Anthony (Tony) Turk McCourt - September 1, 1935 – March 15, 2021

Passed away peacefully in the palliative care unit of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre after a most valiant battle against myriad health challenges. While family and friends are sad to say goodbye, we salute the warrior that was Tony. We take comfort he is now finally at peace, with God, and his beloved wife, Annie.

Ever a proud Scotsman, Tony emigrated with his young family to Canada from Glasgow, Scotland in the mid ‘60s. He was a dedicated family man who retired from a long career as Head Caretaker at the former Scarborough Board of Education.

Tony enjoyed a full and faith-filled life; he was a beloved son, brother, husband, son-in-law, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. Many passed before him and many remain to miss him, his tenacity and yes, his stubbornness!

The extraordinary kindnesses, care and love extended to Tony were boundless. There were many disparate angels who touched him, offering friendship, tenderness, medical expertise and compassion, and sometimes what seemed like pure magic! His journey was eased by all of them. These angels know who they are: his thoughtful neighbours; the attentive and entertaining crew and punters at McS; the compassionate at home nurses and PSWs – most notably our Dolly who is forever a member of our family; Dr. Ron Linden and his excellent team at The Judy Dan Wound Care Centre. Finally, but certainly not least, our heartfelt thanks to the exceptional medical teams at Sunnybrook for their most empathetic and professional care: Dr. Michelle Hladunewich (the magician), now Chief of Medicine, and Tony’s lead nephrologist for over 4 years, and her spectacular nephrology/dialysis teams, most specifically Nurse Practitioner, Brandi Grozell. Dr. Michelle, “thank you” doesn’t cut it. You steered us all with your professional, candid and deft hand; we were so lucky to have you. Dr. Michelle’s final gift to Tony these last few weeks was to put him in the most capable and benevolent hands of Dr. Deborah (Debbie) Selby, palliative-care physician at Sunnybrook. Dr. Selby is truly a “giant” in what is one of the most important areas of medicine – offering dignified, comfortable and honest end-of-journey care. Thank you and the entire team at the unit.

Due to safety concerns surrounding the pandemic, a private funeral service and burial with family in attendance will take place. At a future date, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church.

Please leave a memory or note of condolence in the guestbook. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider a donation in Tony’s name directly to the Division of Nephrology Patient Care Fund that assists dialysis patients. Donations can be made via phone (416.480.4483). a mailed cheque to Sunnybrook Foundation, P.O. Box 1277, Station K, Toronto, M4P 9Z9 (please identify gift designation to the Nephrology Fund) or on line which requires some work! (www.donate.sunnybrook.ca), select “Gift in Honour or Memory”, under designation choose “Other” and then type “Nephrology Patient Care Fund).