Obituary of Robert Allan Hart

Allan Hart (Dr. Robert Allan Hart) June 29, 1937-December 16, 2023.

Allan was the son of Harry Leonard Hart and Eileen Hart. He follows his late sister, Patti Cleghorn. Allan was a devoted and loyal husband of 62 years to Georgia (Somerville) and loving father to his children David Hart, Gillian (Ian) Crassweller, Martha (Colin) McDougall and Jonathan (Michele) Hart. He was an affectionate and fun-loving granddad to his grandchildren Kennedy Hart, Ethan Crassweller, Hallie Hart, Jamie Crassweller, Molly McDougall, Peter McDougall, Heather McDougall, Abigail Hart and Hannah Hart. Allan loved school and exemplified what it meant to work hard, try your best and to be a life-long learner. Allan graduated from Bedford Park P.S. and University of Toronto Schools (UTS) before attending medical school at The University of Toronto. Allan was a tremendously skilled athlete, playing varsity hockey in both high school and university. He continued his medical studies as a resident at The Cleveland Clinic before returning to Toronto to begin his internal medicine focus in gastroenterology. Allan devoted over 45 years as a valued and respected doctor at North York General Hospital in Toronto. He was known for extending professionalism, kindness and empathy towards each of his patients, as well as having a keen wit and a lovable camaraderie with everyone he worked with. His worn-out endoscopy shoes are legendary amongst those who knew him. Spending summer weekends with his young family on Ruth Lake was a source of great happiness for Allan, whether taking his kids fishing, playing endless board games, swimming in the lake or enjoying shore dinners. Later in life, Allan loved to travel, and with Georgia by his side, he enjoyed sailing the oceans of the British Virgin Islands, as well as exploring the regions, foods and wines of France, particularly Paris. He took up French lessons with a commitment to being able to fully immerse himself in his travels. He had a keen interest in exploring maps in anticipation of his many driving trips, and embodied the idea that the journey was just as thrilling as the destination itself. Allan was known to be a wonderful chef, spending several years as part of Les Marmitons in Toronto. He was adventurous and skilled in the kitchen and was always excited to share his delicious creations with his family and friends. He readily welcomed friends and extended family to his home and was a gracious and generous host. Allan was a voracious reader of fiction and non-fiction books and he loved the challenge of a New York Times crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Above all, Allan was a loving, affectionate and selfless father and grandfather. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by the laughter of his loved ones, eating a Sunday meal together, reading or watching sports together. Allan loved to get an early start to each day, often completing chores with one or more of his kids before most people had started their day. He felt great satisfaction completing tasks on his lists and being efficient. He was supportive of his family’s education, hobbies, sports endeavours and career choices and he always took an active interest in the lives of his loved ones. A warm hug from Allan was all it took to know you had a friend for life. Allan leaves behind a legacy of hard work, determination, commitment, generosity, love and laughter.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of University Hospital in London, Ontario for their caring and  compassion, as well as to the caregivers of Amica London. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honoured if you would consider a donation to North York General Foundation. Please state in memory of Dr. Robert Allan Hart. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will take place in the spring of 2024 in Toronto.