Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dr. Egbert Jan de Vries
1957 - 2015
Dr. Egbert Jan de Vries
1957 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
Egbert de Vries Obituary
Bert moved to the United States at the age of four with his parents, and settled in rural western Pennsylvania. After being raised in Penn., Bert attended Carnegie Mellon University in 1979 and received his Bachler of Science Degree. Following his love of the medical sciences Bert attended Temple University School of Medicine and received his MD in 1983. His last educational venture ended Bert at University of Cincinnati where he received his specialty of Head and neck Surgical Oncology in 1990.
Bert loved his medical career almost as his family. He loved it so much he was awarded the Clinician of the year at the Cleveland Clinic of Florida, had twenty-nine medical publications, was the Chief of ENT, President of Jacobi Medical staff and received three residential Teaching awards. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Head & Neck Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Bert's was a dedicated Elder at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and served with great passion. He was an avid boater, skier, cyclist, and a crossword puzzle pro.
Bert will be missed most for his love, kindness, and his helping hand for that his has touched.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in his honor to either the ALS Association South Florida www.alsafl.org or Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church www.crpc.org
A memorial service will be held at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Saturday October 17, 2015 at 11:00AM followed by a reception. All welcomed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rajesh Kakani, MD
September 23, 2016
It was my privilege to work with Dr.Egbert DeVries for a short time at Jacobi Hospital, where he served as Chief of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Kelly Diulus
May 18, 2016
I just recently found out about Bert's passing. I worked with him at the University of Pittsburgh during his ENT residency. He was always a caring, gentle and amazing person and I am deeply saddened for you and his children to learn of his passing. Bert is someone that will always hold a special place in my heart.
Ranae Hall
May 14, 2016
Dr. DeVries Was a great doctor. He was an even greater man. He helped a frightened 15 year old girl beat cancer. He wasn't like the other doctors.He kept me strong.He made sure I remained positive. While other doctors gave me a very grim outlook for my future.One that would never be. One with no children. He refused to let me believe it.Because of Dr De Vries I'm 41, married with 4 beautiful children.He was more then my doctor.He was a friend and a blessing in my life. After he left Shands hospital in Fl. We stayed in touch for many years.We sent each other Christmas cards with updates on our lives. With both of us moving. Unfortunately we eventually lost touch. I've tried to find him. Last night I learned of this very sad heartbreaking news. I'm so very sorry for your loss.They don't come as wonderful and amazing as your husband and father. He will forever be my hero.
Veronica Metz
October 27, 2015
I was deeply saddened by the news of my fellow classmate, Bert DeVries passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the DeVries family.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jonathan Smith
October 16, 2015
Dr. Bert DeVries was an excellent mentor to me when I was just starting out as an attending surgeon in the Bronx in 2003. I remember him fondly as an excellent teacher and a strong advocate for education and patient care. It was an honor to have known him and to have worked with him. He improved the lives of so many people and he will be greatly missed.
Jimmy Lee MD
October 16, 2015
Dr. Devries was one of my mentors and teachers when I was in residency, over 10 years ago. At that time, what impressed me about him, was his incredible surgical skills, his intelligence and wit, and his self-confidence. I admired him for his caring and encouragement he gave to me and to his patients. I remember the happiness on his face when he would finish a Wednesday New York Times crossword puzzle before lunch. I remember the amazing stories he would tell about his past experiences, and laugh. I remember how for every problem, he could come up with a solution.
After Bert got ALS, I had a chance to talk to him. What struck me and amazed me was his incredible faith in and love of God. Even though he lost his ability to control his muscles, his healing hands, he had a peace. And his self-confidence was replaced by humility and an overwhelming confidence in his faith in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. And his happiness from crossword puzzles was replaced by the joy of God and of the people who were around him. His long ago past stories, were replaced by a greater story of what God was doing in his life. And through it all, Bert still had his same intelligence and wit, only wiser. To me, Bert's incredible faith is summarized by his own words: Excited to be living with all the good things that God has given to me. Including ALS.
I will surely miss Bert DeVries and only wish that I had contacted him earlier and had a chance to spend more time with him and his amazing wife Christine. I know that he is in heaven where there is no ALS, only singing and dancing. These days I think about Bert often as I try to keep perspective of my own life. He was a great man, mentor, husband, and friend. My sincerest sympathies and prayers to Christine and his family.
David Monash
October 14, 2015
It was an honor and a pleasure to work with your husband. Dr De Vries was a kind and compassionate person, and a wonderful surgeon. I never heard him say an unkind word or complain about his illness, or anything else. Dr De Vries always had a smile on his face despite the overwhelming challenges he was facing. I know his faith guided him through life and strengthened him through the tough times. He was one of the good guys, and will be missed by all who knew him.
Joshua Rosenberg
October 13, 2015
I was lucky to have Dr. DeVries as a teacher during my training at Einstein and to cross paths with him a few years later in Florida. He was a great teacher and wonderful person.
Renee Lloret
October 13, 2015
I got to know Bert and Christine through the Weston ALS support group. We all appreciated how Bert helped us to understand in simple terms the medical information. He used his gifts to encourage the group and provide awareness to others of the diseased. Their faith was evident when sharing difficult aspects and reality of living a life with ALS. Christine and family may the comfort of God and shared memories help you through this time.
Harry Schaefer
October 13, 2015
Bert was simply a courageous loving soul who trusted in the LORD.
Harry Schaefer Davie
Matthew Hanson
October 13, 2015
Bert was a great clinician and always thought of the best interest of the patient. I was proud to have him, briefly, as a partner and forever as a friend.
Matthew Hanson, MD
Kings County Medical Center
Vito Brunetti MD
October 12, 2015
Dr deVries was an esteemed teacher, mentor, and friend to all who were lucky enough to cross paths with him during his at AECOM dept of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. His dedication to teaching and mentoring residents, surgical acumen, and most of all his commitment to patient care has left an indelible impression upon me. He was a instrumental in my professional development, and his memory will burn bright in all of the residents he taught. Rest in peace Dr DeVries, you were a giant among men. My thoughts and prayers are with Christine and his children.
Jim Cusick
October 12, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Christine and Family. God Bless!
Jim Cusick & Family
Ann Klein
October 10, 2015
I feel so blessed to have lnown Bert and christina, even for a short time. They are both true examples of Gods love and faithfulness. Bert was always willing to share information with all of us at our ALS support group. Both he and christina always made you feel special and always had a kind word of encouragent! Bert your life counted for so much and i know our dear Lord has a special place for you. Christine, my prayers for all Gods love to surround you today and in the difficult days to come, with much love.
October 10, 2015
Kristin, I am so sorry to hear of Bert's passing. He looked so good last month at the support group. I had a huge admiration for the two of you the way you handle yourselves. I am in disbelief that he is gone. I just hope he didn't suffer...
My heart goes to you and the family...my thought and prayers are with you.
judy collins
October 10, 2015
bert was a wonderful cousin...i hadn't seen him since a wedding years ago but met his sweet and gorgeous wife christine and the two of them shared a beautiful love story...we were all so saddened to hear of his disease and my husband and i visited his parents several months ago...bert's faith helped him cope and christine was always by his side. he will be greatly missed!
freddy robaina
October 9, 2015
Bert had lunch with my 5 kids and I -out of the blue - Bert said to Christine something to the effect of - dont worry about me- God will give me someone to have lunch with..and Poof there we were -will not forget that moment in time with Bert -neither do my kids. Christine and Peter- my family will pray for your healing during your mourning period - robaina family
Richard Smith
October 9, 2015
Bert was wonderful to work with and a true asset to our Program. I will always think of him fondly and he will be, and has been, missed. My thoughts are with you.
David Gitler
October 9, 2015
It was our privilege to work with Dr.Egbert DeVries for several years at Jacobi Hospital, where he served as Chief of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.
Bert was wonderful, humble and humane. At the same time he was an incredibly gifted surgeon, dealing with some of the most challenging and complex patients with Head and Neck Cancer. He was a superb teacher and mentor for our Residents and Staff.
During his stint at Jacobi Hospital he earned the respect of the general surgery doctors - not always possible for an ENT.
When he left us for Brooklyn and then to Florida we were upset for ourselves. When we heard of his diagnosis we were greatly saddened for him, his beloved Christine and for his family. He had an indomitable spirit and a profound religious faith - now he has left us.
Our condolences to Christine, to his children and to his family. he is sorely missed.
"Good night sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
David Gitler, MD
Marie Valdes, MD
Nicole Santopietro,PA
Audrey Custodio, PA
Rakesh Patel
October 9, 2015
We are deeply sadden by the news of Bert's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Laurie Pasky
October 8, 2015
What a wonderful man! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and the de Vries family during this very difficult time.
Polly Hillegass Leipold
October 8, 2015
Bert's loss will be felt far and wide as he was an inspiration to so many. My deepest sympathies to you, Christine, and the entire deVries family.
October 8, 2015
Bert was a amazing son-in-law. He brought happiness to our family and especially our daughter Christine. He was a brilliant man. None of us were smart enough to beat Bert at Scrabble, but we enjoyed playing the game with him, he made it fun. He leaves us with a memorable inspiration to never give-up and always have Hope. We love him very much and will miss him. Bernie & Gretta
October 8, 2015
With deepest sympathy; my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gus Bernauer
Leslie Lunak
October 8, 2015
Even though Tom and I only knew Bert for a short time, he was an inspiration and we were privileged to know him.
bonnie (turney) nunamaker
October 8, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. I was lucky to know Bert in elementary and high school. He was always a kind person and a friend.
October 8, 2015
Christine, deepest sympathy to you and your family. My your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
With Love,
Pam Dorn
Tom Derosalia
October 8, 2015
He truly showed the head and heart of our Lord
Jennifer Capezzuti
October 7, 2015
Sending love and prayers to you, Christine, and all family and friends. ALS is such a crushing, brutal disease; let us pray for an end. I am just glad Bert's suffering on this Earth is over. I will be out of the country this weekend, but my heart is with you always.
Much love and support, Jennifer Capezzuti
Richard Macchia
October 7, 2015
Dear Friends of Bert, It is my understanding that, in lieu of flowers, Bert expressed a preference for donations to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale or to the ALS`Society of South Florida. Thank you, Richard
Scott and Lauren Penley
October 7, 2015
Our hearts are so heavy. We are so very sad that the world has lost this gentle man. May God give Christine, Bert's parents, siblings and his children the strength and faith to help them through this painful time. God Bless you and be with you all. We will miss our friend Bert. xoxo
October 7, 2015
Dr. deVries was a great doctor, colleague, teacher and most of all friend. Christine, my most sincere condolences to you and the rest of the entire family. Christopher McDermott S.U.N.Y. Downstate Medical Center O.R. surgical tech.
Sheila Springer
October 7, 2015
Dr. D Vries, was truly a humble man, full of grace & just truly an awesome and amazing Doctor of great integrity & gravitating character. My prayers are with Ms. De Vries & children for strength. He bought a GREAT JOY & ENERGY to the Operating Room in Weston and will be greatly missed.
Sonia Hassan
October 7, 2015
My sympathy goes out to you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
Sonia Hassan
Cleveland Clinic
Department of Otolaryngology
Arlene Salabert
October 7, 2015
My deepest condolences to all of you.
Doctor DeVries was the most compassionate and wonderful man. We have all been blessed by just knowing him. May you have comfort in your memories.
Claudia Mason
October 7, 2015
Dr DeVries was a colleague of great skill and compassion. I was not only his colleague, but his patient. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Cynthia Ball
October 7, 2015
Christine, I pray for your strength during this difficult time. My condolences to you and the family.
Cynthia Ball (Wood)
Cleveland Clinic
Department of Otolaryngology
R T W
October 7, 2015
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Make a Donation
in Egbert de Vries's name
How to support Egbert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Egbert de Vries's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
