John Gezon ’64

John Gezon Obituary
Dr. John Alden Gezon, M.D.

1942 ~ 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.