Cawilie G. Dr. Vergara

Dr. Cawilie G. Vergara, age 70 years, passed away February 20, 2014. He was born on March 16, 1943 in Marikina, Philippines to Romeo and Elena Vergara. He graduated from the medical school at Far Eastern University in Manila. In 1969, he received the 7th highest score for the medical board exam in the Philippines. Cawilie was an anesthesiologist in the Toledo area for 32 years. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at Toledo Hospital from 1972 to 1974. While at Toledo Hospital, he became the Medical Director of the ICU/CCU in 1975 and was the first doctor to use the Swan-Ganz catheter. He was instrumental in the development of respiratory and critical care services at Toledo Hospital and later at St Vincents Medical Center, which he joined in 1976. Cawilie worked at St. Vincents Medical Center for 27 years. He served as the Associate Chairman for the Department of Anesthesiology at St. Vincents from 1980-1982. He was involved in the clinical training of emergency medicine residents in the Mercy system and for a time with residents coming from the anesthesiology program at MCO. He was a warm and compassionate clinician who collaborated easily with his colleagues in the operating room, be they surgeons, residents, nursing students, or technicians. Cawilie was an avid sportsman who loved hunting, clay shooting, and fishing. He and his wife loved to travel, visiting all 50 states as well as Europe and Asia. Most of all, he prized his time with family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Dr. Rita Diaz Vergara, and his 3 children: Alexander Kelly of Eureka, MO, Bernadette Michael of Saratoga, CA, and Christopher of Strongsville, OH. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Ella, Sophie, Maya, and Talia; and siblings, Romeo, Jr., Jesse, Vivian, and Susan. Visitation will be Friday, February 28, 2014 from 2-9:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd.. Services will begin with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30am Saturday, March 1followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St. Sylvania, OH. Interment will be private. Donations in Cawilies memory may be given to the Filipino Association of Toledo SCORE or Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.