Brian and Wendy Collier posted a condolence
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Janet and family
We were saddened to hear of Simon's passing. Dr. McGrail was an extraordinary man. Both Wendy and I were not only fortunate to have had him as a doctor many years ago, but we also knew him as a friend. Simon was the type of man who everyone needs in their life. He was always a gentleman, but also a gentle man. A great voice, wonderful storyteller, and no matter how much time passed between contact, it was as though we last spoke a day ago. I will miss our chats about Burnley and other football (soccer) teams. I will miss him. We offer our sincere condolences and we want you to know our lives are better for having had Simon in them.
Regards,
Brian and Wendy Collier, Toronto
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Darlene Parker posted a condolence
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Dr Mcgrail will be missed very much, I was honoured to have worked for him at Montebello Medical.. he had a great personality was always being funny and always smiling even when he wasn’t having a good day... I remember going to see him at the Dartmouth General when he was in their a few years ago, Likely the last time I seen him. My thoughts and condolences go out to Janet and the family.
I will never forget him ❤️
You’ve been given your wings Simon RIP
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Donna Spencer posted a condolence
Sunday, May 30, 2021
I am honoured to have meet Simon in the last few years.He was a gentleman'sgentleman.my condolences to you Janet,your family and his friends.
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Gary F Walsh posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
My sincerest sympathies and positive thoughts & prayers to Janet and the family of "Simon The Great". JSM was such a wonderful man in so many ways...amazing bedside manner, fantastic story teller, kind and generous and always engaged on what was going on in your life (despite the fact he was having health issues for awhile). I have only known Simon for four years...but he had a profound impact in my own life and the lives of the Walsh Family. As I told JC many times...I wished I had known JSM longer and when he was in his somewhat heyday (health-wise). But I have so many wonderful memories of his recollection of classic tales of his life...and these will be cherished memories moving forward. The legacy of his book "Simon Says" will always be a reminder of his lasting legacy and his brush with famous celebrities (though I would have to say that Simon would talk to Engelbert Humperdinck the same way he would talk to anyone he met). I could write a novel in this serenity remembrance...but suffice to say...he will always be in my heart.
As I have told Janet in the last several months...she is such a brave and courageous soul for letting Simon stay in his happy place (home) and leave this world on his own terms (at a great emotional & physical toll on her). I bet he is an angel in heaven now looking down on all of us with a big smile on his face and giving us a trademark thumbs up. As Frankie swooned "I did it my way"...he did indeed do that. Love you JSM...hopefully we will meet again someday (in heaven). With much love and respect...always.
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Maria Soulis planted a tree in memory of John McGrail
Saturday, May 29, 2021
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Sent with love and remembrance, and gratitude for having known Simon. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Jeffrey Mendelsohn posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
As one of many Otolaryngology Residents who was fortunate to have worked with Dr. McGrail it is with sadness I hear of his
passing. I see many of the condolence messages talk about McGrail stories and it is really true. When old residents of his get together we often reference McGrail Stories. A life well lived.
With all best wishes to the family. May you be comforted by our rich memory of Dr. McGrail and by a sense that he is now at peace.
Dr. Jeffrey Mendelsohn
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Phyllis Bennett posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
I met Dr McGrail through my daughter, Casey Bennett, while she worked with him a few years ago. I spoke with him a few times and found him to be a delight. May your many memories of him sustain you. ❤
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Sandra L Robinson donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Tom Gillis posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
As an ENT resident at U of T in the late 1970's one of the most favoured rotations was with Simon McGrail at the Wellesly Hospital. I was left with great respect and experience. The stories he told were enlightening , humorous and not forgotten.
He will not be forgotten.
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Thomas Kennedy, MD posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
As an Otolaryngology resident under Simon I have fond memories of his knowledge, passion for his work, his wit and his extreme kindness to all those he encountered. His mentorship is what led me to pursue a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery and later Chairman of a Department. He will be missed but always remembered.
Best to his family.
Tom Kennedy
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Anthony Jahn posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
I greatly admired Simon when I was a resident 45 years ago. One of his less remembered talents was taking care of professional vocalists. His approach was the perfect combination of good medicine and good psychology.
I remember a show at O’Keefe Center one night, with Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. I was standing at the stage door, when the door swung open and out strode Simon smiling, arms linked with Steve on one side and Eydie on the other, like three old friends, laughing. That visual will always remind me of this warm and sophisticated multi talented gentleman.
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Michael Ruckenstein posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Dr. McGrail remains one of the most memorable people I have ever encountered. His wit, charm, and breath of experiences were unparalleled. During my training in ENT at the Wellesley Hospital, we would sit together and he would regale us with stories from his past over donuts! Even though we graduated in the early 1990s, when my co-residents and I get together we invariably recount Simon McGrail stories! He was a great man and he will be missed by the many, many people who he influenced!
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Andres Gantous posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
I am so sorry to learn about Dr. McGrail's passing, my sincere condolences to all his loved ones. I have tremendously fond memories of him during my residency in Toronto and in particular my rotation at the Wellesley Hospital. I will always remeber his kindness, humour and his endless and interesting life stories!
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Julie Chapman posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Janet and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. McGrail's passing. I spent 10 wonderful years as his Admin Assistant, 5 at the Wellesley Hospital and 5 in private practice, until his move to Nova Scotia. I have very fond memories of working with him and of his love for football (soccer), having to reschedule many clinics to accommodate his game viewing. There are still patients I speak with who ask about him so his legacy will be long-lasting. He was a pure English gentleman and will be sorely missed.
Julie Chapman
Janet Coates Posted May 28, 2021 at 2:11 PM
Thank you Julie. He truly was a gentleman and remained so 'til his dying day. He often told me what a valuable and efficient assistant you were. He will long be remembered by friends and colleagues and never forgotten by family. My life will be very different without him - his death has left a huge void.
Janet
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The family of John Simon McGrail uploaded a photo
Friday, May 28, 2021
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