Joseph McIntosh

Yesterday marked four months since you went away. I miss you on a daily basis, and I just have to remind myself of all the beautiful things about you and your life. When I think about the path you chose in your life and what you did, it makes me so proud of you. All the unconditional acts of love you provided others with while you were alive just makes my heart leap for joy. I am blessed in my life to have had a big brother like you. You were just so outstanding. You are still my hero...and...

On April 28, 2003 Dr. Joe operated on my then 13 year old daughter, Madison, who had a 8 lb. cancer tumor. He quickly became a friend to our family and especially to Madison. During her subsequent hospital stays for chemotherapy over the following months, he visited quite often, even though she had been under the care of her oncologysts. He was the most unique individual, both as a human being and a doctor. We will miss him greatly. We just found out yesterday about his passing. God bless you...

My husband, Dan, and I only met Joe recently at a meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. We were both struck by his gentle nature, wonderful sense of humor, and down-to-earth demeanor. We knew immediately that Joe was special and had hoped to spend more time with him in the future to share more tall tales of our beloved Southwest. We will miss him.

I now sit in the office where Joe once spent long hours here at the Surgery Branch of the National Cancer Institute. He told me lots of stories about the good-ol’ days, before my own 15 year stint here, where he’d work into the night doing experiments. He sometimes even slept here – with his boots on of course – in case he had to get up to check some cells in the lab. He spent that time of his life trying to figure out new ways of getting the immune system to kill cancer cells. I especially...

No one will ever realize how specical someone or something is until it is no longer there. Joe, you were my best friend even if you were more then twice my age :) . I will never forget the wonderful memories I have shared with you over the 16 years of my life. Not only have you been an insperation, a mentor, a friend, a second dad, but you have helped me through the most difficult time in my life. I wish you could have been there for my graduation next spring (2005), college graduation,...

I had the great pleasure of working with Joe during his pediatric surgery training at CHLA. From the day of his arrival from Houston, we all knew Joe was a very special person. Under the boots and hair was a keen intellect, warm caring personality and great doctor. When Joe left CHLA to pursue his future career, he left behind many friends. We are all saddened by his premature death.

Joe,
An amazing 26 year friendship. The times we all shared will never be lost. We all loved the person and the persona. God's speed. Ed

Joe, I miss you. Thanks for all the good things you have done for the lab. Last time I saw you in Beijing, you and my family were having so much fun together.

Joe
You will be sorely missed, particularly you insights and kindness. Travel well.
Max Ramenofsky