It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on March 13, 2020.
David is survived by Lynn, his loving wife of 44 years; sons, Cameron and Jeffrey (Meagan); daughter, Andrea; and grandsons, Ethan Shragge and Mason Laforce-Shragge; sisters, Lynne (Allan) Becker and Ilene Shragge; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Born in Edmonton on August 5, 1948 to Phineas Shragge M.D. and Betty Diamond Shragge. David lived out his life as an Edmontonian, as a true gentleman and a man always generous in thought, word and deed.
David received a Bachelor of Arts followed by an M.D. degree with distinction from the University of Alberta in 1974. He practiced Emergency Medicine at the Misericordia Hospital until 2006. During that time he served Chief of Emergency Medicine and Ambulatory Care and was associate clinical professor in the Division of Emergency Medicine at the U of A. David was a forefather in the development of the specialty of Emergency Medicine and went on to obtain his Fellowship in Emergency Medicine RCPSC.
David served the profession of Medicine and Canadians in a manner that was exceedingly rare. He committed countless hours to causes that improved medical education, prehospital care and the advancement of the profession of Medicine.
He was a member of the board of trustees for a number of medical and health related organizations including Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the University of Alberta Health Law Institute, the Medical Services Incorporated Foundation, and the Canadian Medical Protective Association. He was also past president of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.
David gave generously of his time and talents, and was a beloved mentor, educator and role model to scores of Physicians, Paramedics and Nurses, many of whom in turn provided him exemplary care during his final years.
Time spent with family was precious to David especially during retirement years when grandchildren and family pets added yet another dimension. ‘Grandpa’ was his favourite new role and playground dates and reading times were not to be interfered with.
David will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of calling him family or friend, and will live on in our hearts and memories forever.
Susan Hoffmann says
Dear Lynne, Cameron, Jeffrey, Andrea and family,
I and the whole Hoffmann family was very shocked and sad to hear of the death of Dr. Shragge. I remember first meeting him and all of you as a teenager babysitting for the family. At that time, I recall he and you, Lynne, saying you wanted to pay babysitters well because you loved your kids so much and it was so important to you both that they be well cared for. Dr. Shragge was an inspiration for me and a mentor when I decided to apply for medical school and was someone I could always turn to for advice. I remember how wonderful and respected he was as an emergency doctor and how much he was in his element in the er. I also remember his kindness and warmth. I am sure this is a huge loss not only for the medical profession, but also his patients, and most importantly for you all. Know that I and my family send you my deepest condolences.
Lynne Korobanik says
I worked with Dave in the Misericordia emergency room for many years. He was a kind and knowledgeable doctor and co-worker. He loved to teach. I am so sorry for your loss.
ernest hodges says
Lynnn, I’m very sorry to learn of David’s passing and extend heartfelt condolences. I was a colleague of David’s and wanted to pass on a memory that I never will forget. I used to do rounds at the ER every Saturday because I did surgery on outpatients on Friday and needed to see them the next day. I often came with my young daughter ~4, and whenever David saw her, he always gave her a loonie. This made a big impression on her. She is now an ophthalmologist. Blessings on you and David for this wonderful memory and for the host of other memories we all remember. Ernie Hodges.