R. Pillsbury Memoriam

In Loving Memory
R. Cree Pillsbury, MD
March 28, 1935 - September 11, 2017
Cree passed away at his home in Los Gatos after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patty, his three children Cindy Smith, Jenny Emanuel and David Pillsbury, four grandchildren and his brother, Dr. Gainer Pillsbury.
Cree was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. He was accepted to Stanford University in 1953 where he lettered four years in gymnastics. In his third year at Stanford Medical School, Cree was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the Medical School equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa. He started his surgical internship and then surgical residency programs at Stanford where his first three years were spent with Dr. Norman Shumway's Cardiac Surgery Program. He won a Bank of America Gianni Fellowship for his work in valve transplants and used this fellowship to become an honorary clinical fellow at the National Heart Hospital in London, England. After finishing his residencies in cardiac, thoracic, vascular and general surgery, Cree began a private practice in Mountain View. One the greatest achievements of his career came in 1968 when, as a member of Dr. Shumway's Cardiac Transplant Team, he assisted in the first cardiac transplant in the United States.
In 1973, Cree went to Vietnam as a volunteer physician. He was one of six surgeons taking care of civilians in a 5,000 bed hospital in Danang. The American Medical Association awarded him the Certificate of Humanitarian Service in 1973.
Cree loved adventure and had a zest for life. He was a true outdoorsman and skilled marksman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing. He sailed his sailboat to Mexico, went on many scuba dives and flew his airplane across the West. He enjoyed golf and was a member of La Rinconada Country Club since 1991. He and Patty traveled the world.
His colleagues recognized him as a Gifted Surgeon, Restless Spirit, Fast Friend and Most Respected Colleague. He loved his family and adored his golden retrievers. He will be loved forever.


View the online memorial for R. Cree Pillsbury, MD

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22, 2017.
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5 Entries

Cree saved my life in 1968 and I shall always remember how very kind he was to me - a very frightened x-ray technology student at Stanford Medical Center.

Sharon Deffebach

January 9, 2020

Joan & Bob Hibbs

March 1, 2019

Not enough can be said about Cree's exceptional surgical skills. His talented hands and his insistence on excellence in the OR made a positive difference in the lives of so many. He was also an excellent teacher, patient and encouraging, ultimately helping to instill confidence in one's own abilities. I have never forgotten. An elderly patient once wrote him a letter after her surgery. She meant to say "patience" but she wrote, "Thank you for your passions." Amen to that, Cree Pillsbury.

Heartfelt sympathy to his family and to others who miss him.

Dr. D. Carol Anderson

D Carol Anderson

Friend

August 4, 2018

Patti and family
Cree suffered so much these past few years and you suffered beside him, my deepest condolences. He is now in peace. Take care of yourself.
Marge Garcia

October 19, 2017

You have my deepest sympathy for your lost. May the God of comfort give you comfort at this time. 2 Cor 1:2-3.

October 17, 2017

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