In Loving Memory of Dr. Charles Telfer

The Surrey Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Association is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Charles Telfer. Dr. Telferd will be deeply missed by his colleagues and the patients he served. His dedication to providing excellent patient care and his contributions to SMH will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace and be remembered for his many years of service and compassion.

Dr. Charles Donald (Chuck) Telfer, son of Donald and Frances Telfer of Calgary, both of whom predeceased him, passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 66 following almost three years of catastrophic health issues. He worked unstintingly and with an amazingly positive attitude to recover from a massive stroke, only to be diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer that he could not overcome. He is at rest now and free of pain and frustration.

Intelligent, handsome, athletic, fun-loving and devoted to his family and his profession, Chuck was an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and voracious reader. Close friends and family recount the many practical jokes he played, his quick wit and the humorous twist he could bring to any situation – including his many months in ICU at Lions Gate Hospital.

Born and raised in Calgary, Chuck was, as a child, into long bike rides, skiing, golfing and backyard games of football with his friends. His passion for sports and specifically rugby through high school and undergrad years translated into his interest in a career in repairing physical injuries. He attended medical-school at the University of Alberta, interned and completed residency and fellowships in the Ottawa area where he met and married his best friend and much-loved partner Jeannette Savard. They settled in Vancouver where Chuck established his medical practice specializing in arthroscopic shoulder surgeries, Jeannette developed her business, and they raised their children and many beloved family pets. Chuck was a devoted father, sharing the kids’ activities and nurturing their talents. The times he spent in Whistler with his family were a wonderful antidote to the hectic pace of his work life. He and Jeannette loved to hike, golf, and bike, and he skied whenever he could find a free day. He had an unmatched ability to gift anyone with the perfect book and became an inspired cook and aficionado of good food and wine. In addition to ending his plans for an active and relaxing retirement, one of the cruelest effects of his stroke was his inability to eat or drink or prepare food for his family and friends.

Chuck is loved and deeply missed by his wife Jeannette Savard, his children Carlos and Josee- Lynne (Josh Rugge) and his grandchildren Juliette and Jackson, his sister Jacquie McKechnie (Don McKechnie) and his nieces Blair McKechnie, Kate Ayoubi (Khaleel Ayoubi) and nephew Brock McKechnie (Tallis Goulard). In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Oncology Department at LGH or the Stroke Recovery Association of BC in Chuck’s name would be appreciated.

Donate to the BC Cancer Foundation here.