Dr. Basil John Steele Grogono

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Basil Grogono (age 92) announces his passing at home in Halifax on October 12th, 2015. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Sonia, and his children: Stella (Bill) McNeil, Clive, Alice (Brian) Rabideau, and Matthew (Lynn); his grandchildren: Joanna (Rob), Daniela (Ben), Jason, Pam, Anthony, Sarita, Richard, Matthew, Genevieve, Dominique, Julian, Pascale, Imogen, John, Chloe; Hannah and Sophia (and their mother Susie); his great-grandchildren: Kenny, Selena and Monty Basil; and by his older sister Joan.

He was predeceased by his parents Jonathan and Sissy Grogono, by his grandchildren Julia and Philip McNeil, and by his twin brother Geoffrey of whom he once said “It is a great occupation to be a twin”. When he was 16, Basil began his medical training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. This led him to serve in Palestine at the end of the Second World War. After this introduction to surgery, he returned to England to formalize his training as an orthopedic surgeon. This he did in Oxford where he met his beloved wife, Sonia. In 1959 Basil immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba and was soon followed by Sonia and their four young children.

He specialized in the rehabilitation of paraplegics, and was an early and enthusiastic supporter of organized wheelchair sports. This involvement led him to travel the world as Medical Officer with the Canadian wheelchair sports team. Later on, his practice took him to the Halifax Infirmary, then to Yellowknife's Stanton Territorial Hospital, and eventually to King Edward VII Hospital in Bermuda. He is remembered fondly by his patients and by those who worked with him for his dedication and kindness, and his passion for being a doctor.

Basil was a cheerful man with a capacity for wonder and gentleness. He was keen on many sports, including golf and tennis. He always had a project on the go, such as fixing old cars, capturing and compiling photographs, writing poetry, or studying chemistry at the age of 75. An avid reader and collector of books, Basil found the world a fascinating place. We will miss this dear man. The service will be held Wednesday, October 21st. at 2pm at the Anglican Church of the Apostles, 6670 Bayers Road, "Scent Free" - no perfume or aftershave please. Rev. Mark Marshall will be officiating.