Dr. George James Mohan Venkatarangam

He was born in Guntur, India, on the 15th of March 1935. During his childhood, he lived mainly in what is now the state of Tamil Nadu. He initially studied botany, but then received admission to the Christian Medical College in Vellore to study medicine. Through the church choir there, he met Gracy Varoo, who was doing her Bachelor of Nursing degree. They were married on the 4th of February 1963. After they had both finished their basic training, they lived in many different places in the USA, England and Canada, before settling in the province of New Brunswick in 1975, which was their home for 41 years, first in Rothesay and then in Quispamsis. After George had retired from practicing medicine at the age of 80, they moved to Toronto in 2016 and finally to the south shore of Montreal in 2022.

George worked for many years as an anesthetist at St Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John. He was a dedicated physician, concerned about the well-being of his patients and never missing a day of work. He maintained strong ties with his alma mater, CMC Vellore. His Christian faith was very important to him. He read the Bible daily and attended church services regularly for as long as he could. He served as an elder in his home church in Saint John, the Church of St. John and St. Stephen (now Grace Presbyterian Church). At work and in his spiritual life, he had a strong sense of duty and responsibility.

During his time off, George liked being at home, especially if he could have his family around him. He did, however, have an active social life, mostly arranged by his wife, and enjoyed hosting dinners at their home for friends and relatives. His children’s friends were always welcome. He loved his home on the Kennebecasis River and could often be found sitting peacefully by the water.

George was a devoted husband and father, caring and providing for his family and taking pride in the accomplishments of his children. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gracy, in December 2023. He is survived by his children, Sheila (Abraham), Nina (Howard) and Stephen (Annabelle) and his grandchildren Elisabeth, Rayna, Sonia and Shaan. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made in his name to the foundations of any of the following institutions: the Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, the Scarborough General Hospital in Scarborough, Ontario, and Hôpital Charles Lemoyne in Greenfield Park, Québec, or to a charity of one’s choice.