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Robert Ojemann Obituary

OJEMANN, Dr. Robert G. Of Weston, beloved husband of Jean, passed away peacefully after an extended battle with cancer, on Wed. March 3, 2010 surrounded by his family. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1952 and received his medical degree at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, graduating first in his class in 1955. Dr. Ojemann came to the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1957 as a resident in Neurosurgery and ultimately was named Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School in 1979 and remained on the staff of the MGH and the faculty of Harvard Medical School for his entire career. This world renowned Neurosurgeon served as president of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Society of Neurological Surgeons and was chairman of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the Residency Review Committee for Neurological Surgery. He also received the highest awards in his specialty, including the Cushing Medal from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1997, Honored Guest of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1992 and the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Neurological Surgeons in 2001. His clinical and research interests were in the areas of brain tumors and cerebrovascular disease. He published over 200 articles and chapters and co-authored two books including the first book on the surgical management of cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Ojemann was the "neurosurgeon's neurosurgeon" and the teacher of an entire generation of neurosurgeons currently practicing world-wide. Even after he stopped operating he was a wonderful source of advice and wise counsel. His skill, style, and compassion profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of patients. Dr. Ojemann was also a long time member of Trinitarian Congregational Church in Wayland, where he had served as a deacon. In addition he served in the Army Reserves with rank of Major. Dr. Ojemann is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean; his sister Kathryn McKean and her husband Paul of Acton, brother Dr George Ojemann and his wife Dr. Linda Ojemann. Sons David and Joan Ojemann of Harvard, James and Carol Ojemann of Sandown, NH, Michael and Paula Ojemann of Concord, and John and Laura Ojemann of Carlisle, as well as 7 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 53 Cochituate Road (Route 27), Wayland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made either to the Robert G. and Jean A. Ojemann Professorship in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Salvation Army, or the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Wayland, Mass.

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Published by Boston Globe on Mar. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ojemann

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'Tricia and Charlie Hume

March 2, 2011

This Guest Book may be going offline soon, but you, OJ, will never be forgotten by me. I scrubbed for/with you many years ago and learned so much from those years with you. I truly am privileged you accepted me to be your scrub nurse in 1974. I am and will continue to be grateful for that. When I needed cervical surgery, I called you and you recommended Dr. Borges who had studied under you. You visited me when I was a patient recovering from that surgery. You are so incredibly special. Jean, you are very special to me as well. I know you must miss him very much. I close with something my dear husband taught me..."There is no place any of us go where God is not already there." May you be graced with comfort and consolation. Much love to you, 'Tricia

November 11, 2010

I just learned of Dr. Ojemann's death and wanted to say how grateful I have been for the excellent care he gave me in 1974 when he removed a very large neurofibroma from my cauda equina. I still am practicing general and vascular surgery in western Massachusetts at age 78 thanks to his superb neurosurgical skill. I have always been very thankful and grateful for his saving my surgical career.

Marilyn Salchert

August 31, 2010

Dr. Ojemann performed a very serious and complicated 14-hour acoustic neuroma surgery for me in 1984 at Mass. General. At that time he was known as the best brain surgeon anywhere, and how fortunate I was! He always took time to explain every detail to me; he encouraged me to reach out to other patients; he followed my progress for years; his caring and expertise could not have been surpassed. This wonderful man has given me many more healthy years. He was ahead of his time. He was brilliant. He was loved. I have thought of him and blessed him every day, and tonight, in my sadness in learning of his passing, I will smile my most brilliant straight smile in honor of this kind gentleman, my dear Dr. Ojemann.

David Carson

August 21, 2010

I have known Bob Ojemann since childhood, and we went through school, including college, together. A few years ago he was very helpful when I was looking for a neurosurgeon to remove a tumor from my son's pituitary gland. I never met his children and met his wife, Jean, just once, but I wish them the best in recovering from their loss.

Victor Maojo

August 14, 2010

I have just learnt that Dr. Ojemann passed away. I am truly sorry. I knew him when I needed a neurosurgey operation. I am a MD myself, and was a former fellow at the Harvard Medical School. Some colleagues recommended me the most talented neurosurgeon in the Harvard hospitals. I visited him in his office and gave me, in the most friendly way, the bad news. It could be very difficult to save my hearing. A few days later, I sent him a FAX and asked if there could be some other doctor in the world with some good chances for that specific operation. Then, he gave me such advice about a German doctor. When I visited this German neurosurgeon and told him and his colleagues the story, everyone was astonished (since they all knew Dr. Ojemann by his articles and books) with the personal generosity of a genius recommending another doctor for a specific operation. I know that the story is something different to most remembrances, but it might give a deep sign of true scientific and personal category. I have been grateful all my life and deeply sorry now.

Kari McDonald

April 27, 2010

Dr. Ojemann is credited by me and my family for saving my life in 1991. He removed a serious brain tumor and changed my life forever. My parents were so profoundly moved by his graciousness and skill that they had a proclamation declared in the Texas legislature. Dr. Ojemann being the truly humble man that he was, could not understand why we would do such a thing. I clearly remember him asking me that. I told him that Texans just did everything big and with a flourish! He will be greatly missed. A great, great man. My condolences to his family. What a sad loss for someone so very very special.

Patricia Hume

April 25, 2010

I am just reading this notice on Sunday, April 25th. I have had "OJ" on my mind for several weeks, totally unaware that he had been ill. Today, I decided I would seek a way to let him know how very grateful I am to him for the years I spent as his scrub nurse in the mid-70's. He was truly the epitomy of what a physician ought to be. He modeled for the many who followed humility and compassion for each person he treated. It was truly an honor to work for/with him. My brother died Dec. 3rd of a three-year battle with cancer, so I can imagine how you, his loving family, feel. Jean, Charles and I send you our love and compassion and pray you will be blessed with peace. Remember, "There is no place any of us go where God is not already there." {a take on Ps. 139}

Renee Parente

March 24, 2010

I never knew Dr. Ojemann personally, but he impacted my life greatly by saving my dad's life back in 1976. My condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.

Mimi Mandile

March 22, 2010

Today, while talking to my brother-in-law, who was severely brain injured in a car accident in 1968, he mentioned that he remembered the name of his surgeon at MGH. This man saved his life! On a lark, I Googled the name only to discover that Dr Ojemann had just passed. I would like his family to know that the16 year old boy from New Hampshire, who was rushed to MGH in October of 1968 with a crushed skull as a result of an auto accident, has led a full life and he just celebrated his 58th birthday! To this day, he remembers Dr. Ojemann with fondness. Please extend our condolences to his family.

March 20, 2010

I wish to convery my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Robert G. Ojemann, who passed away on March 3, 2010. He removed an acoustic neuroma for me on July 30, 1997. I was so very fortunate for having had this wonderful man and expert neurological surgeon perform my surgery. I shall be eternally grateful for his calm and caring nature and his outstanding expertise in neurosurgery. Because of his expert surgery, I am quite well, today, and can enjoy a normal life with my family and friends, just as I am sure thousands of others can, as well. I, too, grieve the loss of this very special person.

Many blessings,
(Mrs.) Beverly Melville
P O Box 83
Greenwood ME 04255

Susan

March 19, 2010

Dear Mrs. Ojemann and Family,

I will always remember Dr. Ojemann talking to me the day before my surgery. He had this indescribable way about him that instilled a sense of calmness and security for me. I was only 21, but I knew I was in the best hospital with a master neurosurgeon. My parents, my husband, my family and I will be forever thankful for your husband giving me the chance to continue on with my life. It will be 26 years this June.

Paula Basnett

March 16, 2010

Nineteen years next month, April 1st exactly, marks the date my husband and I first met Dr Ojemann. I remember my husband asking him about the picture hanging behind him in his office. It was a picture of him with President Reagan and Nancy. He was very proud of that picture --- the Reagans presented a "gift" to the Neurological Association and as he was the President of the Neurological Association at the time, he received the honor to receive the presentation of the gift. We always thought he was as "special" as that picture was "special" to him. Dr Ojemann removed a very large acoustic neuroma from me in my early 30's and somehow, after a 14 hour surgery, managed to not severe any facial nerves. He allowed my daughter and husband to grow (up) with a mother and a wife. For that, I am forever very thankful. For the family, thank you for the time and sharing of his gift with so many people during his lifetime --- it truly was a blessing for so many of us.

Michael Phelan

March 14, 2010

It was with great sadness when I learned of Dr. Ojemann's passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. A phenomenal neurosurgeon and a true gentleman, this world has lost a great human being.

Deborah Case

March 13, 2010

To The Family and Friends of Dr. Ojeman,
He gave me my life. Through his wonderfule efforts he allowed me to see my children grow up and now see my four beautiful grandchildren. I was a 30 year old woman with two small children when i met Dr. Ojemann. Because of his skill, caring, ompassion and personal interest I was able to enjoy all these blessings and for that I will be forever grateful to a man who was truely special.
Thank You,
Dr. Ojemann

Pam Pingree Bond

March 13, 2010

Dr.Robert Ojemann saved my dear mother's life 25 years ago, after a 20 hour surgery. My family and I have always kept him in a special place in our hearts and always will. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

M Glavin

March 13, 2010

To the Family of Dr. Ojemann:

I just want to add my name to the many others that are expressing our utmost appreciation for the great saving work that Dr. Ojemann has done for so many years. Back in the fall of 1976, he successfully removed a malignant brain tumor from my mother. As I type this, she is sitting in the room with me, sharp as a tack, at the age of 83. She, our entire extended family, and I wish to send all of you our prayers and condolences. My father passed away this past year, and so we know how difficult a time this is for you all. We hope that the knowledge that his life on this Earth gave lives to so many others provides you some peace. We shall never forget him. This was a man, --a real hero!

God Bless You All

Diana Petruccelli

March 13, 2010

Dr. Ojemann (or as my father fondly refers to "OJ"), saved my father's life when I was 16 years old. I am getting married next Sunday with my father by my side. I will forever be grateful for what a kind, attentive and amazing man and doctor Dr. Ojemann was. Rest in Peace.

Rosalie Gabel

March 13, 2010

I tell my story of DR Ojemann to everyone. When he performed an angiogram and found a small aneurysm he immediately told me not to be rushed into surgery. He said "If I took people off the street,I would find a percentage as well. He gave me the courage to refuse the operation. When I saw him on another occasion,he told me that it would have been a difficult area behind the eye to access...I am so sad that he is gone..(This all happened about 25 years ago-I am 83 years old now and in good health)

Dan Vassilovski

March 13, 2010

I met Dr Ojemann as a sophomore in college in 1984, and to him I owe these subsequent years. His calm presence during an incredibly challenging time instilled confidence and helped me persevere.

Eric Clark MD

March 13, 2010

Thank you Dr. Ojemann. In 1969 your acumen made it possible for this child with tethered spinal cord to remain walking. My parents fears of not finding out what was wrong with their 4 year old son were eased. That 4 year old is now a physician who hopes to hold true to the humility and compassion you embodied. Thank you again.

robert yellin

March 9, 2010

one helluva great man,saved my fathers life will be missed by many people. thank you dr. ojemann.

Richard Yellin

March 9, 2010

He saved my father's life and my next door neighbor's life as well as countless other members of my congregation in Boston - I cried here in Israel when I heard of his death - he was the penultimate practitioner of humility and greatness as a doctor all compbined into being a MENSCH - the Yiddish word for exemplary human being

March 8, 2010

This was a Great, Great man. I had the Honor of working as an Operating Room Nurse with Dr. Ojemann on the Neuro Team of Mass General for 20 years. With the greatest respect, he was the best, the most hard working surgeon, and his gentlemanly demeanor set the tone for the whole team. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Lisa Clark, RN -Auckland, New Zealand

March 7, 2010

I remember back in 2000 how anxious and nervous when being prepped for my surgery to remove a tumor. Just before going under Dr. Ojemann was standing next to me. I looked up at him and knew everything was going to be OK. God bless Dr. Ojemann.

R & D Whitehouse

March 7, 2010

With many wonderful memories of our family interactions, and our good natured competition on the tennis courts, we send our fondest love and condolences to Jean and the whole family. We will remember Bob with the greatest respect for the rest of our lives.

Christmas gathering

March 7, 2010

Bob w/sons Dave, Jim, John & Mike

March 7, 2010

Words of wisdom

March 7, 2010

Bob & Jean at Mike& Paula's wedding

March 7, 2010

Bob & Jean at Anne's wedding in Az

March 7, 2010

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