McPherson, George Duncan
1932 - 2020
Duncan passed away peacefully in Vancouver, BC on August 15, 2020 at dawn. He is survived by his immediate family, his loving wife, Carol and daughter Alexandra; daughter Margaret (Bob), sons Ian (Louise) and Hugh (Clariel) and four grandchildren, Maren, Jocelyn, and newborn twins, Stellan and Lachlan. He is predeceased by his daughter Cathy and survived by his former wife, Catherine.
Duncan was born in Brant County, Ontario, the middle child of three. His sister Helen and brother Gordon predeceased him.
Early on, Duncan knew he wanted to be a doctor because he wanted to “help when no one else knew what to do”. He went on to pursue studies at the University of Western Ontario where he graduated with his Doctor of Medicine. During this period, Duncan drove a tour bus in Banff, Alberta for five summers in order to supplement the cost of his education. This was a happy time for him where he developed a love of the Rocky Mountains.
He interned in Chicago and later became a Fellow in Orthopaedics at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY and instructed in Orthopaedics at Cornell University. His interest in research led him to the University of Lund in Malmo, Sweden where he became a graduate medical research fellow, presented his thesis and received a PhD. Much later in 2015, he was honoured as a doctor jubilaris at Lund. His son, Hugh, also an orthopaedic surgeon, wife Carol and daughter Alexandra attended as guests. In Sweden, Duncan formed many life-long friends.
Duncan had previously received a Master of Science degree from University of British Columbia and chose to settle in Vancouver to practise orthopaedics. Later in his career, he became interested in automotive medicine and accident reconstruction which led to forensic orthopaedics. He had a passion for cars and was drawn to the study of accident reconstruction. He would want to be remembered for his participation in bringing about seat-belt law in British Columbia. To this end, he worked tirelessly with both provincial and federal governments. He was also interested in first aid and transport of the injured. He became an Officer Brother of the Order of St. John Ambulance and was a recipient of the Centennial Medal. Duncan served as President of BCMA, now Doctors of BC. Duncan was a longstanding, loyal member of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine and served on its Board of Directors during a time when the Association was undergoing a positive change in its strategy to influence public policy in crash injury control. Duncan was a very reflective director. His contributions to the discussions were always well thought through. During one memorable board meeting, one of the Association’s officers was determined to promote himself as the obvious leader of the new movement. While the other directors were reluctant to speak out, Duncan’s patience wore thin. He emphatically stated that this was a team approach, which included the Executive, that moved the Association to a new level of influence and its success could not be claimed by one individual. The board supported this position unanimously and the Association continued on its path to be a force for good.
On the personal side, Duncan had many interests including reading, sailing, boat (model and actual) construction and car restoration. He explored the west coast of BC in “Black Chanter”, a ketch he built. He was particularly fond of Lasqueti Island where he shared many happy summer adventures with his family. He enjoyed exploring the island’s coastline in a small dinghy and drank in its rugged beauty and serenity.
A memorable and pivotal sailing voyage in the Mediterranean Sea with Swedish friends was a sailing highlight which led to navigating the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Athens at a time before GPS. He enjoyed the coastal waters off the west coast of BC many summers in “Carronade”. He participated in racing “Carronade” at RVYC and always welcomed inexperienced racers to come aboard and race for the joy of it.
Duncan’s fondness of the mountains and exploration led him to the Interior of BC where he found a country home that became the location of many happy social gatherings. Everyone was welcome and many friends and family gathered around the dining room table to share good food and wine. Here he restored two vintage family farm tractors with his lakeshore friend. This was a happy time.
Duncan was a kind and humble man who was always ready to come to the assistance of anyone in need. May God bless him. He will be missed dearly. Due to the pandemic, there will be no gathering in Vancouver. Duncan’s ashes will be interred according to his wishes.