"Age quod agis" (Whatever you do, do it well) was the life motto of Dr. Maurice Derek Shilletto and he lived that focus every day of his life.
Dr. Shilletto passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023, with family by his side at his second home, North York General Hospital. Dr. Shilletto was the devoted husband of his beloved wife, Sonia, for close to 65 years. He was the adoring father of Nick (Jacqueline) and Catherine, his cherished daughter who sadly predeceased Dr. Shilletto in 2021. He was an ever-proud grandfather of Emily (Calum), Ben and Katie. He was predeceased by his sister, Audre; and by his brother, Rob (Yvonne).
Born on April 29, 1932, in Christiana, Manchester Parish, Jamaica, Dr. Shilletto carried great pride for his homeland, even after he became one of the proudest Canadians one could meet. Always true to his roots, Dr. Shilletto's guiding motto, "Age quod agis," stemmed from his schooling at the renowned Wolmer's School in Jamaica, and is a sentiment he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Wise words from a much-loved and infinitely generous man.
A graduate of the University College of the West Indies (Mona), Dr. Shilletto completed his post-graduate studies in Britain and later in Canada. Dr. Shilletto truly loved the practice of medicine and had a lengthy career at North York General Hospital where he was chief of anesthesiology for more than a decade. While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, it was his ability to provide critical care to countless patients that brought Dr. Shilletto a great sense of purpose and enjoyment, keeping him committed to the practice into his early eighties.
Dr. Shilletto, a perennial steady hand and a source of quiet wisdom, was closely connected and always engaged with relatives and friends from around the world. He was fiercely committed to his family and found no greater role than that of his role as dad, and later as grampa. He devoted endless hours to supporting his children and grandchildren in their various pursuits and was always available for a chat. Despite not witnessing snow until well into his thirties, between the playing careers of his son and grandson, there is nary a hockey rink in Toronto in which Dr. Shilletto had not spent time. Outside the arena, the tall man in the Tilley hat was a reassuring presence to his grandchildren on the sidelines of countless soccer pitches, basketball courts and other playing fields. Dr. Shilletto's succession of Buick sedans (he was a loyal man) served variably as limousines, dressing rooms, concert halls and classrooms for his grandchildren as he and Sonia ferried them to their various sporting events, summer camps and lessons. During these car rides, Dr. Shilletto was just as content to spend the drive discussing the play-by-play of a game or details of a school project and ways to improve through practice, practice, practice, as he was to sit in companionable silence, if that's what the children preferred.
We are confident Dr. Shilletto would be most honoured if you were to raise a measure of a good single malt in his memory or enjoy a generous bowl of ice cream, preferably black cherry. Special thanks for the compassionate care of Dr. Shilletto over the years from the University Health Network Transplant Program, Markham Stouffville Hospital, North York General Hospital and most recently, Dr. Ben Bell (NYGH).
The family is deeply grateful for the guidance and friendship of Rev. Stephen Kern (St. Philip's on-the-Hill Anglican Church); Dr. Shilletto's lead personal support worker and dear friend, Mercy; as well as the caring assistance from Glenda, Lourdes and the gracious team at Amica Bayview Village.
For those who wish, donations would be appreciated by the family in Dr. Shilletto's memory to the North York General Hospital Foundation, the University Hospital Network transplant program, St. Philip's on-the-Hill Anglican Church, or a preferred charity. Dr. Shilletto will be held dear in the hearts of his family, work colleagues, patients and many friends. He will be fondly remembered always.