Dr. John Charles Colwill, 95 of Grand Rapids, departed this life on June 16, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan following a courageous battle with dementia.
John lived a remarkable life defined by professional excellence, integrity, kindness and a profound dedication to both family and medicine.
Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on April 6, 1930, John was the cherished child of Charles W. Colwill and Ann Mae Colwill (Mason). John was the embodiment of integrity, kindness and love.
He faithfully upheld these values in every role he undertook -as a loving husband, devoted father, compassionate physician, and humble colleague. John leaves behind his wife, Kathy Colwill; daughter, Leasa Colwill Hotchkiss; son, Jeffrey J. Colwill (Andrea); five grandchildren, Grayam Hotchkiss (Charlotte), Jackson Hotchkiss, Charles Colwill, Jacqueline Colwill, Abigail Colwill; sister-in-law, Barbara Beischer; nephew, Gregory Beischer (Johanne); and numerous great nephew’s; one great niece; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Laurence Beischer; nephews, Brian and Russell Beischer. John leaves a legacy of love to support and cushion us in his departure.
John’s journey through life was marked by dedication and excellence in the field of medicine. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Medical School, class of 1954, John’s passion for medicine guided him through a remarkable career that spanned continents. After completing his training at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York in Orthopedic Surgery with a Hand Surgery specialty. John undertook a pivotal fellowship in Paris, France. Here, he translated Professor Marc Leslin’s seminal work, “The Hand”, from French too English -a testament to his commitment to advancing his medical knowledge. John further enriched his knowledge by traveling to London, studying alongside the era’s most respected Orthopedic surgeons. Upon returning too Canada, he worked at the Orthopedic and Arthritic Hospital with Dr. James Bateman. Not long after he established a Hand Surgery Clinic within the hospital where he gave use back too badly deformed osteoarthritic hands.
In the next chapter of his rich career, John moved his family to Grand Rapids, Michigan, bringing his talents and enthusiasm to Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital. His colleague Dr. Alfred Swanson was the Chief of the Orthopedic Residency Program. John played a role in training, teaching the young medical residents. With unmatched dedication, John tirelessly delivered world-class patient care while inspiring generations of young physicians along their journey.
John retired at 71 from active practice, and did some consulting work for a few years too ease into full retirement. A voracious reader, John, could almost always be found with a book at hand— though it took retirement before he embraced reading beyond medical textbooks. He was always up for lively conversations, spirited hockey games in winter, baseball in summer, and fascinating documentaries on virtually any subject.
Despite John’s singular focus on his medicine and patient’s, those who knew him cherished his warmth and sincerity. His knack for storytelling and humor brightened many a gathering, whether among friends or during treasured family reunions.
John leaves behind a lasting legacy marked by unwavering integrity, humility, kindness, and sincere respect and honesty toward others. His warm smile and easygoing nature brought comfort, companionship, and joy to all who knew him.
John will be deeply missed by his beloved Kathy; his children; five treasured grandchildren; numerous extended family members and many lifelong friends.
Friends and loved ones can pay their respects during visitation on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 3-6pm at O’ Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49546. A private committal service will unfold according to his wishes.
Memorial Contributions can be directed to Saladin Shriners, 233 Fulton St. E, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503; Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Association Attention: Donor Services 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601; or Hospice of Michigan, Attn: Donation Processing Center, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301
8 Responses
Lloyd and I send our condolences on the passing of Dr. John. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers Kathy. Xo❤️mj
Best wishes to the family and my prayers,
Jeff, so sorry to hear about your Dad. My prayers are with you and your family.
A great tribute to a wonderful man and a tremendous life
I wish I had known him
Condolences to all who did
I know you will miss him
I met Jack in Medical School. He brought me into the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, which was the best thing I did at University. It was a wonderful experience. He and I have remained friends for 65 years, and I have a photo album with nany pictures of Jack and I–great memories,
John Moffat
I have known Jack since I was sixteen and lived in Windsor.
He was a very good friend of my husband Walter who was also a Beta.
Jack had a wonderful sense of humour and we had many laughs and adventures.
He was truly a good friend.
We lost touch over the years but memories remain forever.
Jo Anne (Broadwell) Ure
Met Jack at Medical School. He persuaded me to join his Fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, which turned out to be the best thing I did at U of T. It was 1948, half the members were war vets, very serious and very fine, men. From the fraternity I took away a lifelong love of choral singing, a deep knowledge of parliamentary procedure, and many long term friendships. And, believe it or not, how to use alcohol wisely. What a payoff! And for all this, I thank Jack.
May he rest in peace,
John Moffat
I just saw this, and want the family to know I am so, very sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr. Colwill, after a bad auto accident in 1983, until retired. He was the best!! After he retired I always wanted to call him and ask, “What should I do”, when I went through a couple hip infections with revisions. I’ve missed him greatly. He always took time to talk and explain things. So thankful and blessed to have known him.