Obituary

On Sunday September 27, 2020 Sholto passed away peacefully with his family at his side. A robust 88-years-old, he was a well-respected congregant at St Paul's Presbyterian Church, a longstanding bass singer in the Ottawa Choral Society, and an active member of the Ottawa Camera Club. An avid bird watcher, nature enthusiast, organist, cyclist, and dog lover, Sholto lived life to the fullest and is remembered affectionately for his strong voice, booming laugh and kind heart.

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Sholto attended Bishops Diocesan College where he excelled at sport, including cricket, rugby, tennis and shooting. At school Sholto also discovered his passion for music, including playing the organ. An alumnus of Witwatersrand University, Sholto went on to graduate cum laude as a doctor from Trinity College Dublin. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Canada), he obtained a MSc at McGill University.

Sholto returned to South Africa in 1966 and became a full-time surgeon at the Victoria Hospital and was part of the surgical staff at Groote Schuur Hospital. Married in 1969 and having built up a successful practice in Cape Town, Sholto moved his family to Ottawa, Canada, in 1977. Much of his career was spent as a vascular surgeon at the Queensway Carleton and Kemptville District Hospitals. Prior to retiring in 2000, Sholto ran his own clinic, the Hog's Back Surgical Centre, known for its honesty, forthrightness and friendliness.

Sholto leaves behind Elizabeth, his loving wife of 50 years, and is remembered fondly by his children, Nicola, Douglas and Andrew, as well as his sister, Justine. His grandchildren Iliana, Alexandra, Sofia, Josie and Ben will miss his many voices, antics and enthusiasm.

"Love one another." (John 13:34)

A heartfelt thank you to the Emergency and ICU staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital for all the kindness and efforts in taking care of Sholto during his final days. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church (stpaulspcottawa.com) or The Mission (ottawamission.com).