Obituary of Dr. Joseph Michael Kagan

Peacefully, on January 27, 2023, at the age of 100, Dr. Joseph Michael Kagan passed away with members of his family at his side. His memory will always be treasured by his wife and companion of 64 years Irene (nee Hall); daughters Ruth of Ottawa, Deborah(Kevin) of Winnipeg, Mary(Duncan)of Victoria and Andrea(Roman) of West Vancouver; sons Michael(Colleen) of Morden and John(Neftali) of Vancouver; grandchildren Leah(Lee), Leeza, Yurdan, Daniel(Melissa), Ulyana, Sarah, Jessica and Rebecca; great grandchildren Evelyn and Emma. Joseph was predeceased by his parents Francisek Kagan and Maryja (Wiernek) his sister Ruzia (Sister Alphonsus) and his brother Tomaoz. He is survived by his youngest sister Frania (Ilków, Frances) of Montreal. Joseph Kagan was born on March 7, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he completed his primary and secondary education. He attended University of Winnipeg for Sciences. He graduated magna cum laude from Université de Laval (1946) in Quebec City where he studied in French earning his Doctor of Medicine. He completed internships at the Regina General Hospital (pathology 1948/49), Mercy Hospital in Chicago Illinois (pathology 1950), Saint Louis School of Medicine in Missouri (surgery residency 1950-1952), and at the Winnipeg General Hospital (1958). He practiced surgery for over 50 years working at several hospitals including Dauphin General, St. Boniface, Winnipeg General and the Health Sciences Center. He taught medicine at the University of Manitoba, Health Sciences and St. Boniface. His lifelong devotion to practicing medicine was endless and he always enjoyed learning new and innovative surgical techniques. He retired at the age of 80 years old, and often said “life begins at 80”. Dr. Joseph Michael Kagan lived a life of integrity, stood behind his convictions, and devoted his life to caring for others. Joseph valued the ability to communicate in other languages and was multi-lingual in Polish, Ukrainian, French and English. He was proud of his Polish roots and was president for many years of the Turek foundation. He loved the piano, classical and jazz music, especially Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spent many summers camping across the country with his family. A favorite spot was Clear Lake. He loved walking his dog and was a voracious reader. He was always interested in world events and particularly individuals who were hard working and accomplished from a moral point of view. When asked what he wanted for father’s day, birthday etc. he always said he just wanted to sit and enjoy a good meal with all his family. He was a caring husband, father and very proud grandfather and will be dearly missed. Do zobaczenia. Thank you to the staff at Tabor home in Morden, Manitoba, who provided excellent care for our father during the last years of his life. Your kindness and dedication are greatly appreciated. If so desired, donations in Dr. Joseph Kagan’s memory may be made to Tabor home, 450 Loren Drive, Morden Manitoba R6M 0E2.