Gary Edward John Steinhoff died on February 26, 2022 at home, in the arms of his loving wife, Carolann.
Gary was born in Kitchener, Ontario, on April 6th , 1949 to Leighton and Lorraine Steinhoff. While still completing his surgical residency in Ottawa, he travelled to Victoria to visit his lifelong friend, Doug, and fell in love with the sea. He decided to set up his practice in Victoria and soon afterward commissioned the building of a new C&C 40 sailing yacht at Niagara-on-the-Lake. He moved aboard soon after Gleneagle arrived in Victoria and spent many happy years living aboard and sailing the west coast whenever he was not in the office or operating room. He met Carolann and they were engaged after three dates and married a few months later in 1984. They travelled the world together, on land, visiting pretty well every country on the planet, and at sea, chartering sailboats and sailing the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, New Zealand and the coast of Turkey. Eight years ago, they decided to have their dream boat built in England, an Oyster 475, which they named Aquilina (Sea Eagle).
Gary was a dedicated and respected urologist with a practice that spanned 34 years serving the Victoria community and beyond. He was a deeply caring and compassionate physician to his patients and their families. He was a member of the Medical Advisory Board, Canadian Interstitial Cystitis Society, Chairman of Urology Quality Assurance Committee, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Member, Credential Committee for Canadian Urology Research Consortium, Consultant, Victoria Fertility Center, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Urology Surgical Tumour Group Chair, Surgical Oncology Network Tumour Group at BC Cancer Agency & served as Chief of Urology, Vancouver Island Health Authority, for 24 years. In addition to chairing many other medical boards too numerous to include herein, he was Principal Investigator for over 87 clinical research trials.
In 2000, Gary and Dr. Charles Ludgate together founded the Island Prostate Center in Victoria in order to provide much needed support and education and care to prostate cancer patients and their families. The IPC is still thriving today.
In addition to Carolann, Gary is survived by his sister Debbie (Tsuyoshi Hasegawa),many nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks to close friends Doug and Lars, for their constant companionship and support during his illness.
A gathering to pay tribute to this wonderful man will be scheduled at a later date at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
I really don’t know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it’s because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it’s because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or to watch it – we are going back from whence we came. –John F. Kennedy.
When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun. -William Shakespeare.
Memorial Service
Thursday, April 6th, 2023
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Royal Victoria Yacht Club
3475 Ripon Road
Victoria, BC
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
http://www.mccallgardens.com
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Judy Beardall
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April Dorey Hartwig Dear Carolann,
I was very sorry for your loss and to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a wonderful man and I feel thankful to have known him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Sending you love.
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Erin Murphy Carol Ann I am so sorry for your loss. Our love and hugs from PEI
Love Erin O’Brien Murphy
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Helene Kadziora Any time I am here for you Carolann…I am so sorry for your loss.
May his Memory be a true Blessing
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Brian Jesshope It was heart-breaking to read Gary’s obituary. He was my urologist, and I owe my life to his surgical skill. Here I am, alive and well at nearly 84 years old, having survived 9 years after the removal of my bladder. It is tragic that such a man who devoted his life to treating and curing cancer should succumb to this disease.
I remember well how every day after my surgery Dr. Steinhoff would take time from his busy schedule to visit me in the hospital before returning to a 12 hour day in his office. Such a caring person! I will never forget him.
Gary’s passing is a great loss, not only to his family but to the world.Brian Jesshope
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Marnie Dunn I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Steinhoff at RJH OR, 2Royal and VGH OR, he was so wonderful, kind and compassionate, not just with his patients, but with staff too.
That Gary was quite a character and impressionist, sharing many a story and giggle that made work ‘fun’.
My sincerest condolences to the family, he truly was a outstanding, invested Surgeon.Marnie
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Donna Cottell I understand your Grief, CarolAnn . Your Gary Cared for my Phil for many Years … 18 to be precise. Phil died last October after the lease on life he had from your husband’s excellent surgery. I will never forget the caring phone call I got from your husband after Phil’s surgery so long ago! My thoughts are with you … I understand .
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Tom and Sharon Park Carolann
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. What a beautiful life he lived and shared with you. Our hearts go out to you and to everyone who loved him.
With deepest sympathy,
Tom and Sharon Park
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Robert Parker Dear Carolann
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man and I credit him with saving my life. May you have many memories of your life together, skipping over the waves of time and into sheltered waters
Sincerely Robert
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Lynda Schinbein Dear Mrs. Steinhoff:
My husband and I were very saddened to learn of your husband’s passing. He was my surgeon/urologist for years, always going far beyond the extra mile to deal with my complications and setbacks. His compassion, depth of knowledge, surgical skills and sense of humour combined to make him an incredible doctor.
He will be sorely missed.
Sincerest condolences,
Lynda Schinbein
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Adrien Page Dear Carolanne, I am so sorry to find out Gary has departed. I am very thankful that I got to see him for a few moments at your home when he came home last from the hospital. I do have some regrets. I should have had some tender words with him, and I should have given him a big hug and thanked him for being so kind to me. I do, and will miss him. Thank you for sharing him, he touched many people’s lives.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Hope to see you again.Adrien
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Walter Salmaniw Gary was very special to me. A genuinely kind soul. When I was a young physician finishing a terrible locum in Victoria, I met Gary on the steps of the Royal Jubilee Hospital. He told me about a practice which was coming available, and that he thought would fit my needs perfectly….that was 38 years ago now, and he was absolutely right. Rest in Peace, dear Gary. I’ll really miss you!
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Chuck & Teri Corrigan Sincerest condolences to all the Steinhoffs from the Ontario Corrigans.
Such sad news.
Gary will be missed.
Chuck & Teri Corrigan & family
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Brian Finn Gary was a good friend of mine and the Finn family of Wellesley Ontario. His father Lee cut my hair and my 3 brothers- buzz cuts, from the time we were kids. My father, Dr. John “Bud” Finn was good friends with Leo, and I remember the barber shop at the 5 Points in Kitchener where Gary and Deb grew up. When I was a 2nd year medical student in Ottawa, I became quite dehydrated and didn’t know who to see or call. So I reached out to Gary, who was a urology resident at Ottawa U., and he came to our apartment off of Elgin St., hooked me up to an IV for fluids, and 2 litres later I was good to go! My wife Felicity and I attended Gary’s wedding and the reception at the Empresses Hotel with our 1 year old son Allen.
Gary was always so friendly and willing to help, and he enjoyed his career, marriage and sailing. We will miss him greatly. Dr. and Mrs. Brian Finn, Wellesley, Ont.
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Deb and Dan von Schilling Carolann – we are so sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences to you.
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Ann and Charlie Laidman Carolann, our hearts are with you. Charlie and I are so very sorry to read of Gary’s passing after such a brave battle. You are in our thoughts. Love and hugs.
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Judith Stuart Dear Carolann and Family
My most heartfelt condolences to you Carolann. Sometimes in our journey you are lucky to meet extraordinary people and Gary Steinhoff was “One of a Kind”, complimented by his loving partner, Carolann. May the love and memories surround you and bring you comfort in this saddest of times.
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Paul Blood Dear Carolann,
I am sorry that Gary has died, and for your great loss.
Gary provided an exceptional level of care to his patients, particularly at the end of their lives.
He was a trusted colleague, and he acted with kindness and respect.
His memory will live on in our hearts.
With my sincere condolences,
Paul
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Raymond Mew The Mews knew Gary, both as a trusted friend, an excellent urologist and an excellent human being.
Two generations of Mews live better lives thanks to Gary’s excellence as a urologist and his compassion and support to so many Mew patients.
I especially recall fondly the days with Doug , Gil and others enjoying Whistler.
I am saddened to hear of his passing.
May Gary rest in peace.
My deepest condolences Carolann and the Steinhoff family.Raymond Mew
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Alexa Callin Dear Carolann,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sending you hugs and love.Love,
Alexa Callin Lindroos
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Kristina Alexander Carolann:
Sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. May you find peace and comfort in those around you, and knowing that Garry will always be the wind in your sails. Sending you all my love and a giant hug!
Love Kristina Alexander
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Bruce Martin He saved my life; I will never forget him.
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birte russell Dear Carolann
Graham and I send our deepest condolences
Yes, Carolann you introduced Gary to me at Christmas as I just found out I needed surgery, and you had Gary phone me and he arranged for my surgery , and he was my Special doctor for many years, and also became Graham’s doctor,
yes, we enjoyed some of his fresh caught salmon that you brought us, great memories
we were so saddened to hear of his sickness , as he had saved so many lives himself, a wonderful man and doctor that Victoria will miss
We know you will have many wonderful memories , thinking of you at this sad time
love Birte(Bea) and Graham Russell
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Dr. David C. L Stevens It is sad that Gary succumbed to his cancer. He and I enjoyed many years working together in Medicine. Gary was always a professional. He was always upbeat, funny, and genuine. He will be missed by all that knew him.
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Andre Bard My condolences to Dr. Gary Steinhoff’s family.
I knew him as a patient, and I have always felt that he was a warm and caring person, dedicated and commited to his profession. I will miss him, as it was comforting just knowing that Gary is out there.
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Dennis Zozula Carolann I am very sad to know I will no longer get to see Gary. It was a long ordeal for you both and I wish the best for you. Dennis Zozula
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Jamie Chartrand Carolann
I am so sorry to hear this news and for your loss.
A great man and he will certainly be missed!
I met Gary first in Ottawa where he became my Chief resident during my training.
I found him to be always a gentleman, always honourable, and a talented urologist.Jamie Chartrand
MD FRCS(C) Urology
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Ken Fyke I was very saddened to learn of Gary’s passing. I worked with Gary for many years and always enjoyed and respected his caring, warm and thoughtful approach to the many issues in health care. Our condolences to Carolann and family.
Ken Fyke
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Susan Callin Dear Carolann,
Sending our deep condolences to you.
Yes the sea is a gift to us all.
Sent with love and respect.
Susan Callin, and her family
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Gail Muzio Dear Carolann, Although we only met Gary once, words can’t describe the sadness Jon & I feel for your loss. We hold you in our hearts for strength while you grieve. Much love, Gail & Jon Muzio
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Adaani Frost and Wadi Suki I have lost a dear friend, the community has lost a superb and caring physician, And our dear friend Carolann has lost her husband, and the light of her life. I wish there was something useful that we could say or do to try to assuage these losses. With our love and respect. Adaani and Wadi
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Dale & Joan Stewart Mrs. Steinhoff, family, friends, and colleagues
I was a patient of Dr.Steinhoff for 4 years and I will be eternally grateful and thankful for his kind and attentive care. I was referred by my family physician when my PSA results spiked dramatically. My wife Joan and I were alarmed – terrified actually – which of course Gary instinctively sensed, and he immediately offered the empathy, reassurance, and confidence that he provided constantly throughout the management of my prostate cancer. We were shocked to learn of his illness, with the ultimate irony that while he saved me he now would have to save himself.
The excellent state of my health is a continual reminder that Gary was instrumental in my care. He was vigilant but took the opportunity to educate us on the complexities of a disease that was unknown to us. I didn’t enjoy the routine biopsies but I still smile recalling his personal comfort to me and his good humour during what could have been solemn and stressful procedures.
My wife and I offer our most sincere condolences and assurance that he will be remembered forever.
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Ben Chew, MD Dear Carolann,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was an incredible gentleman, urologist. He will be missed.
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Richard Hicks Carolann, I learnt of Gary’s death reading the ” Globe” obituary today, March 12th. My heart goes out to you and I wish you immense strength and courage as you move forward without your life partner. Accept any & all offers of support in whatsoever form and take as much time as you need to grieve. Tears will pass and happy memories will remain. With my best, Richard Hicks
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Cecilia Waters Carolann and family.
Ross and I were sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. We have fond memories of the past. Our condolences. I am sure you have many many treasured memories as tribute to your life together.
Cec and Ross Waters
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Andrea Stephenson Dear Carolann,
Fred and I were deeply saddened to hear of your dear Gary’s passing. You give much of yourself to others so it is reasonable to assume Gary gave much to you. May you be comforted by the many wonderful memories you shared on your journey together.
Our kindest thoughts go to you,
Andrea and Fred
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Michael Denton I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Steinhoff’s death. He was my Urologist in 1997 and performed a number of procedures on me until his retirement. He was a lovely man, compassionate, caring and always most supportive. My condolences to his wife, family, friends and patients who like me, would be so pleased with his expertise and care. And in addition to his professionalism, he had a great sense of humour! The world has lost a great man and an excellent doctor.
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Frances Sasvari My deepest condolences. Dr. Steinhoff was my doctor for many years. He was so kind, caring and knowledgeable.
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Barbara Zielinski Working as an RN in RJH ER, I found Gary to be kind, quiet, compassionate, calm and connected-taking time to listen to nurses, imparting interest in his patients and instilling trust. He later performed a surgery on me, that he hadn’t done in 8 years. My husband also knew him. He was our contemporary in age and although we think we have seen and done many things on this earth, Gary was a man who overflowed with accomplishments to fill even more than one lifetime. He was a gentle gentleman. Our heart-felt sympathy to Carolina and his family. At some quiet moment, read “The Parable of Immortality” about a ship and the sea, by Henry Van Dyke–it will add to JFK’s words. Remembering a fine man, Garry and Barbara Zielinski
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Leslee This is a beautifully written tribute to one of God’s best people. I remember Glen Eagle and the inaugural sail, I remember the kindness of his soul. My deepest Condolences to Carolann and family.
There are no words, I will keep the best of my memories of this man front and center in my heart forever.
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Michael Stanger Carolann and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Garry’s passing.
We knew he had been unwell for some time but hope that you were able to enjoy some time on your new boat. I recall that you used to head off on a previous boat on stormy winter weekends in your full survival suits for a break from your busy lives. Gary was remarkable for many things, I particularly remember his quality of absolute attention and understanding for anyone he was speaking with.
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Ross Ferguson So sad to hear the passing of Gary. I knew Gary for many years and I remember when he first arrived on the Island. Spent time in the squash courts and having a few brews with him and friends. I remember one story that really illustrated his thoughtfulness and generosity. Because Gary was very grateful of his parents support while he attended medical school, so after he established himself in his practice he purchased his parents a brand new car and had it delivered to his parent’s driveway.
My sincere condolences to Carolann and the family.
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Cathy Kess I am so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. My condolences to his beloved wife and companion Carolann and to his family. Gary was a gentleman, a man of integrity and great talent, a blessing to his family, friends, and all those he helped and supported along the way. He shall be missed.
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Mary Ellen MCCOLL MD Gary was my “go-to” urologist for excellent consultant care of my patients.
Up to date, skilled, compassionate.
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Garry and Ticki MacKenzie This is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable man and an old friend. He will never be forgotten. Our condolences to Carolann -the love of his life- and to his sister Debbie. Thanks to Doug and Lars for their support. From this point on, when at anchor at night, we will look to the sky and remember a prince of a man. With affection- Garry and Ticki MacKenzie
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Guiseppe Cosenza (Joe) Ann, you are alone now and my heart goes out to you. I was your waiter at Hearald St. Caffe many years ago and you both were a pleasure to see. Gracious, kind and obviously kindred souls. I see both of you clearly, as part of a memory in our lives.
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David Kirkham I was saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Steinhoff. I was a patient of his. He performed several surgeries and treatments for my bladder cancer. In the brief time I knew him, I saw a warm and compassionate health professional who connected with his patients. Dr. Steinhoff will be sorely missed.
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Caroline Mah I was privileged to work with Gary at 4AS VGH. We had many party functions that were held for staff and the urologists.
My condolences to the family.
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Joanne and Mike Nusbaum Our most heartfelt condolences.
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Karen Thorstad Mrs. Steinhoff and family
I was a patient of Dr. Steinfoff for approximately 13 years and he operated on me and saved me from bladder cancer to which I will be eternally greatful and thankful.
He was always so kind and caring. After my surgery I had to see him once a year at hospital for examination to make sure the cancer hadn’t returned. I made him giggle a bit when I told him we had to stop meeting this way.
I am truly sorry for your loss Mrs Steinhoff, sounds like you had a wonderful fulfilling life together
Sincerely,
Karen Thorstad and family
I was sorry to hear about your loss. My Peter thought the world of him. Hope you are doing OK. We had lots of fun together many years ago.
Sending big hugs.