Dr. John Girvin
John passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday November 12th, 2024 at Highview Residence in London Ontario after enduring several years of Primary Progressive Aphasia.
John was the beloved husband of Bettye, wife of 65 years, Father of Doug (Ashley), Mike (Heidi) and Jane (Jon) and Grandfather to Scott, Ryan, Hanna, Hailey, Parker, and Chloe and twin brother to Julie (deceased).
John Patterson Girvin was born on Feb 5, 1934 in Detroit, MI to Dr. and Mrs. Patterson Girvin. He graduated from Ridley College in St. Catherines and continued on to the University of Western Ontario where he graduated at the top of his class in 1958 with an MD, during which time he played on Western’s Football, Basketball and Swimming teams. It was football in particular where John made his largest impact as quarterback and captain, leading the team to a national championship in 1957. After Western, John went on to McGill where he attained a PhD in Neurophysiology, and continued his collegiate football career. He continued to further his education in Glasgow, Scotland and Cleveland, Ohio before returning to London to complete his neurosurgical training, joining the faculty in 1968.
John went on to a highly accomplished career as a surgeon and researcher. He co-founded the Epilepsy Unit at University Hospital with Dr. Warren Blume, and lead advances in surgical techniques involving electrical stimulation of the brain and awake surgery for the treatment of Epilepsy. John also collaborated with a team at Columbia University that pioneered artificial vision for the blind.
John served as a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Chairman of the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, served on the Senate and Board of Governors of the University of Western Ontario and on the editorial boards of several national and international neuroscience journals. Over his years, he trained numerous neurosurgeons who went on to serve both national and international communities.
In the latter portion of his career, John and Bettye moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where John chaired the Department of Neurosciences, and established the Epilepsy Unit at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. John was also civic minded, serving on the boards of several London arts and athletic organizations.
While John’s first love was his wife and family, he also fell in love with the Canadian North through numerous white water canoe trips across the arctic with his friends. He shared his love of the outdoors with his family by leading canoe trips with his sons throughout their childhood.
After many family summer vacations on Cape Cod, John and Bettye purchased a home on Nantucket which they loved for 35 years.
The Girvin family would like to sincerely thank the team at Highview Residence for their outstanding care.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider a donation to the Blume-Girvin Epilepsy Centre at London Health Sciences Centre or the charity of your choice.
Visitation on Thursday February 27, 2025 from 3-6 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond.
NOTE: Change of venue for Celebration on Friday: A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday February 28, 2025 at 2 pm at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 280 St. James St. at Wellington. Parking on-street or at Harris Funeral Home. Reception to follow at Harris Funeral Home.