Dearly Departed: An ode to the Grey's Anatomy characters we lost too soon

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called the lives of the Grey's Anatomy characters we'll never forget. We mean, of course, Denny Duquette, that beautifully tragic hospital patient who charmed his way into the hearts of many. (Like, millions of people). But he isn't the only member of the Grey Memorial crew that we're mourning.

Denny Duquette, 1969–2009

Oh, Denny. He came into the hospital as just another patient and quickly became so much more. He stole the hearts of pretty much everyone he met, but none more so than Izzie Stevens. Their love blossomed until he convinced her to marry him. But on the night of the hospital prom, it was a stroke that took the sweet-talking patient from us all. (Isn't that the most ridiculous piece of crap you've ever heard?) Denny is survived by his parents.

Derek Shepherd, 1966–2015

Derek Shepherd was a devoted father, a loving husband, a kickass neurosurgeon, and above all else, McDreamy. He loved ferry boats, romantic gestures in elevators, and leaning against things. But after 11 seasons of beautiful days to save lives, the neurosurgeon died after a car accident landed him in the hands of incompetent doctors who really should've done a head CT. Derek is survived by his wife, Meredith, their three kids Zola, Bailey, and Ellis, his parents, and his four sisters. May his beautiful hair rest in peace.

Dylan Young, 1965ish–2007

Better known as "bomb squad guy," Dylan Young was a hero. Although his time at Seattle Grace was short, he saved countless lives when he marched into the hospital and handled the "bomb in a body cavity." He kept Meredith calm, and he kept the bomb stable … until he couldn't. In the end, that handsome face of his became pink mist.

George O'Malley, 1980–2009

George O'Malley was a good surgeon, and a great friend. And when he needed to be, he could also be a great birthing coach. But when Meredith realized "It's George" in the season five finale, everything changed for the hospital's resident nice guy. George O'Malley—also known as 007—died a hero when he threw himself in front of a bus to save a (rather annoying) stranger. He is survived by his mother, his brothers, his ex-wife, Callie, and his best friend, Izzie.

Lexie Grey, 1984–2012

The half-sister of Meredith Grey, Lexie was the bright and shiny sibling to Meredith's dark and twisty one, thanks to her happy upbringing and loving parents. Nicknamed Lexipedia by her fellow interns for her vast knowledge and photographic memory, Little Grey caught the eye of sexy plastic surgeon, Mark Sloan (and also Alex Karev and Jackson Avery—thank goodness for on-call rooms) and they embarked on a tumultuous relationship. The ups and down of her love life were nothing, however, to the tragic plane crash that ultimately took both her and Mark's lives. Lexie is survived by her sister Meredith and her father Thatcher Grey.

Mark Sloan, 1968–2012

Childhood best friend of the late Derek Shepherd and Head of Plastic Surgery at Seattle Grace Mercy West (now Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital), Mark Sloan got blood boiling upon his arrival at the hospital by flirting with Meredith and trying to win Addison Shepherd back. Dubbed "Mc Steamy" by his female co-workers, Mark was devastatingly handsome, charming and could wear a towel around his waist like no other man. He ran out of steam after a horrifying plane crash that also took the life of on-again, off-again girlfriend Lexie Grey. He is survived by his daughters Sloan Riley and Sofia Robbin Sloan Torres.

Henry Burton, 1970ish–2012

Henry first arrived at the hospital with a hereditary condition that made him in desperate need of surgery but without insurance. Unable to stand by and watch him die, his doctor Teddy Altman proposed that they get married so that he could have access to her insurance and get the much-needed, life-saving surgery. Although initially a marriage of convenience, Henry quickly developed genuine feelings for Teddy, which she ultimately reciprocated. And just because their hearts were finally happy and trouble-free, Henry had to go and have problems with his actual crucial organ. A tumor near his heart and the ensuing surgery to remove it killed Henry. He is survived by his widow Teddy and his steely green gaze will live on forever. RIP Hottie Husband.

Adele Webber, 1955–2012

Adele Webber was the often-suffering wife of Richard Webber. Often disgruntled to come second to her husband's work, Adele could deliver an empowered speech, withering stare, or ultimatum with the best of them. Though her and Richard's marriage had its fair share of problems, when Adele developed Alzheimer's, her husband was there for her—even when the disease led her to begin a relationship with another man. Adele died of a heart attack after surgery to fix an aneurysm. She is survived by her widower Richard Webber.

Doc, 2004ish–2006

In the beginning, Doc was a way to comfort Izzie after she lost a patient, but what he became was so much more, namely a representation of Derek and Meredith's relationship. When George wasn't a fan of his new housemate, Meredith gave Doc to Derek, where Doc grew to love their nature walks. In the end, Meredith and Derek had to put him down, but Derek summed it up best: "He was a good dog."