Obituary of Gary PODOLSKY, MD

GARY ROBERT PODOLSKY, MD On October 24, 2009, our dear Gary was taken away from us while on a trip to Los Angeles. Gary leaves behind his parents Robert and Eva; brothers Wayne and David; sister-in-law Kathy; sister Corinne; brother-in-law Carlos; and dear nephew Tristan, who Gary adored and doted on. Also left to mourn are many aunts, uncles, cousins, patients, friends and colleagues from around the world. Gary will be missed by his team at the Skylark Medical Clinic as well as by his patients - Gary specialized in travel medicine and had become the go-to person for travellers in the region. He was a caring and devoted physician, having studied at the University of Manitoba School of Medicine after attending Grant Park High School. Gary worked at various clinics in Winnipeg before opening a practice of his own. Even then, he still helped out at other clinics and made visits to Churchill to provide his services when needed. Previously, Gary worked for Carnival Cruise Lines as a medical officer on many cruises. He also worked as expedition doctor in Nepal and Tibet and as a civilian physician with the Canadian Air Force. He even found time to accompany patients on medical evacuations to and from Canada. Gary's passions covered many areas and he lived life to the fullest, travelling the world, learning foreign languages, painting, and taking many different classes in anything that interested him. Gary was also an avid reader, devouring books and even writing. He wrote articles, books, and was a regular travel writer for the Winnipeg Sun. Gary enjoyed spending his time with family and never missed an occasion to celebrate with them. He recently enjoyed the 100th anniversary of the Melnychuk family farm, spending time with relatives. His departure leaves a deep void in our hearts and we will miss him dearly. From the many emails, phone calls, and messages on Facebook, we know that his life touched many people - his selfless contributions to others will be missed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Chapel with interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's memory to the HealthBridge Foundation of Canada (www.healthbridge.ca) or to the Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Association. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044