John E Emery MD

With deep sadness, we have lost one of the legendary greats, February 21 2022, John E. Emery. He was an Olympic gold Medalist, noted plastic surgeon and philanthropist. A man who walked the roads of life as a pilgrim, and lived like a king, everywhere he went, was his palace and everyone he met was a friend. In his memoirs, he wrote “This is the life of a man that is not that much different from any other person who might be reading this book, but who had somehow a spirit of adventure that took him to many different parts of the world, learned many languages (5) and experienced many cultures and disciplines during his life”. His writings are here to inspire anyone one to live life to their fullest by just jumping in.

John was born in Montreal Canada January 4, 1932, His father, Herbert j Emery, a Commander in the Royal Canadian Air force. His mother, Phyllis Gwendolyn (Young,) Emery, was a nurse. Johns early years were spent living in Canada, where he attended 12 different schools! The summers were always spent back at the family compound on Loon Lake Thunder Bay Ont., it was an “On Golden Pond” existence. Nature was his “catnip”. John’s education began at Trinity College school in Ontario Canada, which john felt to help shape is character. Then on to 6 years at Queens Univ. for medical school followed Oxford England and Glasgow for further surgical training While attending college; he served summer tours in the Canadian Navy. John loved the college life, camaraderie, and the many sporting activities. He excelled in most sports he participated in. He was honored as the Outstanding Sports Cadet in 1954, being presented the Stubbs Memorial Shield by HRH Duke of Edinburgh.

While on military tours in the summers, he worked as the ships doctor while using his medical skills. His zest for life and adventure opened his eyes to the world, including introducing him the San Francisco. His travels took him around the world multiple times, enjoying all it’s magnificence, playing his guitar or ukulele everywhere he went. While surfing in Hawaii, he met Harry Belafonte on the beach, an instant friendship started. These travels were short lived when his brother called; saying, “I have a new sport for us” come to St Moritz now! And he left the next day. This was the beginning of the Bobsleigh Sport in Canada. They put together a 4-man team, to compete in at the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics. As “newbies” to the sport, their talents surprised everyone when they won them the coveted Gold Medal. During these few years John sewed up many competing athletes, creating friendships from everywhere that would last a lifetime. John was later inducted into the Canadian Olympic hall of fame in 1991.

After these world wind days, John’s adventurous spirit continued, He ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Went Scuba diving, was a pilot, ran three marathons, rode in equestrian competitions, swam, and enjoyed skiing as one of his favorite pastimes.

In the 1965, John arrived back San Francisco, starting his medical practice, with taking emergencies at the local hospitals. In 1967, John would become one of the most influential plastic surgeons of his time. Opening state of the art offices complete with their own operating room, and recovery facilities, including skin care and health components. This would become the new norm for other surgeons. He had the privilege of looking after many luminary patients, but treated everyone in his care completely the same. He was awarded the National Republican Congressional Committees, Physician of the Year in 2005, named in Who’s Who Magazine as “Best” in Plastic Surgery. He also appeared on numerous talk shows, including Oprah Winfrey, as an expert in his field.

His wife, now, Deborah, first met him for in 1968, She thought he was pretty special, handsome, kind and humble. At this time john had two children Allison (7) and Forest (6) Deborah had a daughter Tamera (9). John continued to build his practice and hone his sporting activities for his R & R. John met Deborah again in 1977 it was love at first sight. They married in 1981 and their fairytale began. Travel, work, adventure, sporting activities and family filled their days with excitement and joy. Their son John E. Emery II was born in 1983. They were a team and love matches, united as one, while each giving the other encouragement to grow individually. In 2008, after 45 years, John retired from his practice. They moved to Sonoma where they raised horses and became wine makers, branding their own wines. In addition to supporting The Boy & Girls clubs, Pets Life Line as many others.

John found his spirituality through communing with nature and studying different disciplines. He encouraged many who spoke with him to step off the fast track and partake in this serene place of worship, which he did until the end of his life. John was gallant and positive until the end, spending the last weeks of his life reaching out to friends and loved ones, and putting the finishing touches on his memoirs.

John had a blessed family life, Besides his 4 children, He is survived by his brother Victor Emery; his son and daughter in law Tim Mock, and Jamie Emery, His grand’s, McKenzie and Madison Mock, John E. Emery III, Brent Emery, several nieces and nephews and cousins in Canada and England. As his closest friend said, “the guy packed more into one life time than most could in multiple lifetimes” A private celebration will be held in May.