Gaston Schwarz
It is with broken hearts that the family of Dr. Gaston Schwarz announces his peaceful passing on Thursday January 20, 2022 in Montreal, four days short of his eighty fourth birthday. Loving and inseparable husband to Mati Bergna, together they formed a dream team both in work and in life for fifty-four wonderful years. Adoring and devoted father and father-in-law of Kristine Schwarz and Chip Packard, Karen Schwarz and Tom Bellig, Konrad Schwarz and Catherine Watson, Karl Schwarz and Nikole Jecen. Doting and cherished “Papapa” of Charles, Antonia, Alessia and Isabella Packard; Nico, Lucas, and James Bellig; Katrina, Konrad and Sofia Schwarz; Greyson, Mason and Logan Schwarz. Loving brother of Ana Maria Rosas, the late Edgar Schwarz, Ronald Schwarz, the late Carlos Schwarz, Jorge Schwarz, and Elizabeth Schwarz.
A dedicated plastic surgeon and professor for over fifty years, Gaston was a pioneer in many ways. He introduced live surgery teaching to the field of plastic surgery in 1983 – now a routine educational tool for all surgical meetings. He was also one of the first surgeons to open a private operative facility in Montreal, and was integral in the establishment of safety standards for private clinics and the current certification process. His private clinic, up until his retirement in 2021, was an essential aesthetic surgery teaching site for McGill Plastic Surgery residents for 40 years, and countless trainees have benefitted from his extraordinary surgical experience. He always made residents and students feel welcome and he taught with conviction. His leadership in cosmetic surgery was recognized by his presidency of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and his impact on the field was commemorated with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the same organization. Gaston was also an active philanthropist, leading efforts to provide underserved hospitals in Peru and Bolivia with modern medical equipment from Canada. His charity work was recognized with national awards from both countries.
Gaston’s love for his work as a plastic surgeon was only exceeded by his overwhelming love for his family. Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, Gaston’s family was far and above his greatest pride and joy. Never far from his side, Mati will forever be the love of his life. Together, they were an example of how to live life to the fullest. Gaston’s adventurous spirit had him paragliding, pier diving and jet skiing well into his eighties. His children and grandchildren adored him and constantly looked to him for his wisdom, sense of humour and eternal optimism. Gaston was a true gentleman – kind, humble and generous. He had the rare ability to make everyone he met feel special. Although he leaves behind a giant void, his love and legacy will live on forever through his family and friends.
The family has established a fund in the Department of Plastic Surgery at McGill in memory of Dr. Gaston Schwarz. We kindly ask in lieu of flowers that you make a gift to The Dr. Gaston Schwarz Memorial Fund in Plastic Surgery, advancing medical education and research. You may also make a gift by phone at (514)398-2787 or send a cheque to Donation and Record Services, c/o The Dr. Gaston Schwarz Memorial Fund in Plastic Surgery, McGill University, 1430 Peel Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3T3.
Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2022
A dedicated plastic surgeon and professor for over fifty years, Gaston was a pioneer in many ways. He introduced live surgery teaching to the field of plastic surgery in 1983 – now a routine educational tool for all surgical meetings. He was also one of the first surgeons to open a private operative facility in Montreal, and was integral in the establishment of safety standards for private clinics and the current certification process. His private clinic, up until his retirement in 2021, was an essential aesthetic surgery teaching site for McGill Plastic Surgery residents for 40 years, and countless trainees have benefitted from his extraordinary surgical experience. He always made residents and students feel welcome and he taught with conviction. His leadership in cosmetic surgery was recognized by his presidency of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and his impact on the field was commemorated with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the same organization. Gaston was also an active philanthropist, leading efforts to provide underserved hospitals in Peru and Bolivia with modern medical equipment from Canada. His charity work was recognized with national awards from both countries.
Gaston’s love for his work as a plastic surgeon was only exceeded by his overwhelming love for his family. Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, Gaston’s family was far and above his greatest pride and joy. Never far from his side, Mati will forever be the love of his life. Together, they were an example of how to live life to the fullest. Gaston’s adventurous spirit had him paragliding, pier diving and jet skiing well into his eighties. His children and grandchildren adored him and constantly looked to him for his wisdom, sense of humour and eternal optimism. Gaston was a true gentleman – kind, humble and generous. He had the rare ability to make everyone he met feel special. Although he leaves behind a giant void, his love and legacy will live on forever through his family and friends.
The family has established a fund in the Department of Plastic Surgery at McGill in memory of Dr. Gaston Schwarz. We kindly ask in lieu of flowers that you make a gift to The Dr. Gaston Schwarz Memorial Fund in Plastic Surgery, advancing medical education and research. You may also make a gift by phone at (514)398-2787 or send a cheque to Donation and Record Services, c/o The Dr. Gaston Schwarz Memorial Fund in Plastic Surgery, McGill University, 1430 Peel Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3T3.
Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2022