Dr. Walter Wolfe

Walt's memory does not fade with time. If anything, his influence and legend grows with the passing of the years. He was a great surgeon and doctor, and a wonderful friend and mentor to countless residents, students and colleagues.

Ceeya and my heart go out to Jackie and to Walt´s family. We were again saddened at the passing of dear friend and life- long mentor, Robert Anderson, this past year. He and Walt were best friends ever since training together at Duke. They talked by phone at least daily and were devoted to each other to the end of Walt´s life. Bob was not the same after Walt´s passing, but still kept his irreverent sense of humor, even through the pain of his last days. The world is a lesser place without...

Walt grew up in my hometown of Corry Pennsylvania and played football for my dad, Coach Lou Hanna. I remember his house on Wayne Street which was next door to our high school principal , Howard Sheen. Walts father, Harold Wolfe, was our junior high school principal. My husband graduated from Duke Medical School. One year we were back for his reunion at Duke, I was able to get in touch with Walt and he took time out of his busy day to meet us. That was the last time I saw the great doctor.

I was so saddened to learn of Walt's passing. I have known him for 48 years and considered him one of my finest teachers of thoracic surgery at Duke...and he was a real friend. I have always admired his surgical judgement and skill as well as his humble and personable nature. Walt was my ideal surgeon..someone that I hoped to emulate. Like so many other people who knew and loved him, I miss him so. Although he has left this Earthy realm, Walt is still with us, and we will all be together some...

It saddened me to hear of the passing of Dr. Walt Wolfe and how he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the medical community. My sister-in-law(Karleen Womble) worked with him in the Duke OR for years and he became good friends of my brother and parents.
In the late 70's, my wife at the time, had some pain in her left arm along with some swelling. I brought her to see Walt for an evaluation and recommendations. His prognosis was that the surgery could be performed but her...

Jackie so sorry to hear of your loss, I remember you from your days in the ACU and Dr. Wolfe in the heart rooms starting in the seventies. Prayers for comfort and your family at the lost of a husband, dad, granddad and a great human being! Larry Dowell, Duke Anesthesia.

An incredible person who trained me to become a heart surgeon. Courageous, charismatic, generous. Rest In Peace Dr. Wolfe.

Jackie,

It's been a long time since I have seen you and Walt, but I remember fondly the times we shared together. My heart goes out to you and the other members of your family.

Jackie,
Ceeya and I are so saddened by Walt's passing. We know what a titanic struggle these last few months and years have been for you and your family. Walt could not have had more loving, compassionate and selfless care than what you provided for him. While the pain of his loss seems overwhelming right now, please be comforted that at least he is no longer suffering. This disease of ALS was particularly, almost singularly, cruel to Walter. To see a man who was the picture of vitality...