Dr. Graham McMorland passed away in South Africa on August 1 of this year. Over the last number of years he suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome and required blood transfusions frequently. This became more problematic during the current Coronavirus pandemic. As most of you know Graham lived the last number of years in South Africa.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa on March 18, 1926. Graduated in Medicine from the University of Capetown, South Africa in 1951 following service in the Royal Navy during World War II. Internship for 2 years. Surgical Registrar and Anaesthetic Registrar at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban, South Africa from 1956-59. Diploma in Anaesthesia R.C.P. & S. England in 1959. Anaesthetic Resident at H.G.H. from 1963- 64. Attended McGill Anaesthetic Course for a short time following which received Certification in Anaesthesia from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Practiced Anaesthesia in Willowdale, Ontario from 1964-65. Appointed to the H.G.H. anaesthetic staff in 1965. After several years in Hamilton, moved to Vancouver, B.C., where he is continued anaesthesia at the University of British Columbia.
In 1982 Graham became the first head of the Department of Anesthesia at Grace Hospital (which later became BC Women’s Hospital) when it moved to the “new site” on Oak Street. He was a superb clinician, teacher, mentor and friend. He epitomized the word “gentleman” in all that he did. He was a past President of SOAP and hosted a SOAP meeting here in Vancouver. After his retirement in 1991 he moved to Mexico and then returned to Vancouver due to health concerns. When he found the cool, damp winters too difficult he returned to his birthplace in South Africa.
He is survived by his wife Beth, his two daughters and grandchildren.
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