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Dr. Nessim Naguib ISA

June 22, 1935 – June 16, 2016

In memory of Dr. Nessim Isa, beloved husband, adored father, loving grandfather, and Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, who surrendered peacefully to be with his Lord on June 16, 2016.  After a heroic eighteen year battle with cancer, Dr. Isa graciously passed with his loving wife Laraine and three children at his side. Born in Egypt, Nessim obtained his medical degree from Cairo University in 1960, then went to the United Kingdom for post graduate studies where he met his beautiful wife Laraine.  They returned to Egypt for two years before immigrating to Canada in 1967.  He earned a Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from McGill University in 1970 and established his medical practice in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1971 until his semi-retirement in 2006. Nessim continued to practice medicine part time in BC until 2015. Committed to growing the expertise of the medical community in Atlantic Canada Nessim served on the teaching faculty of Dalhousie University as Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology until his retirement.  He was instrumental in establishing the undergraduate medical training program at The Saint John General Hospital where he was Program Director. Celebrating excellence in medical studies in the local community, he established the Dr. N. N. Isa Achievement Award recognizing the most proficient 3rd year medical student from Dalhousie or Memorial University who completed their core training at The Saint John Regional Hospital. His advice to medical students, “Know your patient as a person, not just what their symptoms are.” In his distinguished career, Dr. Isa served as Past President of the Atlantic Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Director of the Gynaecological Oncology Division, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Medical Director of the Menopause Clinic at The Saint John General Hospital. He was a Fellow at both The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist and The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.  Dr. Isa was a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Member Emeritus of the Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists of Canada, and a member of The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, The North American Menopause Society, and both The New Brunswick and British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. After his retirement he moved with his wife, Laraine, to Kelowna, BC.  They have been lovingly married for 53 years.  He is survived by Laraine, their three children: Shareef (Tammy), Marcus (Dr. Kristie Kolkind), Dr. Susan (Dr. Sanjay Sharma), seven brilliant grandsons: Neel, Kadin, Kristian, Evan, Nolan, Andrew and Jonathan, four brothers and four sisters in Egypt. Nessim is predeceased by Mother Nagiah and Father Naguib. Papa’s examples and teachings will continue on in the lives of those left behind. In every game of chess, garden tended or challenge conquered, Papa’s wisdom will endure. “Once you make a decision, there is nothing left to worry about,” was a guiding principle that Nessim held steadfast until the end.

With heartfelt thanks to Doctors Leitch, Rao, McCauley, Sarbit,  Povah Butterworth, Hickman, Jones, Loken, Jugnauth ,Keating, Dolan  and the ER doctors of the KGH, the nurses of 4B, the staff of the Ambulatory Care Clinic, and the Blood Lab at the KGH.  A private family viewing is scheduled at Springfield Funeral Home. The funeral service will be presided over by Rev. Anne Privett and Ven. Trevor Freeman, and everyone is welcome. Dr. Isa’s life will be celebrated at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Rd. Kelowna on TUESDAY, JULY 5th,, 2016 at 10:30 am followed by internment at Saint Andrew’s Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1T2 or The B.C. Cancer Agency,

399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 5L3.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com,

250-860-7077.



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