George Plamoottil M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.(C), F.A.C.A. Varkey

March 22, 2021

Dr. George Plamoottil Varkey passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021, at his home in London, Ontario, with his beloved wife and son by his side. A native of Kottayam, South India, George completed his undergraduate medical training at the Christian Medical College in Vellore, South India, and then came to Canada in 1958 to pursue post-graduate training in anesthesia, in Montreal. After obtaining his fellowship, he returned to his alma mater in Vellore in 1962 as Chief of Anesthesia. In the same year, George married his medical school classmate, Mary. In 1971, George returned to Canada with Mary and their two young children, first to the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, and then in 1973, to the University Hospital in London, Ontario, where he worked until retiring in 1996. George had always had a special interest in pain management, so upon leaving University Hospital, he opened the London Pain Management Centre, which he ran until 2011. George loved his profession and took great pride in his work as an anesthesiologist. He was known as a kind, empathetic, skillful colleague and a generous mentor. The one thing George loved more than his profession was his family. His dear wife of 58 years, Mary, his daughter, Renu and son-in-law, Mark, grandchildren, Emily and Liam, and son, Joe. George always looked forward to spending time with his family and was always up for any get-together. He loved traveling, reading, and meeting friends for conversation and a good meal. George had an unwavering Christian faith which was reflected in every aspect of his life, and it was passed down to his children and grandchildren as his most lasting legacy for his family. A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will be conducted by Reverend Dave Exley at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Registration is required to attend the service. A livestream of the service will also be provided for those wishing to view remotely.

To register for George’s service, please click here: >Registration page for George’s service on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

To register for the livestream of George’s service, please click here:

>UPDATED Link for George Varkey: March 28, 2021. Registration for the livestream for George Varkey on Sunday, March, 28 2021 beginning at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of George are asked to consider Riverside United Church Memorial Fund or Doctors Without Borders.

Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, attendance numbers will be restricted. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols are in place which may preclude some from being able to attend and masks are mandatory at both indoor and outdoor services.

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Todays' service for George was so wonderfully moving and emotional. We were particularly touched by the messages from Mary and other members of his family. Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of a special and gentle man who continually carried himself with immense integrity and dignity. It was a privilege to know him, to learn from him, and to be in his presence. Blessings, Diane and Gary

~ Diane & Gary Alan Price

Dear Mary, Renu, and Joe, my sincere sympathy at George's passing. Wishing you peace and comfort in your memories and in the support of friends and family.

~ Patricia Peters

I was so sorry to hear of George's passing. Joe and I were good friends growing up together at the Riverside United Church Sunday School and were confirmed together. Joe, Renu and Mary I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Joe I pray that you will take comfort in knowing how much your dad loved you and how proud he was of you. Your friend Brent

~ Brent Smith

We are saddened to hear of George's passing. George was a wonderful loving gentle person. We have known George for many years, first meeting and sharing good times at Riverside church. George was a support to Lorne when Lorne had surgery. He was a calming influence. My dear friend Mary, may God comfort you and give you peace, now and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Joe and Renu and Mark and family With our heartfelt sympathy Lorne and Arly

~ Lorne and Arly MacDonnell

George and Leela were one year senior to me in CMC. During these seventy years, we were like family, keeping in touch during good times and bad times. I always addressed him as Varkey Sar, out of respect like for a teacher and he was like a big brother for me. His smile was so sincere. His care and concern for the CMC family and the people at large were remarkable. Thank God for the productive and long life he enjoyed. Leela, Renju, Renu, Mark, Emily, and Liam, may God comfort you with the thought that he is without pain and suffering and that we will get to be with him in the presence of the Lord.

~ Mariamma J Thomas USA

Dr Varkey, 7 yrs my senior, loved assisting my dad then madras and vellore bishop, in communion at Vellore st johns church whenevet my dad conducted service. I enjoyed company of the Varkeys at reunions, last time 2018 Toronto. Rest in peace Varkey Sir.

~ Paul

John and I just attended the virtual memorial service for Dr.George Varkey. What an incredible tribute to a remarkable man. We loved hearing the loving memories about dad and grandpa from his children and grandchildren . Rev. David Exley's message of comfort and love and Betsy's and Marque's and Emma 's beautiful music and voices filled the room with hope and love. I remember every time we saw Mary and George at church George would ask me how I was, referring to my chronic pain. He genuinely was interested and showed such empathy and concern for me and sometimes offered me advice to help me deal . I will always remember and treasure these talks and visits. Dr. Varkey was loved by his church family and will always be remembered as a caring, kind and loving man. John and I send hugs and love to Mary and family . May God surround you with His love and strength. Judy and John Welbourn

~ Judy Welbourn

It was a great honor to have known Dr Varkey and the family. "He has faught the good fight" and is now resting in the presence of his "Father" in heaven. Leelaakka,Renu and fly, and Ranju: Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this diffucult time. May god be your strength and comfort.

~ Ivor & Laura Pavamani

Roger and I will greatly miss Uncle. When visiting London, it would be one of the highlights of our trip to spend time with Uncle and Leela Aunty. Always a pleasure to listen, talk and just to be around him. For me personally, I will miss the person I saw and respected as my 2nd father. As I reminisce about all the family get togethers, I've been present at, I remember how he loved to fondly talk about family and friends. I especially, remember how he would always take the time to talk to each one of us and find out how we were doing. Uncle was a genuinely, loving & caring person and his presence will be greatly missed. As a Christian, I will not say goodbye but rather, as we say in Kerala, "See you next time/later." Leela Aunty, Renju, Renu, Mark, Emily & Liam, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs.

~ Rina & Roger Thibault

(Donated to Riverside United Church Memorial Fund)

We are very sad to know that George is no more. We had known him for almost 60+ years. We too are going to miss him very much. we always enjoyed visiting with the family, whenever we were in Canada and GOTC get togethers. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are with the family. Bimal and Sulabh Masih

~ Bimal and Sulabh Masih

with heartfelt sympathy for your peace and comfort love, Muriel and Bob

~ Muriel and Robert Estey

Dear Leelamma, our heart felt condolences and prayers. Love, Ponnamma, Saaji and family.

~ Ponnamma Cheriyan

Dear Leelamma, You, Renu & family, & Renju are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss George very much. Our heartfelt condolences. Love, Molly & Family

~ Molly Abraham & Family

George will be remembered as a true gentleman who always had a kind word to say and a gentle inquiry as to how you were feeling. Your Riverside family remembers and you will be missed.

~ John and Judy Welbourn

Dear Leelakochamma, Renju Achachan, Renu Chechi & family , our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers with everyone. Love and Prayers - Tonio , Daphne , Mon and Lalitha

~ Tonio and Daphne Thomas

Dear Aunty, Renju, Renu, and family. Our heartfelt condolences to you. Uncle was a great Godfather to me and I will fondly remember him being there for all of the milestones in my life. I'm thankful for him and for all of you. We thank God for his life and all those who have been blessed by knowing him.

~ Matthew Chandy

(Donated to Riverside United Church Memorial Fund)

~ June McKay