Jack Fugate

Jack, I had the pleasure to work with you and the Ohio LIONS Eye Research Foundation (OLERF) from 1982 to 1996 as one of the vision researchers funded by the OLERF. As a funded investigator, I know first-hand of the good that you, the research foundation and the Ohio LIONS have accomplished. The OLERF has a vibrant research fellowship program that you spearheaded and has helped train many young vision researchers over the years. Having filled your shoes as the Medical-Scientific Chair of...

Jack was my Mom"s (Marilyn) cousin, so I guess he was some kind of an uncle to me. In any event, he was a real renaissance man in every good sense of the word. I felt a special kinship with him that I'm sure others felt as well. He had that effect on people.
He modeled life and living for me as was evidenced by his marriage to Carolee. If we had been of the same generation, I think we would have been the best of friends. I've missed our tennis matches for quite a few years. Now I'll miss...

Dear Family,

I worked for Dr. Fugate for thirteen years (1965-1978). I left his employ to pursue a different career, but we remained friends. All of my family and I returned to him for our eye care right up to the time he had to call it quits. I saw him twice after that. I was so happy and honored that he and Carolee attended our 50th wedding anniversary party even though he was having a very rough time. Then we met by coincidence in Bob Evans and the four of us had lunch...

Carolee and Family:
The Board of Directors and staff send our prayers to comfort you during this time. Dr. Fugate was a pillar of our indigent eye care program, giving his time and expertise to hundreds of our needy patients annually. There has not been an eye doctor that has come even close to his level of volunteerism to this program. We will miss this wonderful giving human being, but he has inspired and role modeled for many, leaving his legacy for all time to come.
Prevent...

Carolee,

I was so sorry to learn of Jack's death. You were a dear, caring wife and made him comfortable to the end. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Saturday.

Fondly,
Caroline Ohnsman

My sincere condolences to Carolee and to the rest of Jack's family. Jack and Carolee's friendship and hospitality always made my trips back to Columbus eminently pleasurable and interesting. Jack was truly a professional in all the best senses of the term; his vision care and concern for his patients was exemplary. He will be missed as a doctor, a humanitarian, and as a true friend.

Jack,
You and Carolee have been lifelong friends, from Plain City to German Village. I will cherish the pictures you took and the fun times we have had.
In New Orleans we have a tradition of seeing jazz people out properly, so it will be my honor to march you in with the saints, as the sweet chariot swings low to take you home to be with your family. Brighter days will await you.

Dr. Fugate was admired and respected by his fellow optometrists for many things including his help in pioneering the Low Vision Diplomate Program for the Amercian Academy of Optometry. Our deepest sympathy go to his family, friends and patients.

I was saddened to read of the loss of Dr. Fugate. He was my optometrist until his retirement. My sympathy to his family.