Paul
Kortan
A Loving Husband, Father, Brother,
Friend & Doctor
1949-2022
Dr. Paul Kortan (March 19, 1949 - November 26, 2022)
It is with great sadness that we announce that Dr. Paul Kortan passed away on November 26, 2022. He was 73 years old.
Paul was born in Košice, Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) to Alexander and Vera Kortan. In August 1968, while in Switzerland on his way home from a holiday, Paul received word from his parents that he should not return home as Soviet-led troops had invaded Czechoslovakia. So, at the age of 19, with nothing more than a backpack, Paul immigrated to Canada.
He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, went on to study medicine at McMaster University, returned to Toronto for postgraduate training, and proceeded to complete training with specialists in Belgium and Germany. Paul became a dedicated Therapeutic Endoscopist at the Wellesley Hospital in Toronto which eventually merged with St. Michael’s Hospital where he spent the remainder of his career. Paul worked his way to the pinnacle of his profession where he was universally respected by his fellow physicians, cherished by his students, and loved by his patients. Paul leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Sylvia; children, Allan (Ashley) and Daniela (James); sister, Cathy (George); and granddaughter, Ava.
Paul loved to make those around him laugh, keeping up-to-date with global political affairs, and enjoying his free time with family and friends. He was a truly caring and humble man who impacted many people with his empathy, love, and compassion. He will be dearly missed and remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his incredible sense of humor, and his immutable kindness. We love you Paul.
A service will be held at Steeles Memorial Chapel. For funeral and live-streaming details or to leave condolences for the family, please see below. Donations in memory of Dr. Kortan can be made to the St. Michael’s Foundation and the Dr. Paul Kortan Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship Fund, by visiting www.stmichaelsfoundation.com/paulkortan
I worked in the billing office of the Wellesley Hospital during Dr. Kortan's tenure there. I recall meeting him once, when he signed some paperwork for the office. He was very nice to me.
I just found out that Dr. Kortan had passed. I was a patient of his as I was referred to him from the Owen Sound area. If it was not for Dr. Paul Kortan, I likely wouldn't be here. He was a wonderful doctor and he will be truly missed not only personally but of course, in the medical field God bless you and your family💕💔🙏
I just heard. He was my GI guy. He was so wonderful to support me through and continued cancer journey. He was the best
I was a nurse working in the endoscopy unit from 2006-2011. His kindness, patience and his sense of humour will remain with me. Rest In Peace Dr. Kortan.
Kevin
We met Dr Kortan 15 years ago when he performed my husbands first life saving ercp. We were privileged to have Dr. Kortan on our healthcare team, his confidence and genuine empathy was so appreciated! We knew how very blessed we were to have been touched by this man and it brings us immense sadness to know that his life ended so prematurely. We send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and team at St. Mikes. Thanks for making such a difference for so many Dr. Kortan R.I.P
Mark and Patrice Shennette
I had the privilege of being an endoscopy fellow at St Michaels and educated by Dr Kortan . I came from the UK to learn from him Dr Marcon and Dr May. He was so kind and an inspiration to me. I will never forget his concern and support when my daughter had meningitis. He is a legend . My deepest condolences to his family.
Laksh Ayaru
Dr. Kortan was a dedicated physician and worked very hard to keep in touch with me. He was a caring human being and an excellent GI. Please accept my condolences.
The most amazing doctor I’ve ever had. He was the epitome of a caring, expert, approachable, funny,humble and all around mensch. He will be forever missed. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Naomi
Dr. Kortan was one of the most pleasant colleagues I ever had the pleasure of working with. Every holiday season he would drop by the emergency department and personally thank everyone for the work they did and leave us with a case of Mandarin oranges to enjoy.
tex
Dr. Kortan was one of the nicest physicians I have ever met and worked with. He looked after some of the liver transplant patients referred to him from TGH and was always so accommodating for us.
Charmaine E.