In Memoriam : George Lavers, MD

George Lavers, MD George David Lavers, MD - age: 89
(April 30, 1920 to March 31, 2010 )
Resident of Exeter, California

Visitation Information:
At Dr. Lavers request, there will be no services.

Obituary:
Dr. George David Lavers
Retired General Surgeon

Dr. George David Lavers passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at the
age of 89 following a very brief illness.

Dr. Lavers was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 30, 2010 and
raised in Alberta Canada. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1942 and
served in World War II as captain and received various war medals and
was honorable discharged in 1946.

Dr. Lavers attended medical school at University of Alberta, Canada,
Internship at University of Alberta Hospital and Royal Alexandra
Hospital, Edmonton Alberta from 1942-43. His post-graduate work was done at various hospitals in New Jersey, Illinois, Kentucky, New York and Canada from 1947-51.In 1952 on the advice of a former medical school classmate he came to California to established his medical practice in Tulare in 1952 and was one of the first General Surgeon in Tulare County. Dr. Lavers was Chief of Staff at Tulare District Hospital from 1965-66, and a member from 1952-90. He did hundreds of surgeries around the county including Exeter, Lindsay and Corcoran. He was past president of the Tulare County Medical Society and volunteered at the Goodnews Clinic in Visalia. He retired in 1990 at the age of 70. He was an avid snow skiier until the age of 70 when he had a ski accident. He enjoyed getting away to Mineral King, Santa Fe, NM, Avila Beach and traveling to Canada every summer to visit family. He was a true LA Lakers fan. Golfing was his favorite sport, driving from Exeter to Tulare every morning to play at Tulare Golf Course whether it was hot, cold, raining or foggy, playing up until his illness..

Dr Lavers is preceded in death by his parents Oswald and Margaret
Lavers: brothers Jim Lavers and Thomas E. Lavers.

Dr Lavers is survived by his daughter, Janet Lange (Curt) of Tulare, son David Lavers of Visalia, step-daughter Gay Calosso (Michael) of Stockton, his 5 grandchildren, Jared Lange (Brittney) of Visalia, Michelle Lange of Tulare, Brenda Pozzo (Stephen) of Stockton, Lori King (Jeff) of Lodi and Sherri Calosso of Pacific Palisades, and 5 great-grand children and 3 nieces in Canada.

Upon Dr.Lavers request there will be no funeral service.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice..







Bruce Hall MD - April 3, 2010Contact this person Contact this person
My association with George Lavers MD dates back to the summer of 1981 when I arrived in Lindsay as a brand new internist. To my horror, I discovered that if I had a surgical patient, then I was the surgical assistant. Fortunately, George was the surgeon tasked with turning me into competent help. His total command of the operating room, the patient and the surgical field calmed me and as the cases mounted, my panic eased and I began to appreciate the learning experience. As he became more comfortable with my abilities, the teaching expanded to comprehensive anatomical tours of the abdomen, pathology, physiology and the history of medicine. In addition,I heard stories of his army time, the training years and health care in Tulare County. I learned the difference between "physicians" and "surgeon-barbers". George was proud of the fact that he could cut hair or give a shave just as professionally as he could take out a necrotic gallbladder or resect a malignant colon lesion. His availability and skill truly saved the lives of many of my patients and contributed to the good reputation of our beloved Lindsay District Hospital. Thank you George for your friendship and your contribution to my professional development. Bruce C. Hall MD FACP In his honor, I am making a contribution to Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)


Lisa Dillon - April 7, 2010Contact this person Contact this person
To the family of Dr. Lavers, I feel I should at least acknowledge the passing of Dr. Lavers for my late mother, Vi Darst. She was an LVN at TDH for years and always admired Dr. Lavers. In the early 80's, she became very ill and could not get anyone to listen to her and so she called Dr. Lavers(something she would never do unless it was an emergency) to see if he would help her. He didn't hesitate, had her brought straight the the ER, admitted her and did emergency surgery. She had a ruptured appendix and it was almost too late for her because gangrene had set in. She was in the hospital for more than a week under his care and he was so attentive to her. Our family was overwhelmed at the amount of attention he paid to her. We will never forget the kindess and compassion he showed to her. Physicians like Dr Lavers are few and far between. My sincerest sympathy to the family and may God bless you all. Lisa Dillon/Tulare


Ed Heim - December 20, 2010Contact this person Contact this person
I just heard about Dr. Lavers passing and I wish to give my heart felt condolences to his family. I worked with Dr. Lavers at Tulare District Hospital from 1974-1990. He was a highly respected man and surgeon by all those who knew him. He always kept himself in excellent physical condition and his ability on the ski slopes was the envy of many. We will miss you friend and may you RIP Ed Heim