George Edson Page, MD, FACS

George Edson Page, MD, FACS, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 28, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on November 27, 1943, in Rockford, Illinois, Dr. Page was the son of the late George Burton Page and Velora Edson Page. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ann Austin Page; uncle, Dr. Hobart (John) B. Edson; and grandparents, Dr. Hobart W. and Marion Edson, whom he credited for fostering his love of medicine from a young age.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1965, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1969. He completed a surgical residency in Jacksonville, Florida, followed by advanced specialty surgical training in Macon, Georgia, and Phoenix, Arizona. In 1978, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons—an honor reflecting his skill, dedication, and professionalism. 

Dr. Page devoted more than three decades to the practice of medicine and healing. Admired for his intelligence, compassion, and dedication, he was deeply committed to both his patients and his community. He founded a respected general and reconstructive surgery practice in Cottonwood, Arizona, where he served alongside his beloved wife, Melody Page, who managed the practice. He also worked with the emergency medicine and trauma surgery teams at Marcus J. Lawrence Memorial Hospital. 

A man of many interests and talents, Dr. Page’s passions extended well beyond the world of medicine. In his earlier years, he was an accomplished ventriloquist, performing with his dummy, Stanley. He maintained a lifelong love of astronomy, astrophysics, and astrophotography. A voracious reader, he was rarely without a book—often immersed in science fiction or the latest scientific discoveries. Music, especially classical, enriched his daily life, as did tending to his rose and vegetable gardens. One of his favorite personal rituals was late-night gourmet cooking, where he found joy and creativity in preparing elaborate meals for family or simply for himself.

Dr. Page’s zest for life was evident in countless ways. He delighted in driving his Porsche convertible, enjoyed fine red wines and pipe tobacco, and found peace in the solitude of fly fishing. He treasured time with family—from winter ski vacations and summer trips to the family cabin in Minocqua, Wisconsin, to a Disney cruise celebrating his 50th anniversary with Melody. He was a devoted father who cherished everyday moments with his family, whether coaching their youth sports teams or sharing his love of strategy games like chess and poker.

He had a deep affection for animals, especially his cats, and Molly, his loyal black Labrador, whose companionship he deeply missed in his later years. 

Dr. Page was a member of Shriners International and the American College of Surgeons. He lived with integrity, curiosity, and compassion—values that inspired everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Melody Page; son, Dr. Curtis Page (Kristin), and grandsons, Nolan and Myles; son, Dr. Marshall Page (Bethany), and granddaughters, Aubrey and Reagan; and brother, Jim Page. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A graveside service will follow from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the family burial site in Arlington Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Page’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Arizona Humane Society, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

George will be remembered always for his boundless intellect, generous spirit, unwavering commitment to healing, and the deep love he held for his family.