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Stephen Petersdorf Obituary
Stephen H. Petersdorf, MD, 55, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2014, after a courageous fight against cancer.
Dr. Petersdorf was born in Baltimore to the late Robert G. Petersdorf, MD and Patricia Q. Petersdorf. He was a 1976 graduate of The Lakeside School, Seattle and earned his bachelor and medical doctorate degrees in 1993 from Brown University. He returned to Seattle to complete his post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Hematology-Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Petersdorf was Associate Professor of Medicine and Endowed Chair in Cancer Care, University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, where he excelled in the care of cancer patients for over 35 years. In 2012, Dr. Petersdorf joined Seattle Genetics as Senior Medical Director of Medical Affairs, where he worked towards translating new cancer therapies for patients. Dr. Petersdorf's passion for patient care extended nationally, where he was a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Respected by colleagues and his patients, Dr. Petersdorf was named Seattle Top Docs by Seattle Magazine from 2002 - 2012.
He took his role as husband and father as seriously as he did his professional career. He balanced a two-career marriage with respect, love and humor. A proud baseball-, football- and lacrosse-dad, he was ever-present for his boys both in the classroom and on the sidelines near and far wherever the teams and championships took them. Dr. Petersdorf was a passionate supporter of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle for whom he served as President of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Petersdorf leaves his wife Effie and sons Nick, Andrew and Colin of Seattle, and a brother John of Hillsboro, California.
Dr. Petersdorf requests remembrances be made to The Northwest Choirs at www.nwchoirs.org.
A celebration of Dr. Petersdorf's life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Petersdorf
Sponsored by The Family.
Carolyn Fox
February 5, 2020
My 20 year old son was treated by Dr Petersdorf 13 years ago for Hodgkin Disease. My son just became a new dad. We were and are so thankful for the treatment my son received. Dr Petersdorf was so kind in a very scary situation. I thought of letting Dr Petersdorf know of this precious bundle we now have in the family. I was so sad to read that he had passed away. But, he must already know the impact he made on our lives and many others. God bless him!
Jeannette Smiley
June 11, 2019
I just read about the loss Dr. Petersdorf. He was my husbands oncologist and he was amazing. He took the time to get to know our family, our love of watching our daughters play softball and my husbands passions. While my husband was near the end of his life Dr. Petersdorf took the time to come to hospital bedside and visit with our family. What a great man and Dr. Iam truly sorry for your loss he will be missed!
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Deborah Katz
August 11, 2015
My message is the same as so many others. Dr Petersdorf made my visits to SCCA comfortable and reassuring. I was saddened when he moved on to greater professional challenges and I'm am floored to hear that he is gone, so long after the fact! My condolences to the family and my deepest condolences to the world of cancer support and research.
Ann Chancellor
July 8, 2015
I just learned of the loss of Dr. Petersdorf. Devastating. I had the priveledge of working with him as a research coordinator for Dr. Saul Rivkin. I have never known more two dedicated people in cancer research but most of all patient care. It was very hard to hear that such a dedicated person in work and family could be taken away from here on earth. He was a superior human being. He was dedicated to research but most of all his patients. I will always feel priveledged to have worked with him. Everyone would. I wish his family well. I'm sure he is missing you very much.
Carol Roll
April 22, 2015
I have no words to accurately convey how incredibly sad I am to learn that the wonderful and lovely "Dr. Petersdorf" has died. He saved my life, his work has saved so many, and I am so sorry that all the existing research was not enough to save him. I know fairness has nothing to do with cancer, but this is difficult to accept. I met Effie once with Steve when they attended a Fred Hutch Premier Chefs Dinner for which I was the patient speaker. I hope I was clear then how much I valued their work and appreciated everything Steve had done. To his sons, I simply echo what so many have said: Your Dad was fantastic, and he will long be with the world because of his profound impact.
My family and I will carry him always in our minds and hearts. Thank you again, so much, Dr. Petersdorf.
Michael Kirschner
December 30, 2014
Dear Effie, Nick, Andrew, and Colin,
Please accept my deepest condolences regarding the passing of your wonderful husband and father. I was privileged to know him for over a decade and counted him as a great doctor and warm friend. I once asked an oncologist I happened to work with (an oncologist who had conducted lymphoma research in Chicago) who he thought was the best doctor for treating lymphoma in the country. Without hesitation he named Stephen. I loved his sense of humor and his low-key, humble manner. He will be missed by many of us and warmly remembered.
With a heavy heart,
November 17, 2014
I just picked up my copy of the UW Medicine in which I was deeply saddened to read of Steve's passing. Like many that may write he saved my life too. He was as compassionate and caring as anyone could expect and the world is a harsher place without him. I send my condolences to his family and the friends he left behind. Rest in Peace Steve. You earned the right to be long remembered by us all through your work, your attitude and your gentle way. Bob Wiseman
Naomi Sokoloff
November 7, 2014
To the Petersdorf family:
Please accept my condolences. I heard this news belatedly, and I am so very saddened. I was a patient at SCCA 2005-2012. Dr. Petersdorf's wonderful medical care helped save my life, and his low-key manner and humor helped me through many hard times. I will always remember him with much gratitude.
Jairo Piñeros
September 25, 2014
Dr. Petersdorf saved my life 13 years ago. A round the time that he passed my cancer came back. I miss you big time.
Thank you,
Jairo Piñeros
August 25, 2014
Dear Dr. Petersdorf Family,
I worked for Stephen's dad, Dr. Robert G. Petersdorf, for 8 years and actually babysat for both John and Stephen.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of his passing.
Please accept my condolences.
Jana Spellman
August 23, 2014
He was my doctor for over 10 years, I made him laugh. I am so very sad. Emmajean
Jon McGraw
August 6, 2014
My condolences to Dr. Petersdorf's family.
I ran across this announcement by accident..it has me in tears. Dr. Petersdorf treated me at SCCA for several years until he moved to Seattle Genetics.
He was so upfront and gentle when telling me about this move during one of our appts.
I ALWAYS had the highest confidence in his abilites. His calm demeanor and unhurried efficiency was very comforting. When he noted my look of concern "well, what about me?"...he said, with a twinkle in his eye,...no worries, I trained the Doc who is taking over your case. He was right, she is very good and greatly appreciated....as is everybody at the remarkable SCCA.
I shall miss knowing this man is sharing the wonders of this world with his family,friends, colleagues and patients....and working to rid it of something else we unfortunately shared.
Regards,
Jon McGraw
July 30, 2014
I was a cancer patient in 1999 and Dr. Petersdorf was my doc. I appreciated his calm demeanor, depth of knowledge and willingness to perhaps bend protocol. He would indicate the x-rays looked clear even though the findings weren't official. That sure made the trip home easier. Steve Slaton Seattle Washington
July 18, 2014
Dear Dr. Petersdorf's family,
Your son is my son's great friend from Lakeside, and Dr. Petersdorf's advice helped saved my brothers life.. and well he , Nick, Austin and I had a lovely time at the Dome in Edinburgh... Our thoughts and condolences are with your family.. Most sincerely, Jim, Linda, Austin and Leah Tobin
Nancy Purdue Myhre
July 14, 2014
I am so sorry to learn that Stevie, as I knew him, has passed away. When I was 13 and he was around 2, I began playing with him every afternoon so his Mommy could have some time for errands and household chores. He (and later his brother, John) were great kids! I used to ask Stevie if he would like to go up to my house to see my mommy. He loved doing that; and for several years to come, he always called my Mother "My Mommy!"
Gosh, I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful person, outstanding doctor and wonderful husband, Dad and brother. May your precious memories be with you forever. Sincerely, Nancy Purdue Myhre
Sue Backman
July 14, 2014
I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Petersdorf's death. He made cancer a lot less scary for me and I am in remission thanks to him.
I didn't know him well but know that he treasured his family events and vacations and was very proud of his sons.
Samantha Harris Winsky
July 14, 2014
Oh no!! So sorry to hear this news.
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