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Charles Hedges Obituary
Charles Calhoun Hedges Jr, MD died August 14, 2016 at the age of 91. Charles was gifted with intelligence, compassion and integrity. He was an innovative eye surgeon whose numerous publications helped physicians and patients. He received his medical degree from the University of California San Francisco in 1949. He completed his internship at San Francisco General Hospital and then specialized in ophthalmology with a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota followed by residency at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. An exceptional teacher, he was an instructor at UCLA Medical Center and at the University of Washington Medical School prior to moving to Phoenix where he enjoyed a private practice for over 25 years. During his career he served as Chief of Staff for the Crippled Children's Services, the Maricopa County Hospital and the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. He was a Past President of the Phoenix Ophthalmology Society. Publications by Dr. Hedges appeared in the American Journal of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery. He received accolades for his tear duct surgery technique and for treatment of nevoxanthoendothelioma. He was a Lieutenant in the US Navy. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Dorothy, daughters Emily Howard (Gordon) Judy Stickel (Reinhold) Elizabeth Glattly (Don) and grandchildren Dane, Kirsten, Logan, Marina and Hayley. Charles had a love of limericks and a keen sense of humor. He enjoyed tennis, hiking, traveling, playing the piano and spending time with his family and friends. A memorial is being planned for September 22. Donations can be made to Benevilla PO Box 8450 Surprise, AZ 85374 www.benevilla.org
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Hedges
September 13, 2016
There once was a man from Sun City
whose wife is really quite pretty.
His laughter and jokes
touched all kinds of folks.
We'll always enjoy he was witty.
Love to you all from the Pappas family
Leslie Bartley
August 31, 2016
Dottie,
Thinking of you and your family. What a pleasure it was to have known Charles. Bart and Helen enjoyed his friendship and spoke of him fondly. He was a remarkable man: kind, intelligent, innovative, and had a wonderful sense of humor. We all will miss him. Treasure the wonderful memories that you have been blessed with. Hugs to you!
Leslie and Steve Bartley
Tina Liem
August 30, 2016
My parents were fortunate enough to have Charles and Dottie Hedges as dear friends. They golfed, socialized and traveled together regularly for many years and very much enjoyed eachother's company. Dr. Hedges got such a kick out of my Dad, Larry Clark, and he would really chuckle at some of my Dad's antics! At one point, I was lucky enough to work for Dr. Hedges for a period of about 4 years and got to see up close his gentle rapport with his patients and his brilliance as a doctor. I'll never forget one of his funny lines uttered nearly every day as lunch time came around. "Well, guess I'll go and strap on the old feedbag!" And, off he would go to the St. Joseph Hospital cafeteria. He will be missed. Hank and I send our condolences and love to Dottie and his beautiful girls.
Leslie Bartley
August 22, 2016
Judy, Liz and Emily,
I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Your Dad was a kind, gifted, lovely man with a terrific sense of humor. What a wonderful legacy he gave the world in the three of you. He will be missed. I am so glad to have known him. Hugs to you all, your Mom and your families.
Geoff & Colin Manoil
August 21, 2016
A practitioner with unexcelled qualifications, Dr. Hedges was at the front of our GP father's rolodex of referral specialists for as long as he remained in private practice. Dr. Charles was remarkable not just for his keen intelligence and absolute commitment to medicine, but equally for his great humanity, compassion, and unfailing good humor. No one better served his profession, his patients, and indeed the community than did this model of a man, author of a life truly and fully accomplished.
August 20, 2016
To the Hedges Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
D. Roman 12:12 Andrews
August 20, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
jane brown
August 18, 2016
Your dad was a terrific story teller. We enjoyed his humor. Both he and your mom were the BEST Pug sitters. He left a wonderful legacy to his family and those who knew him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Jane,Byron, and menagerie of pugs. ☺
Ellen Gromer
August 17, 2016
I went to Dr. Hedges in 1970 for contact lenses and was his patient until he left for the VA Hosp. He was the best ophthalmologist and I really missed not being his patient anymore. He will be missed and I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
Duncan Horton
August 17, 2016
Fond memories of "Dr. Hedges" -- a gentle soul and role model. Always a pleasure to be in his company.
Condolences to Mrs. Hedges, Emily, Judy, Liz and their extended families.
May all your memories be good ones.
Donna (Czarnecki) Metzler
August 17, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember so well the dear man who lived next door for so many of my growing up years.
August 17, 2016
Judy I'm so sorry for the loss of your father for you and your family. He will always be with you❤ Jackie
Sabrina Jordan
August 17, 2016
Judy, I am so sorry about the loss of your father Charles. He was an absolute delight to be around. I will always treasure the time I spent with him and your Mom at their house. He always had something interesting to say, was so kind, and had a great sense of humor. We sure have some great memories of time together with your parents. I will always cherish the time I got to spend with you and your family. Your dad was very special to me. I will miss and never forget him. Praying God will comfort you and give you strength in this very difficult time. You, Dottie, Rein, Logan, Liz, Emily and the rest of your family will all be in my prayers. Love, Sabrina
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