Obituary of Gordon Peter Scratch, M.D

Gordon Peter Scratch, M.D., of The Villages, Florida passed away October 29, 2018 at the age of 86. He was born May 29, 1932, in the city of Yenangyaung in Burma, now known as Myanmar, the son of Gordon Scratch and Cecilia (nee Whitton) Scratch Bell Harper. Leaving Burma at the age of seven due to the impending war, he, his mother, and older brother Thomas, known as Buster, settled in his father’s country of Canada. He graduated twice from high school, first at the age of 15 with credentials to be an accountant, then again at the age of 18, going back for further vocational skills because who would hire a 15 year old accountant? He put himself through college at the University of Western Ontario where he was a valued member of the basketball and football teams, graduating with a medical degree in 1958. His class celebrated their 60th reunion just days before his passing. He practiced as a neurosurgeon for over 38 years in the Detroit metro area, most notably as the Chief of Neurosurgery for 30 years at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. He married Bonnie Jean Swanboro on July 16, 1966. Together, they enjoyed a lifetime of golf, travel, humor, friends, and family, celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary in July.

 

For his children, the late Gordon Scratch III (Sherry), daughter Hilary (Jonathan) Robertson, and son Gavin, he was an example of hard work, perseverance, patience, and unconditional love. He would do anything for the happiness of his kids, from sewing “flippers” on ballet slippers for a nine year old “nymph” the day of the dance recital, to never missing a hockey practice for over 13 years contributing as a team physician. In addition to his wife and two youngest children, he is also survived by two granddaughters, Alexandra Scratch (Adam Murchurtow), and Dylan Robertson. The world has lost an intelligent, gentle soul like no other. In his memory, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.