JOSEPH TIFFT

Joseph George Tifft

May 12, 2012

Joseph George Tifft, MD, 89, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in Huntsville, Alabama. George was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Ozine Tifft, a sister, Marie Champion, and his wife of almost 58 years, Barbara. He is survived by his four children, Margaret Greenman (Robert), Charles (Elissa), Robert (Cynthia) and Susan Heiks (Barry), ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

George was born on October 24, 1922, in Chicago, IL, and moved with his parents to Westfield, New Jersey in the late 1920's. George was graduated from Westfield High School in 1940 and from Colgate University in 1943 with the Class of 1944. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, received two academic scholarships, was in two academic honor societies and served on the editorial board of the Colgate Maroon.

George was a sprinter and in 1941 was a member of the team that achieved the World Record in the indoor mile relay. He ran for Colgate University, the New York Athletic Club, and the Armed Forces.



He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Pilling, in 1944. In 1946 George was graduated from Cornell Medical School as a member of the Army Air Corps, served in the Army Medical Corps at Bolling Field, and completed his residency at New York Hospital. For a short time he served on the faculty at Cornell/New York Hospital. In 1952 George began his practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Canton, Ohio. Dr. Tifft served Canton as a beloved physician until 1987 and delivered thousands of babies. He was instrumental in developing a major medical center, and was a leader in the community as president of the Mental Health Center, an elder at Christ Presbyterian Church and served on the Board of Trustees of Aultman Hospital for many years.

In 1987, George and Barbara moved to Fort Myers, Florida. For the next 20 years, George continued to serve the community as president of the board of The Landings, commodore of the Landings Yacht Club, and various other leadership positions.

During the 1960's, George became an avid sailor. George and Barbara continued sailing in Florida and were most comfortable when the sun was over the yardarm in the company of their friends, doing what sailors do at that hour. George moved to Huntsville in 2008 to be close to two of his children and their families.

George's life blessed many people. He was a highly effective leader, taking the initiative and volunteering his significant talents, but never seeking credit. He was loved by his staff and his patients as an exceptionally competent, compassionate, and personable man--a true gentleman. He will be remembered and greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 301 Drake Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35802, on June 2 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church and the American Heart Association.