In Memoriam: Dr. John P. Girvin, MD’58
Dr. John P. Girvin
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of neurosurgeon Dr. John P. Girvin on November 12, 2024. Dr. Girvin was a founding member (1969), Professor (1983) and past Chair (1984-1989) of the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at Western University.
John Girvin was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1934. He obtained his MD at Western in 1958, standing first in his class. He was also a stellar athlete, and was the Mustangs quarterback during notable victories against McGill University. He garnered the prestigious Purple Blanket (1957-58) for athletic distinction, and was inducted into Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame.
After medical training, Dr. Girvin obtained both a PhD in neurophysiology and neurosurgical training at the Montreal Neurological Institute, followed by studies abroad in Glasgow and Cleveland. He returned to London for final neurosurgical training in 1967. In 1968 he joined the faculty in neurosurgery and neurophysiology at Western. With neurologist Dr. Warren Blume, he established the Epilepsy Program in 1977, laying the groundwork for the largest program of its kind in Canada.
A wonderful surgeon and teacher, Dr. Girvin was dedicated to the training of neurosurgical residents and fellows. For many, he was a close mentor both before and after his retirement. He also served in numerous administrative leadership roles, including as President of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society, and he led the development of epilepsy surgery in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Girvin was a national icon, and was universally respected as both surgeon and statesman. His legacy lives on through those that he trained, and the epilepsy program that he co-created. Dr. Girvin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bettye Girvin, and their children Doug, Jane and Mike.
