Dad knew many people in his time in this world, and I encourage anyone to share as they like here their thoughts. He loved nothing more than thinking with people about the possibilities before them, even in challenging times.  Thank you for visiting this site.  Dad cheers you on, whomever you are.

So sorry to read this. You and the whole family are in our prayers.

Owen’s world was love for his family, mutual respect and kindness with his colleagues, and deep and sustaining commitment to his patients.  He will be missed.

As a member of Owen’s extended family, I often observed how much he enjoyed family gatherings.  He always started lively and  engaging conversations, and he will be missed by all.

I'll always remember Dr. Surman as an all-around nice guy and an avid distance swimmer who put the Farm Pond lifeguards to shame on our mileage chart every summer I worked there.  He had a low key, calm presence and was a positive force in the world.  Heartfelt condolences to Craig and all of the Surman family.

Craig, Katie and Amy,
I am so sorry to learn this sad news.   We grew up together, spent lots of time in high school together, but not recently.    Owen once said, we may not talk much, but we always think of each other, and he was right.  
Very sorry for your loss.   I’ll keeping thinking of him often. Allan and Judy

Owen such an incredible light in everyone's life.So intuitive, caring, loving, and oh that Smile.that incredible smile of his. Owen was such an inspiration to everyone, giving it his all, dispute the struggle,always smiling, joking total strength/ courage and humor. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and so many hearts - so blessed to have known him - sing loud so we can hear you  

Katie and Craig,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It has been a long time since I last saw him, but all my memories of him are clear and fond. He left an indelible and positive impression in ways that still hold meaning for me. Sending you love.

Kate, Craig and Amy,
Owen was an amazing person. We are grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him. When we met the last time we spent some very nice days in Mexico. We will always remember him as a helpful, friendly, interested man. Our thoughts and love will always be filled with his memory.

Rest in peace, good neighbor. We are so sorry to hear this news but grateful he is no longer suffering. My best memory is when Franki and I came home from Elementary school and she was devastated about not winning a Kindergarten raffle.  As she was crying, Owen said to her ..."Franki, you've learned life's most valuable lesson: how to lose.". That stuck with me for years.

How fortunate I am to be the first cousin of my dearest Owen. I was 3 when he was born. As only children, we were as close as pages in a book. He was loved by many for his wisdom, his sense of fun, his seriousness. My heartfelt thoughts go out to Amy, to Kate, and to Craig.

Dear Owen, Our paths joined 36 years ago as a patient and then as a friend. You made life worth living, enabled me to enjoy the companionship of my wife, four children and eight grandchildren. You are the healer with your humility, listening, warmth and love. You will always remain present in our lives. Love to Craig, Kate, and Amy.

Dear Owen, Our paths joined 36 years ago as a patient and then as a friend. You made life worth living, enabled me to enjoy the companionship of my wife, four children and eight grandchildren. You are the healer with your humility, listening, warmth and love. You will always remain present in our lives. Love to Craig, Kate, and Amy.

I will always remember my Uncle O towing me behind him as he swam around Pike Lake. The whole entire lake! As a little girl I thought that this was just amazing.  He always had the most interesting stories and important lessons to teach me. I’m very thankful.
Sending my love to family.

My dearest love, Owen, passed away early Tuesday morning. He was brilliant, dedicated, quirky, adorable, strong and kind. He made me a better person just being by his side. He was the love of my life and I will forever hold him in my heart. We just celebrated our 21 years of marriage together.

Amy and family, I am so sorry for you loss. Owen was such a special resident at Adelaide. And still leaves amazing impact on the facility. I will never forget their last anniversary and how the three of us all ate together and talked. He really new how to touch lives even when he himself was suffering. “To live in someone’s heart is never to be forgotten” and that is Owen

So sad to hear about Owen’s passing. He would call me up about difficult transplant cases when I was living in Los Angeles. I always found his perspective useful. His sense of humor, wonder and joy in life were memorable. I just came across his phone number today and then saw his obituary online. He was a good man and astute clinician and will be greatly missed.

My heart aches for your loss. It has been 46 years since we met and we haven't seen one another in many years, but his warmth, passion, and lovely sense of humor have always been nearby. I became a physician at his insistance and strive, always, to measure up to the wonderful model he provided; the bar was high. His memory will always be a blessing.

I just saw his obituary, I am shocked, and saddened to have read his obituary.  I was a patient of Dr. Surman from 2000 until his retirement in 2017 from Massachusetts General Hospital.  I've lived in Milton, Ma. all my life; 4/8/1978.  We often talked about how he I graduated from Milton High School, and he would tell me about his growing up years in Milton.  Prayers are with his family.

I went to Milton Public Library and asked the librarian to pull the Milton High School Yearbook from 1960.  I xeroxed Dr. Surman's photo and brought it in to show him.  He looked at it and said "Cute!"  Dr. Surman was a great clinician, and great human being.  My Dad died at age 74 on January 20, 2020 while taking a nap; I know how it feels to lose a parent.

Memory: Dr. Surman once told me he grew up on Craig Street in Milton, Ma., and had a son; Dr. Craig Surman; MGH Psychiatrist. Coincidence.

Dear Owen,I'm at a loss for words. As you know that doesn't happen often. You were my hero,my greatest advocate,defender and protector. You did what no one else would do and because of that I lived! I lived to see both Amber and Kristopher get married and each have a child. I will remember you with love,a twinkle in your eyes, a gentle smile, and a spirited laugh. I will miss you friend.