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Brockett Muir Obituary
Dr. Muir was born on June 18, 1932, in Olney, Md., to Brockett Muir Sr. and Helen Dapray Muir. He was the eldest of five children: Dapray, Helen Anne Bertke (deceased), Cassin, and Marilyn Smith. Following a romantic courtship that began in Honolulu, Dr. Muir married JoAnn Bukaty, of Kansas City, Mo., his wife, love, and first mate of more than 50 years.
Dr. Muir attended Georgetown Preparatory School and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and flew Lockheed Super G Constellations, the largest airplane at the time, around the globe. Dr. Muir, proud of his service to his country, often recounted his flying stories which were driven by four huge propellers and guided by his precise celestial navigation. Dr. Muir left the service and received his medical degrees from the University of Virginia and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Muir was an obstetrician and gynecologist in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 30 years. He served as Chief of Gynecology at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Md., and Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., and was consistently listed in the "Washingtonian" magazine's "Best Doctors" lists. Dr. Muir delivered over 10,000 babies during his career. Upon his retirement in 1999, he moved to Middlesex County, Va., and continued to practice medicine at the Three Rivers Health District, serving ten area counties. Dr. Muir's cancer forced him to stop helping his beloved patients just six weeks before his death.
Dr. Muir, however, was interested in more than just medicine. Dr. Muir loved his family, friends, animals and boats. He was deeply committed to the future of Middlesex County and was a significant voice for the responsible growth and development of Middlesex County. Dr. Muir worked to preserve the Rivah for his young grandchildren and fellow citizenry. He actively supported the Deltaville Maritime Museum, the Middlesex County Museum, and the establishment of the Middlesex County YMCA. He was a lifelong member of the Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, Md., and a member of the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club in Paget, Bermuda, and the Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, Va. He was a passionate offshore sailor, a wooden boat builder, a compassionate farmer, an accomplished watercolor artist, a photographer, an elegant writer, a skilled orator, and a student of almost anything. "Learning never ends" was one of his favorite sayings, and it was reflected in his overstuffed bookcases and long project lists. Dr. Muir's last significant voyage was an exciting 2007 sail in his boat "Trafalgar" from Deltaville, Va., to Paget, Bermuda, and back.
Dr. Muir is survived by his devoted wife, JoAnn; his faithful dog, Churchill; and his four children and their spouses, Heather Kirby and John, Madeline Bacon and Greg, Brockett Muir III and Catherine, and Helen Milby and Joe; and his seven grandchildren, John Brockett Kirby, Anabelle Bacon, Sarah Milby, Kate Milby, Brockett Muir IV, Hollis Muir, and Grace Muir.
Dr. Muir will be buried on Friday, Aug. 29th, at Christ Church Parish in Christchurch, Va. The service will begin at noon. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening, Aug. 28, at the Bristow Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda, Va.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Church Parish, P.O. Box 476, Saluda, VA, 23149 or the Deltaville Maritime Museum, P.O. 466, Deltaville, VA, 23043.
All who knew him will miss Dr. Muir's appreciation of life, endless curiosity and gentle touch. God bless Dr. Muir. Bravo Zulu! View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brockett Muir
Tamara
June 22, 2025
Just saw his obituary. My condolences to his loved ones. Dr. Muir delivered my daughter in 1980 and would have delivered my son in 1983 had he not been on vacation. A wonderful, caring physician, he'll be missed.
Sue Geiger
June 3, 2009
I just learned yesterday of Dr. Muir's passing. My own mother passed in July and I had to think that yet another great one has joined the ranks in heaven. Dr. Muir had a unique ability to make one feel beautiful even at a time when feeling "ugly"! His joy of living spilled over to his patients and one could not leave without feeling special after each visit. I am sad he has left this earth, but rejoice at his return to his Maker.
Sue, Damascus Maryland
Meg Pratt
April 29, 2009
I am so sorry to have only heard about Dr. Muir's passing today. What a great man he was! Dr Muir delivered six of my eight babies so we got to know each other very well. With each visit, I left his office feeling uplifted, cared-for and as though I was his favorite patient. I have no doubt that he made each patient feel the same way. I will always remember him as a man of great energy and passion for everything he did- delivering babies, photography, sailing, boat building - you name it! Another thing I vividly remember is the kind and loving way he spoke of his dear Joanne and their children. Although I only met Joanne once (at a beautiful Christmas party in their home) it was clear to me from conversations, how deeply he loved her and how proud he was of their children -the success of whom he largely credited to their mother. I am so thankful to have been in Dr. Muir's care as I carried and delivered my own precious children. He not only provided excellent medical care, he touched my life. Thank you, dear Dr. Muir.
Trish
February 27, 2009
Dr. Muir delivered my first born on August 12, 1996... the day his own father died. I remember that morning so fondly as we watched the sunrise. As we grieved for his loss, he told us that there was nothing better than bringing new life into the world on such a day. His practice has never been the same. The care, time, patience, and passion he gave are unmatched and a lesson to all of us.
Diantha Lay
January 6, 2009
How sad I am to learn of Dr. Muirs death only today. Dr. Muir delivered my two amazing sons and we had a special relationship. The night his mother died, he split his time between her intensive care unit and my labor and delivery room. He never lost focus of me or my needs, even though his family was in crisis.
He made his patients feel as though they were the only patient he had. He always put the well being of his patients above everything. He was committed to his practice and his patients. I was blessed to have him as my physician and my friend. He was a special man with a special heart for people and serving them. There will never be another Dr. Muir. He was one of a kind. What a special, special person he was.
Tibor and Truda Frekko
November 3, 2008
We send out heartfelt symathy to JoAnn and the family. We were in practice next door in Montgomery Village for many years. Brockett delived three of our children at Sibley. All three are phycians and practice in Montgomery Village. He was a great person, a great doctor, and a wonderful human being. God will judge him generously for all the good he has done.
Love,
Tibby and Truda Frekko
Faye Mathias
September 17, 2008
To the family - I am among the many patients that your beloved Dr. Muir cared for ......I saw him in Montgomery County, MD where I live. My sister Jeannie Harner Roswell e-mailed me his obit. from NJ where she lives at present. She, too, was a long time patient of his. May God bless your family beyond measure. --Faye Kessell Mathias (and Jeannie (Kessell) Harner-Roswell
M Bacon
September 9, 2008
To All of Dad's Patients and Friends: I had no idea that this site existed until someone mentioned casually that she had read such lovely entries about Dad. Yes, he was a very, very special husband, father, physician, sailor, farmer, and friend. Though our grief, I believe that we will find a strength within us that we never knew existed. I know that I will never, ever take getting out of bed each morning for granted, and I will have a greater compassion for my fellow man. I am comforted by all of the footprints Dad left behind: trees that have taken root, beautiful watercolors adorning what were once unremarkable walls, a veritable rainbow of birds feeding on seeds outside the kitchen, a happy, well fed dog, and heartfelt, unsolicited stories of his generosity of self from those he touched. Dad fought his last battle the way he wanted: with 'grace and spunk.' I will forever admire his incredible strength and bravery. Thank you for your kind words; Dad's true spirit will continue to live on in all of us. -Madeline
September 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Muir clan. Thanks especially to Dr. Muir's children because it couldn't have been that easy to have such a popular,smart Dr, as a Dad who had to run off to deliver babies etc. when you were young. Thanks to your Dad, my youngest child, a Muir baby,is 26 and earning her PHD. at George Wasgington U.She is a blessing,and so was your father.Peace,Anne Phillips,Monrovia,Md.
Diana Semelsberger
August 31, 2008
When I remember Dr. Muir its with a smile and a warmth. My sister in law gave me his name when I found out I was pregnant. He delivered 2 of my 3. One of the things that I remember is sitting in an exam room in Gaithersburg and suddenly hearing a "storm" all the lovely sounds of the thunder and the rain, then the clearing and the birds singing...he loved his piped in music from classic to "earth sounds." His instincts were the best. His bedside manner unmatched. We have all lost a wonderful man, but we were so blessed to have known him. I thank his family for sharing so much of their time with us. At times I'm sure it was hard for you, but please know we loved him too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Diana
Joy Semelsberger
August 30, 2008
Dr. Muir delivered 2 of my 3 children. He was a wonderful Doctor. He had a way of making me feel like I was his only patient. He will be greatly missed as a doctor. God blessed him with a great gift and he used it to the fullest! My prayer go out to his Family and Friends! God Bless you all.
August 30, 2008
I am one of the fortunate patients and employee of Dr. Muirs who was able to attend his memorial. The memories, the funny stories, the love was overwhelming.
I have been a patient of Dr. Muir since 1968. He always took the time to meet with each and every patient in his office after the exam. As many of you know he would take a patient phone call while we were there---never did we get upset, as that was probably one of us at one time. He spoke with us personally, never had a nurse or MA attempt to answer our questions. Several times I would be in his waiting room for 30 minutes and he would fly out the of door. Never did we get upset, we simply walked over to the reception area and said to Leah " I guess I need to reschedule." We knew there was a baby on his way into this world and he needed Dr. Muir more than we did at that time.
I worked for Dr. Muir the last year before his retirement. I'll never forget that wonderful experience and the opportunity he gave me.
God gave you to us for such a brief time, we all thank Him for allowing you to touch our lives.
Sail on Sweet Prince, you are sorely missed.
Marilyn Stewart
August 29, 2008
My heart goes out to all Dr. Muir's family. He was my physician for more than 25 years until he retired from his practice in Gaithersburg, MD. He always treated me with respect, dignity and compassion. He was one of a kind. He also delivered my oldest grand child, who is a beautiful young woman of 22 today.
Lisa Santini
August 29, 2008
First and foremost my condolences go out to the entire family for such a tremendous loss. Dr. Muir delivered my second child, now almost 15 and he will forever live on in my heart. Without a doubt he was the kindest, most sincere and genuine men I have had the pleasure of knowing. He had a passion for his profession and it was displayed daily. He had a sixth sense when your spirit needed lifting, always knowing just what to say. He was amazing with his patients. He was like a kid in a candy store when he found out I was having a girl, I don't know who was more excited! I am blessed to have known him, and the world would be a better place if more people were like him. Thank you for touching my life Dr. Muir!
Linda Rittelmann
August 29, 2008
I was shocked to learn of Dr. Muir's passing, and my heart goes out to his family, especially his daughter Madeline who was so close to her father and loved him dearly. Such a sudden passing after just going on his sailing adventure last summer with his son in law, Greg. And a beautiful family trip to Italy last fall. I know he will be missed, but what a legacy he left.
Carol Wagner Collins
August 29, 2008
Thank God for people like Dr. Muir. I believe I first meet Dr. Muir in 1991. My first full term pregnancy began in 1992. I am so thankful that he was there to provide me with guidance and support. He had such a special way with his patients, we all know that pregnancy comes with days of feeling unattractive and being tired. If I were ever to walk into Dr. Muir’s Office feeling ugly and warn out, I never left that way. He always made pregnancy seem like a royal experience. He successfully delivered my second child, all 9lbs 14 oz of him without performing a C-Section. I am still very grateful to him for allowing my body to work that magic that he knew it could. I know that the Angels are enjoying his presence in heaven, just as I did while he was visiting here with us on earth.
He was a gift, a blessing to us all. Gods Speed Dr. Muir.
Patti Cochran
August 29, 2008
Brockett Muir was introduced to me when I found myself suddenly pregnant at the same time my gynecologist decided to stop practicing obstetrics. I was my good fortune as both my pregnancies were high risk. I trusted Dr. Muir's competence and experience..and looked forward to every appointment as that meant I could spend a brief moment talking with him! I wish the extended Muir family strength as they mourn the passing of this wonderful, warm man. He was a true original. He made the world a much better place. He mattered! I'm grateful for having known him.
Andrew Gantt
August 28, 2008
My friendship with Brockett was a serendipity of an internet sailing web site to which we both belonged. Our great adventure was sailing in a small boat to St. Petersburg, Russia together. Brockett personified Elegance!! He was elegant in the deepest human sense. His being was a focal point of tradition, innovation, professionalism, service, and zest. He boisterously pummeled the humdrum of daily living and raised the bar of "life" for himself, and for us.
Tonya Tuell
August 28, 2008
My heart goes out to Dr. Muir's family. My son Lee was the 1st baby of a baby that Dr. Muir delivered! Thank you for my beautiful bundle of joy... who is now 16! I was a patient of Dr. Muir from the time that I was 14 yrs. old, until he retired (I was then 27). I am now a patient of Dr. Anders Apgar (whom Dr. Muir referred me to). He was the most gentle and wonderful doctor that I will have the pleasure of meeting. I am so grateful to him that I have my brother Richard in this world! He will forever be in my heart and soul. "You sail to the heavens, and know that you are a VERY special angel"!! All my love, Tonya Tuell
Ann Heaton
August 28, 2008
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family of Dr. Muir, he was a great and gentle man. I started as a patient when I was 17yrs old and when I was 19 he helped me thru my most difficult pregnancy and he sat for almost two days to get me thru the labor and difficult birth of my son Richard, he is now forty two and he also delivered my daughter Tonya and two of my grandchildern Lee and Caitlyn and for that I am forever greatful. I was a patient of Dr. Muir's until he retired and moved to VA..So sail on Dr. Muir you will be in my heart forever more. God Bless Ann
Sally George Mattison
August 27, 2008
My heart goes out to the Muir family for their loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Muir for 13 1/2 years at Sibley Hospital as well as being his patient. I always enjoyed the comics on the ceiling and the half hour chats in his office after appointments. He was a man of honor, laughter and love.
Susan
August 27, 2008
How fortunate I was to find Dr. Muir through the recommendation of my gynecologist. When she asked me what qualities I was looking for in an obstetrician, I replied that he/she had to have a sense of humor. Dr. Muir's first note on my chart was: "A sailor!" That set the course of our physician/patient relationship.
My first pregnancy ended in a late term miscarriage. Dr. Muir was crushed. He invited my husband and I to stay at his home near Oxford for a few days. When we moved to Connecticut, Dr. Muir guided me to the High Risk Obstetrics Clinic at Yale University, where my oldest daughter was delivered. Two years later we were back in Maryland and Dr. Muir planned to deliver our youngest daughter, but it was July and he was sailing a Hinckley in Maine. Because it was a Hinckley, we forgave him.
The world has lost an exemplary physician and an extraordinarily generous man whose love for his family was obvious to anyone who had a conversation with him. My heart breaks for their loss.
lois jubert
August 27, 2008
I will always be grateful to Dr Muir, he delivered my fourth child, which is now 40 and helped me thru tough times. May the wind be always helping your sails.
Jackie Jackson
August 27, 2008
What a WONDERFUL MAN to have known. If it wasn't for Dr. Muir I would not have had my daughter 18 years ago!! My heart aches!!
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family at this time and in the days ahead.
Christine
August 27, 2008
Dr. Muir was a Renaissance man of the first degree. He delivered both of my daughters, the youngest on his his birthday in 1984! I adored him and feel so fortunate to have had him in my life for twenty plus years. He was caring, compassionate and had a wonderful sense of humor. God Bless his family.
Hugh and Katy Shannon
August 27, 2008
Katy and I were so sorry to hear of Dr. Muir's passing. Please be assured that you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Kidwell
August 27, 2008
I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Muir's passing. He was truely a remarkable person and doctor. My heart breaks for his wife and family. Memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry always.
August 27, 2008
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Muir's passing and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues.
He delivered not only our children (now ages 33, 31, and 18) but also many nieces and nephews. Dr. Muir warned me (April, 1977) that since my 2nd born would be delivered in May that he most likely would be sailing (oh! - he loved his sailing and his boat)! He "guided" me through a miscarriage and assisted me tremendously during a 30 minute phone conversation (I've never spoken to any physician for that length of time) regarding an issue with my youngest. Dr. Muir kept me on the phone until he was certain that I was totally comfortable with my decision. I would have never had the courage to make any decision if it hadn't been for Dr. Muir's dedication to my particular situation, his thoughtfulness, and above all his tremendous love for human life.
Oh...he just loved all those babies! He delivered each child in his practice as though it was his first.
To those who were fortunate to have been so close to him I feel sad for your loss. I cannot imagine the everlasting impact he has had on you (those he loved) for he surely left an indelible impression on so many of us who were not privileged of having a closer relationship with him.
Dr. Brockett Muir, Jr. was an icon!
M H
August 27, 2008
I was so saddened to hear about Dr. Muir. He was such a blessing during a very difficult time in my life while I was carrying my first child. He was not only a skilled physician but also a wonderful compassionate human being.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Cindy Meehan
August 27, 2008
When I learned last evening of Dr. Muir's death, the world around me stopped as I tried to comprehend what I had just heard. I started seeing Dr. Muir when I was 15. He delivered my boys in 1987,1991 and helped me with a miscarrriage in between. My mom worked for him and I got to know your family well. I even house sat and baysat for Helen down on R Street a couple of times. I pray and wish you support in these trying days. Dr. Muir will truly be missed by many. He had such a wonderful bedside manner. I really looked forward to my yearly check-ups catching up on your family and then always receiving some words of wisdom from him. May all your wonderful memories and the love he bestowed on you, help ease your grief and get you through the upcoming weeks.
In love and prayer,
Cynthia Denney Meehan
Linda August
August 27, 2008
We were saddened to learn about Dr. Muir. He was my gynecologist from 1980 until he moved to Virginia. He delivered both of our daughters, now ages 27 and 24. I loved how he was so respectful of my career and championed working mothers. He spoke very proudly of how his daughters were making their way in the business world. His love of sailing was evident everywhere in his office. He was a great and compassionate doctor. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
S B
August 27, 2008
I thank God for the blessing that Dr. Muir was to me and my husband. He was a very understand and compassionate doctor who supported us through three miscarriages, the births of our three sons(now 24,27, and 31 years old) and a hysterectomy. God only knows all the lives that he touched as a doctor and as a man so enthusiastically involved with his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
We pray that God will bless and comfort his entire family in this time of loss.
DOTTIE FERRUZZA
August 26, 2008
I worked with Dr. Muir and he delivered my eight grandchildren. He will be missed. The world is a better place because he was here.
Anita Koontz
August 26, 2008
I am proud that out of 10,000 deliveries, I can say that one of those was mine! Truly was a great Doctor and gave my baby boy (now 14) a great entry into this world. Our prayers to the entire Muir family.
Tricia Moran
August 26, 2008
Our sincere condolences to Dr Muir's beloved wife, children, grandchildren and family. Dr Muir delivered my first precious child exactly ten and a half years ago. He was a compassionate, caring and amazing doctor and person. I am sure he touched many lives, but I wanted to say that he touched the lives of me and my family in every way. We wish him peace. With love,
Tricia, Patrick, Micaela and Brian Moran
Rose Marie DeStefano
August 26, 2008
Dr. Muir was my gynecologist for over 22 years. Although I never had children, I did have major surgery performed by him. His thoughtful care and medical expertise was unparalleled in making my experience tolerable. You always knew how much he cared about you. He was one of a kind. I'm sure he has a special place in heaven. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Susan Gatliff
August 26, 2008
Dr. Muir was a wonderful doctor, he will truly be missed. He was one of kind. His personality made my visits easier.
Judy Gurdian
August 26, 2008
What a wonderful human being! First he was my mentor and then for the last 30 years has been my dear friend. He taught me how to deliver a baby and do surgery. By example he taught me how to be a physician and also reminded me always to love the great adventure of life. Fair winds an prosperous voyage, Brockett. We will miss you so very much.
Ann Addison Freniere
August 26, 2008
It was an honor knowing Dr. Muir. My prayers are with Mrs. Muir, Brock, Heather, Madeline and Helen. God bless, Ann Addison Freniere
August 26, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Muir's passing. He was one of my most favorite people ever. He delivered both my daughters and even helped me choose the name of my youngest daughter, Morgan, who is now 12. I feel blessed to have known Dr. Muir and he will always have a very special place in my heart for delivering my beautiful daughters. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.
Katy Young, Olney MD.
Lisa Hill
August 26, 2008
I trusted him with my life. He was a true gem. He will be missed dearly.
Elizabeth Malia
August 26, 2008
Mr. Muir was always so welcoming when I was a child growing up with Helen. I enjoyed some wonderful times with them. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Beth Perry
August 26, 2008
My health dept. coworkers and I have lost a very patient and dedicated inspiration. He will not be forgotten by those whose lives he touched, and will live on in the compassion he showed to many.
Betty Lou Chadwell
August 26, 2008
He was truly a wonderful man and very special to me. He made the almost impossible happen for me- to become a Mom. Special prayers for the whole family
Pat Watters
August 26, 2008
Dr. Muir was a one of a kind. He delivered both my boys, now 17 and 15. No other doctor has ever had such a place in my heart.
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