Dr Mervin Leslie Hassan, 1934–2018

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 61, No. 7, September 2019, Page 293 Obituaries
By: Douglas Hassan, MD

Dr Mervin Leslie Hassan

Dr Les Hassan passed away peacefully on 24 November 2018 at the age of 84. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Sylvia; his sons, Doug (Mary-Louise) and Tom (Genevieve); six grandsons, Dean, Neal, Grant, Julian, Jake, and Ryan; and his brother, Bob.

Les, a native of Vancouver, attended John Oliver Secondary School. After a time working on the railroad and in a lumber mill, he was determined to further his education. He attended the University of British Columbia and received a degree in pharmacy in 1958. In the same year he married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia, before returning to UBC where he earned his medical degree in 1963. After completing his internship in San Diego, success came quickly in his own family medicine practice in North Vancouver. Les practised there for 30 years. Family medicine was a little different back then—long nights delivering babies, rounding patients at Lions Gate Hospital, office patients, performing minor surgery, and of course house calls. His care and advice was adored by his many friends and patients. He retired in 1993. 

Upon retirement, Les was honored by the Squamish Nation, for whom he had served as a physician and friend. The Squamish band celebrated his retirement with a naming ceremony and dinner. He was honored with the ancestral name Nexws-Kitlen (the Healer).

His greatest joy was his family and friends. His intelligence was never questioned. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed conversation on almost any topic. Sometimes a lively debate would ensue. He was a full-time family doctor but also a part-time carpenter, plumber, and electrician. He enjoyed handyman projects both at home and at the family cabin on Sakinaw Lake. He and Sylvia enjoyed hosting parties, playing bridge, and golfing.

After retirement, Les continued his hobbies of home renovation, fishing, and golf. He and Sylvia spent several years traveling the world and exploring different cultures. He also loved tending to his rose garden, and he continued to golf at Capilano Golf Club and went on several fishing adventures with his sons to Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island.

Les will be sadly missed.
—Douglas Hassan, MD
Fox Island, WA

Douglas Hassan, MD. Dr Mervin Leslie Hassan, 1934–2018. BCMJ, Vol. 61, No. 7, September, 2019, Page(s) 293 - Obituaries.


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