Fridolin Heer Obituary
"Bill" Heer was born March 12, 1929 in Indianapolis IN, and raised in Springfield IL. His family moved to California in 1946 where he attended UC Berkeley (Class of '49.) After the NROTC program at UCB, he was commissioned in the USMC and later served with distinction in Korea. In 1952 he returned to San Francisco to marry his UCB classmate, Lola Griffis, and to start medical school at UCSF, receiving his M.D. in 1956. He served his internship at SF General and residency at UCSF.
Dr. Heer practiced General Surgery at several San Francisco hospitals, and served as Chief of Surgery at Ralph K. Davies and St. Luke's and as Chief of Staff at Davies. He was a member of the SF Medical Society and the California Medical Assc., and served as President of the SF Surgical Society, the Nafziger Society, the California Academy of Medicine, and the Pacific Coast Surgical Assoc. He also served on the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons. At UCSF Medical School, he was long involved in the training of surgical residents and upon retiring was named Distinguished Clinical Professor Emeritus.
An avid sailor, Bill crossed both the Atlantic and Pacific by sailboat and after retirement, sailed with his son's family through the Mediterranean. His childhood ambition to fly was achieved with a private pilot's license. He enjoyed skiing and loved fine wine; nothing made him happier than touring California wineries, and he was a member of the Medical Friends of Wine. Music was a great pleasure; he had studied violin and piano and later took up classical guitar. He regularly attended the SF Symphony and Opera. He was a member of the Olympic and the Saint Francis Yacht Clubs.
Bill Heer was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Lola, daughter Lisa, son Fridolin Mark, daughter-in-law Louisa, and grandsons Fridolin Chester and Carlton. His family would like to thank his caregivers, Rene Carranceja and Ronnie Ilusorio, who aided him in his last years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 pm on May 9, 2013 at the Saint Francis Yacht Club on the Marina. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the UCSF-Nafziger Surgical Society, 179 Canterbury Ave, Daly City, CA 94015.
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May 11, 2013
I first met Dr. at Madonna Inn in the 80's where I worked to put myself through college. He was attending one of Alex Madonna's famous "roundup" events. He had operated on Mr. Madonna's back and while doing so had discovered some sort of viral cyst which was removed. The cyst would have apparently killed or paralyzed the man.
I was reunited with the Heer Family through Lola 20 years later at a San Francisco Garden Club Luncheon. We have had a thirty year friendship that has steadily grown more cherished and valued over the years. My condolences go out to the Heer Family. A Great man ha left our company!
Sincerely,
Steven Brown
Hellynn Reilly
May 8, 2013
Dear Mrs. Heer, I was a ORRN who worked with your wonderful husband at the former Franklin Hospital from '70 thu '81. We would have met at Xmas hospital parties. I so respected and appreciated him as a superior surgeon. I was so sad when I read about his death. Please accept my condolences. The earth has lost a superior human! Hellynn reilly
May 2, 2013
Dear Mrs. Heer
Michael and I are saddened to learn about Dr. Heer's passing. I was a new graduate nurse when I started at Franklin (Davies) and was scared to death of him but I learned so much from him when I worked in the ICU. He took care of Michael for over 30 years. I remember when he (Michael) sustained 3rd degree burns and refused to go see a doctor. I called Dr. Heer and he saw him right away. He told him that he was going to be admitted and he refused. He sent him home with me but with the stipulation he had to do ALL that I said to do......very painful dressing changes. He was just the greatest!!!!!!!! Lastly, we will always remember you both honoring us by helping us celebrate our 25th Wedding anniversary.......I think that we all had fun.
He will always have a very special place in both of our hearts.
Take care of yourself. You and your family are in our thoughts.
With so much sorrow
Rosemary and Michael Buyaki
April 24, 2013
Dear Lola,
Bill was an esteemed colleague and good friend. My most sincere
condolences to you and the family.
Jerry Applegarth
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jerry & Linda goldstone
April 22, 2013
Dear Lola,
How sad we were to read Bill's obituary in a recent edition of the Chronicle. Although we haven't seen either of you in many years, I especially have such fond memories of Bill, as a teacher, clinician, gentleman, leader and ultimately as a surgical colleague. As a resident and young faculty member, he was to me a major figure in San Francisco surgery and I had immense respect for him. Linda and I always enjoyed seeing you two at the various social functions that we attended. We send our most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Mary Tobin
April 15, 2013
I worked with doctor Heer at Ralph K Davies. He was a wonderful surgeon and loved to educate. As a nurse I was always happy when he took call for the ER. I wish his family the best.
C David Jensen
April 14, 2013
I remember Bill very well. He was two years senior to me at the UCSF residency program in Surgery. Our condolences to
his wife and family. His booming voice and gregarious laugh
will be long remembered. Also his dedication to his patients and to the residents that he loved to teach.
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