DAVID BOGART PILCHER, MD - COLCHESTER - David Bogart Pilcher, MD, vascular surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, who dearly loved his craft, his family and Vermont, died peacefully, in his home in Colchester, on Sept. 4, 2012. His death followed a long struggle with prostate cancer. He was 78 years old. David was born May 11, 1934, in Boston, the son of Dr. Lewis and Eleanor Pilcher. He grew up in West Newton, Mass., but he enjoyed many summers at his family's camp on Lake Champlain. After graduating from Amherst College and medical school at the University of Rochester, he followed his heart back to Burlington to complete his surgical residency at UVM. He spent two years as an Army surgeon in the Vietnam War, and completed a Vascular Surgery Fellowship at UCLA. In 1970, on returning to Vermont to join the Department of Surgery faculty, he found himself at the forefront of advances in trauma and vascular surgery. In the 1970s, he directed the Emergency Room at the Mary Fletcher Hospital. David pioneered advanced medical training for first responders such as ambulance crews and firefighters, and he established the system for Emergency Medical Services that still serves Northern New England today. He was the state's first board-certified vascular surgeon, and a President of the New England Society for Vascular Surgery. He served for many years as an Associate Editor at the Journal of Trauma; and he authored scores of academic research articles and book chapters that included important innovations in the use of vascular ultrasound. After retirement, he went on to write a definitive history of Surgery at the University of Vermont entitled "Catamount Surgeons." There is no doubt that his life's work was also his great passion; and that he felt a particular, enduring pride in the lives and careers of the young surgeons that he taught and mentored over the years. David is survived by his wife of 23 years, Suzanne Wulff Pilcher; by his brother, Paul Schuyler Pilcher of Wellfleet, Mass.; and by Jonathan Pilcher, Susan Pilcher, Chris Pilcher, Warren Wulff and Wendie Wulff, his beloved children and stepchildren. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Laura Dober Pilcher, Barbara Laraia and Susan Buell Wulff; and by his son-in-law, Steve Black. To six grandchildren, Dylan, Max, Alex, Joshua, Meghan and Chris, he will be remembered as the one and only, fabulous "Grandave." He is also survived by his first wife, Jean Rogers Pilcher, of Burlington. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen; and by his sister, Nan Pilcher Frymoyer. David is remembered as a modest and honest man who, even outside the operating room, never stopped learning, never slowed down, and always demanded all that there was from life. He loved the lake - he sailed, motored around looking for turtles, and photographed birds. In winter he skied, and especially loved taking the last run of the day with the Ski Patrol. He loved cutting brush, maple sugaring and finding mushrooms in the woods. And he loved us well. He will be missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Pilcher I will miss him very much. Please accept my prayers for the two of you. I will miss "notarizing" the yearly paperwork for you.
Sincerely, Sheila Foerster
Sheila Foerster
October 1, 2012
He was a giant amongst educators and a real renaissance man. He introduced me to surgery early in first year with his son Jon, also in my class; he was an amazing teacher at the table. He toured me around The Lake in his boat, invited me into his home and served me venison stew. When I saw him in Burlington Airport 10 years later, he still knew me and greeted me warmly. Thank you, Dr. Pilcher, you were no small part of my years in Vermont.
Geralyn Ponzio-Replogle
September 21, 2012
I am very saddened to learn of the death of "Pilch." He was a marvelous teacher, and contributed much to my knowledge of surgery and of sailing during my years of residency. Having his book on my shelf now becomes even more special. My condolences to all of the Pilcher family, and to the UVM Dept. of Surgery.
Bob Zarrett
September 15, 2012
I have so many fond memories of Pilch he was a true mentor and roll model for me. "We walk on the shoulder of giants" He will be missed
David Zeiler
September 14, 2012
To say he will be missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him is a gross understatement. I will never forget the many times he burst into the OR (just a few minutes late) when I was a resident and asked "How am I doing?" Rest in Peace.
Joel Lafleur
September 14, 2012
We are deeply saddened by the death of David. Over many years we have many fond memories of our times together. In the early years the many UVM hockey parties. Later on, our many Stouch stays at Tots during the summers. It was then that we created several new English words: the verb "pilcherize" and the process of "pilcherization". David did a lot of "patching up" during the Tots years. There was never a guarantee as to how long the repairs would last!
When I was in practice I always appreciated David's help with the care of my patients.
Suzanne,we appreciate all the support you gave David during these most difficult times. Our thoughts are with you and all the children at this time.
Bill and Miny
Bill and Miny Stouch
September 14, 2012
Dr Pilcher was a champion for those of us on local rescue squads. Teaching, supporting and helping us to provide better care for our patients. The EMS system could not have had a better mentor. As for the OR it was always a challenge to meet his expectations as either a scrub or circulator again to provide the best possible care. He will be missed by all those whose life he touched.
Susan (Scoot-Smith) Nicholls
September 10, 2012
Suzanne and family, my deepest sympathy in the loss of Dave. He was a great surgeon and friend.
Gordie Page
September 10, 2012
dr pilcher was a tough excellent dedicated teacher; i learned a lot from him - i carry many of his lessons with me to this day
david morwood MD
September 9, 2012
It is a sad day. I remember his zest for life and he always had so much energy. I have not seen him for years but I remember him well as I lived with his family for a year and have very fond memories of that time. Love to you all. [email protected] Judy
Judy Hutchins Keller
September 8, 2012
Sorry on the loss of Dr Pilcher he was a wonderful man & surgeon he will be missed .
My Father was Dr Paul Mellish.
Nicholas Mellish
September 8, 2012
Warren and Susan, Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing but he certainly lead a life to be celebrated. John and Bethany
September 8, 2012
Dave always gave me good advice and was and always will be my friend Jim Peden
September 8, 2012
He was a great surgeon and human being.
I am very sorry to learn of his passing.
rosemary cross
September 8, 2012
A tremendous loss of one loved and missed. My thoughts are with his dearest.
Deb Lang
September 7, 2012
Dr. Pilcher was one of two surgeons that opened me up. After I was shot twice by a purse snatcher in 1986, he and Dr. Richard Gammelli performed a miracle of masterful surgery work. They spared my life, that I might carry on and raise my children the best I could. I wish to bless David's departure to heaven and pray for his family that they are spared prolonged grief. Thank you now, because I've found the love of my life. Amen.
Christopher Brown
September 7, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dr Pilchers passing, I worked with him for several years at MCHV & FAHC. He will be missed.
Margaret Terrien
September 6, 2012
We started a vascular lab together. We skiied together. We enjoyed so many sports. You loved your patients and being at the hospital. You were an amazing surgeon and an even better friend to Ron, me, and my children. You will be very missed!
Vicki Gonyea
September 6, 2012
I am thinking of you and your family during these difficult days.
Jeanette Adams
September 6, 2012
Sorry for the loss of Dr. Pilcher.
He performed successful Carotid Artery Surgery on me. Sorry for your loss.
Ernest Dudley
September 6, 2012
Susan and Girls --
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. What a tremendous contribution he has made to so many lives...
You are in our thoughts.
With love, Christina DeGraff-Murphy
September 6, 2012
I worked with Dr. Pilcher for many years,first in the ER then as a vascular tech. His quirky humor and broad knowledge of surgery was impressive. He will be missed.
Mary Schmidt RN
September 6, 2012
I'm so sorry to read of David's passing. He was my main support for the years after Dick Gamelli left, and I always knew I could rely on his judgement. He was an honorable, thoughtful and respectful doctor, and a loving man. He was a champion for the patient and kind to the nurses.
I once nurtured an orchid he gave me, but to no avail. It lasted less than a year, and David suggested I try again. He was encouraging, as usual, but it wasn't for me. He then said, "your skills lie elsewhere" meaning nursing, and I will always be grateful for his support.
Iris McDonald
September 6, 2012
Suzanne and Family,
I enjoyed working many years with Dr Pilcher and even after his retirement he and I always exchanged Christmas cards.He was always asking how my boys were and saying he missed the good old days (in Vascular). He held a special place in my heart and I know he will be greatly missed. My fondest memory is the day he asked me into his office and to bring the camera...I enter to find him dressed up as a Lobster(Santa suit) and the smile on his face was priceless. Please except my sympathy for your loss.
Michele and Family
Michele St.Hilaire
September 6, 2012
Provider Access "Bobby".
Robert Mongeon
September 6, 2012
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Pilcher. To his family, thoughts and prayers go out. I spoke to Dr Pilcher countless times. I heard from many of his Residents that he was a wonderful teacher and surgeon. In the summer our first call at night was his camp. He will be missed. Roland (PAS)
Roland Berard
September 6, 2012
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more