Dr. John Alden Gezon, M.D.
May 14, 1942 - June 12, 2024
Holladay, UT- John was born in Grand Rapids, MI, to Peter V. and Louise Gezon. Growing up, John had the incredible fortune to have friends and family who remained close throughout his life. “The Guys” feature in many of his adventures from high school and through the rest of his life, and he spoke of them and their setback tournaments with all the love in the world. His extensive travel helped shape who he was, giving him a lifetime sense of wonder and a unique ability to see the very best in every single person he met.
John attended Christian High School, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hope College and his M.D. from Northwestern University. He had adventurous years in Chicago, including run-ins with a crime ring, a zoo break-in, and being choked out by undercover cops during the riots of ’68, before serving as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy.
John worked as an Emergency Room physician for over 50 years, putting his absolutely unflappable nature to good use. He loved caring for people, and his stories from the ER shaped the lives of all who met him, including his stepdaughter and nephew, who have both gone on to have careers in emergency healthcare. Some of his happiest times were in ERs surrounded by his work family, who he cared for very deeply.
Affectionally known as Dr. Toad, John had an unparalleled zest for life. Anyone who met him knew about his upcoming trips, his latest mountain bike route, the newest movie he wanted to see, the great book he was reading, his adventures snowboarding, the races his horses were running and winning, and the color he’d most recently painted his toe nails.
John passed away peacefully on June 12th in Salt Lake City. He is survived by his wife Amy and their daughter Sophie, children Jessica (Shawn), Zak (Ramsa) and their mother Maggie, stepchildren Ryan and Sam, grandkids Cami and Izzy, and nieces and nephew Lisa, Sara, Ben, and their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his beloved and equally mischievous brother Bob. A scientist until the end, John is donating his body to the NIH for continued research into causes of and cures for Parkinson’s disease.
Toad was a force of nature; fearless, positive, accepting, confident, generous, unabashedly authentic, and always helping others see the possibilities and the best in each other and themselves — the world lost a little bit of magic when it lost him.
Join us for a celebration of life at 2:00 pm on August 4th at the downtown Squatters Pub, 147 W Broadway, Salt Lake City— tie-dye encouraged. A private service will be held on August 3rd at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City.
To make a donation in his memory, please support the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/donate/
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with John's family.
In Loving Memory
When I decide to grow up I want to be just like Doc!!! One my all time favorite patients. Pete
I never think of John without thinking of Seymour School or of Seymour School without thinking of John and what a dear, sweet, smart, and very fun kid he was. Liked a little mischief too...I'm quite certain he was there the night after catechism when some of us found an open window at this school, climbed in and turned every desk around to face the back of the room instead of the chalkboard and teacher's desk at the front of the room. None of us fessed up to it under interogation by our stern Principal! We lost touch over these many years but I have never forgotten this very likeable, smart, somewhat shy, funny, and really good guy. Nor am I surprised reading the beautiful tributes...a force of nature, unabashedly authentic! Toad!!! You enriched and blessed my life, as you doubtless have done to all you encountered over your many decades. Thank you! To your dear family, heartfelt condolences. "Sill"
John took an interest in me when I was an ER tech at the old Holy Cross Emergency Room back in the late 1970s and was the best physician to work with. His parties will always be remembered. Years later it was a very special honor and privilege to be involved in John's care at the VA. I never saw him without a smile on his face and a warm greeting. He will be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart. Phil
Dr Toad was an incredible person in my childhood as i grew up next door to the Gezon's where our families enjoyed the golden era of the eighties with legendary fun all around. John was was an amazing Character of fun and exuberant charm, laughter and care. He looked after my whole family time and time again was there. stitching us up or burn holes with a paper clipin my brothers busted up finger nails, fixing or giving remedies for all types of ailments. We were one of the luckiest families around to have such care, and when you would hear his little MG purr into the driveway in the middle of the night I never could imagine how many people he really helper besides all of us and other neighbors. He always had a magical way in his care and never seemed bothered or tired to see us. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. Sending all my love to Zack and Jessie and to Maggie.
The summer of 1973 we both were new to Utah and Holy Cross Emergency Room.With his lead , I soon learned Dr. Gezon switched gears in the blink of an eye. His honed actions focused to best meet our patient needs. His caring style was clear. He exemplified teamwork, ever ready for input and to work together. Along with ER chaos and sorrows, he was also fun. What energy! How his photo ripples through my memories. Who skied to work, stomped his boots and rapidly brushed icicles off his beard ready to work? Who boomed, “ Citizen’s arrest. I am making a citizen’s arrest!!!” while noting hospital instruments about to exit the ER in a patient’s pockets? Who gave his undivided care and attention to each and every patient ? His gentle nudge steered me into the SLC Veterans Hospital programs for my war PTSD. I am grateful. If a lull in patients, who cooked on a grill nights in the parking circle? Who else immediately following an exhausting long work shift would lead a group hike to Timpanogos and then happily at the top move on to tour the cave ? Onward! Who drove wearing a chauffeur’s cap in his limo to “Grateful Dead “Concert? Later he worked on plans for the new SLC Veterans Emergency Room with his same enthusiasm. As I view this building construction, his lively curiosity driven life is joyfully remembered. Anyone who crossed paths with him certainly discovered new sparkle on their own path. What a doc , what a guy!
My sympathy to all. Toad was the leader of the Belden boys. I still insist on Zesta crackers. because of him. "They bust on the line"--crackers in those days came in a sheet of four. Riding to class in the coolerator which required some skill as in a moderate left turn the right door would fly open. The evenings at Pete and Larry's- Club Unigue.
As a former Special Forces medic, John, Mary Jane and I had military experiences in common. In 1973-6, I was finishing college and in ROTC. John was an encouraging influence on me and at work, it was an absolute joy when I knew he was going to be the attending physician on duty during my shift. Working in the ER was one of the highlights of my life. Working under John was an honor! A good man is gone!
Don lived for 2 years in the Chicago house on Belden, mentioned by Mudhen, with the 5 other med students (making Dort an honorary Belden girl?), but what really cemented the friendship was when Don and Toad traveled out West to do their internship year at LA County Hospital in 1968. We lived in the same dormitory and on the few days Don and Toad weren't in the hospital, we lollygagged at the next door winery, San Antonio, which served rot gut. There were so many great Toad times: ski trips to Alta, a foray to Rosario Beach in Mexico where Toad taught us to drive pell mell through armed federale roadblocks, and trying to learn to surf together at Laguna Beach. One memorable night (that we really don't remember) we ended up going down an up ramp on the LA freeway. He and Maggie introduced us to the environmental movement, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and how to act nonchalant when having only underpants to wear in a hotel hot tub. We were lucky enough to meet Amy one night in a Chinese restaurant after the races in Berkeley where we dined on frog legs.Toad never shied away from anything new or weird or fun. He had the greatest laugh ever. We'll never have a better friend. (And does anyone else remember Toad's classic "We'll be friends through thick and thin...?") Our hearts go out to all who loved him; we sure did.
In Loving Memory
