October 24, 1924 - November 12, 2020
Dr. John Rosario Scarfo, physician and surgeon, passed away in Summerland, BC at his home with family by his side. John will be greatly missed by his wife Kay (née Keen); his daughters Gina (Brad), Karen (Matt), Tanya (Gil), Andrea, Allana, and Lara; and his sisters Vera Oster and Millie Bosco. He was predeceased by his first wife Kathleen Scarfo (née Catt).
John was born in Vancouver to immigrant parents Victoria and Frank Scarfo. His father was killed by a drunk driver when John was 7. John was 10th of 12 children; they grew up during the depression in very lean times. John left school in grade 8 to work and support his family. He later went on to obtain his grade 12 certificate at night school and enroll in pre-med in 1947. With the financial help of Dean Walter Gage at UBC, as well as working multiple jobs, he was able to graduate with a medical degree in 1955.
John had a family practice in Surrey. He was particularly well liked because he was genuinely interested in people and that was demonstrated in his great compassion and caring. He practiced medicine in the years of house calls, middle of the night hospital emergency calls, and delivery of babies. John was a key member of the medical community holding many titles including Chief of Staff and head of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a great advocate of women's rights; he successfully fought against the archaic rule that women had to be assessed by 2 psychiatrists prior to tubal ligation. He was also known for his surgical expertise in vasectomies. John also facilitated many private adoptions.
There will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held in Spring 2021. John's impish grin and love to play devil's advocate will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a charity.
For more information and to leave condolences, please visit https://www.providencefuneralhomes.com