Emil Christopher Orsini, M.D., FRCSC
June 5, 1955 - October 3, 2008

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Emil. He passed away suddenly while on vacation with his wife Joanne in Denmark on Friday, October 3, 2008. Emil will forever be remembered as a passionate man who seized each day living life to the fullest. Full of energy and love, Emil cherished his family and friends. He was a dedicated family man, skilled and gifted orthopaedic surgeon, talented athlete, natural coach and teacher as well as being a great friend to all. As an avid learner, Emil sought out challenges always giving his personal best. As Emil balanced his medical profession, time with family and friends, daily workouts, he did so with humour, love, and a luminous smile which was an inspiration to all.

Sharing 26 years of marriage and 32 years as loving companion and best friend to his wife Joanne (Symsyk), Emil will be lovingly remembered as a devoted and caring husband. As an enthusiastic and fun loving dad, Emil adored his three children: Michael, Karin and Christiane and will be remembered as the greatest father. Emil deeply loved his 82-year-old mother Josephine Orsini (Guilianelli), and his late father, Basil V. Orsini. He was a loving son-in-law to Laurie Symsyk, and the late John Symsyk. Emil was brother and friend to Basil Jr., (Dianne), Martin, Paul, Elaine (Giacomo), Patricia, Stephen (Barbara), Elinor (Andrew), David (Kim), Arthur (Elinor), and Linda (Gord) and dear friend to sister-in-law Deb Loughead (Dan). Emil gave special attention and took time to connect to his twenty-six nieces and nephews, seven great-nieces and nephews and was admired and loved by all. Providing exceptional care to all his patients, Dr. Emil Orsini was a much loved and highly respected orthopaedic surgeon at North York General Hospital for the past eighteen years. Our family would like to express our immense appreciation to the doctors and nurses at the Rigshospitalet Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark for their dedication to, and their care of Emil during his final days.

Emil, you will be deeply missed by the multitude of lives you have touched. You will always live in our hearts as we remember your motto: "work hard, play harder!" Memorial donations may be made to North York General Hospital, Don Mills Surgical Unit, and the West Parry Sound Health Centre.

CHV