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BORN
1951
DIED
2022
Donald Innes Obituary
October 27, 1951 - January 30, 2022
On Sunday January 30, 2022, Dr. Donald John Innes Jr., beloved husband and father, died at the age of 70.
Donald was born on October 27, 1951, in Torrington, Conn., to Donald and Cecilia (Williams) Innes. He received his Bachelor of Science at Fairfield University in 1973 before going on to complete his medical degree at University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1977.
Dr. Innes began his nearly 40 year career at the University of Virginia in 1977, where he served as Professor of Pathology, Director of the Hematology Laboratory, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, and Associate Dean of Curriculum for the School of Medicine. Teaching medical students was an important part of Dr. Innes's work at UVA and his excellence in this area was recognized by both his students and fellow faculty alike. He was a five time recipient of the Robert Bennett Bean award, a four time recipient of the Distinguished Professor award, a recipient of the David A. Harrison Distinguished Educator Award (the School of Medicine's most prestigious teaching award), and the All-University Outstanding Teaching award. He was inducted to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society as well as the University of Virginia's Raven Society.
Donald Innes and his wife, Allison were longtime art enthusiasts, and were active in the arts community during their careers at UVA. Donald was the inaugural Chair of the University of Virginia Committee on Public Art. He played an integral role in the procurement of the Lincoln Perry murals by chairing The Cabell Hall Centennial Mural Project from 1996 to 2000. It brought Donald great joy when he was able to combine his two passions of art and medicine. He was able to do this by chairing the UVA Medical Center Art Committee and helping to establish the Clinician's Eye program with the University of Virginia Art Museum.
Dr. Donald Innes is best remembered for his undeniable love for his family, his love of art, and his life-long love of learning.
Dr. Innes is survived by his devoted wife, Allison H. Innes; his daughter, Hillary I. Strubell and husband, Richard, of Mount Sidney, Virginia; and his sister, Susan Innes and husband, Michael Kelley, of Manchester, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinician's Eye program at the Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Innes
Barbara Kassel
July 1, 2022
I just heard this news and am so very sorry to hear. I send my condolences and warm wishes to his family. Although we never met in person, I felt that he was a very fine person.
Aniseh & Matthew Burtner
February 22, 2022
Matthew and I will be sad to not run into you and Dr Innes at random downtown restaurants. It was always nice to see your smiles about town. Wishing you ease in your grieving, and we hope to see you again one day.
Chuck and Linda Mills
February 10, 2022
The world has lost a kind, dear man. Chuck and Don were members of a great pathology residency group, such a convivial and dedicated band of young doctors.
Allison, you and Don were always the best of partners, so loving and supportive. Hillary, you lost a gentle and always-present father. We send our sympathy to you two and all the family.
Chuck and Linda Mills
Alane Celli
February 10, 2022
Dear Allison and Hillary I was so very sorry to hear about Don´s passing. He was always so kind and thoughtful and never without a greeting and warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. God bless you always. - Alane
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Brian and Carolyn Behm
February 8, 2022
Dear Allison- Don was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He was intelligent, kind physician and a such a strong advocate for education. I´m thankful that I was able to learn from him and work with him as a student and faculty member.
Dick and Janet Pearson
February 7, 2022
David Brooks (The Second Mountain, 2019) wrote: "Every so often, you meet people who radiate joy - who seem to know why they were put on earth, who flow with a kind of inner light... They want things that are truly worth wanting. They embrace a life of interdependence, not independence. They surrender to a life of commitment." Don was such a person in his love for Allison and Hillary, in his passion for medical education, in his commitment to the flourishing of his students, residents and colleges, in his dedication to providing the highest quality care for patients, in his integrity, and in his wonderful joy and zest for life. We are very, very thankful for Don and Allison and the experiences we have shared with them. Our hearts go out to Allison, Hillary and their family at this time of immeasurable loss.
Gary and Anna Walker
February 6, 2022
Dear Allison and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was an outstanding pathologist and person. He touched many lives in very positive ways. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sonia Pearson White
February 5, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of Don's passing. May his memory be for a blessing. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor and father to Hillary.
Gene McGahren
February 4, 2022
Dear Allison, My prayers and thoughts go out to you in Don's passing. He brought so much to so many people. And he certainly helped me get my footing in student education years ago. Best wishes, Gene
Jim Patterson
February 4, 2022
Dear Allison,
Don Innes: what a great and kind man, wonderful physician and teacher! We will greatly miss him. Our heartfelt prayers go to you and your family.
Yvonne G. Newberry
February 4, 2022
Dear Allison,
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was one of my most memorable mentors and always treated me as an equal colleague which I appreciated so much. I have missed having both Don and you. I want to say that he trained Megan Bray well so she is doing a good job following in his footsteps! Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Yvonne
John C Maddox, MD
February 4, 2022
First met Don in 1979 when both of us were residents. Shared Heme cases with him for many years. We have lost a good doc and a good man.
Ted Galbraith
February 4, 2022
I feel so lucky to have taken care of Allison and Don's dental needs. I would always get the latest update on their travels and activities during their dental visits. Retirement was embraced and enjoyed every day by this loving couple. Be strong Allison and know that Don is omnipresent in spirit and take comfort in that.
Cindy Yoshida and Tom Gampper
February 3, 2022
Dear Allison - we were so sad to hear about Don's passing. We will always remember his great smile and his love (and knowledge) of art! Thinking of you and wishing you peace.
Daniel Ehnbom
February 3, 2022
I am very sorry to learn of Don´s death. He was a good person. I always enjoyed seeing him. Please accept my condolences, Alison.
Christine Burt Solorzano
February 3, 2022
Dr. Innes was an inspiring leader in our Pathology course during medical school and so devoted to the UVA School of Medicine. My condolences for your loss.
Megan Bray
February 3, 2022
Dear Allison-
So saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was huge mentor and friend. A wonderfully kind soul and huge advocate for medical education. I learned so much from him and am indebted to him for helping me to take over his role at the SOM. He left such large shoes to fill! He will be missed and remembered fondly my many and especially by me! My thoughts are with you and your daughter. May memories bring smiles always.
Fondly- Megan
Bill Wilson
February 3, 2022
Dear Allison, I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was a great guy in all respects, and was the driving force for medical student education at UVA. His contributions will be long-lasting, for certain. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Andy and Debbie Lockman
February 3, 2022
Allison:
Hi Allison: We have many fond memories of both OUR education from Don in medical school and in working with him (and you !) on the faculty afterwards. He was a true gem-- someone who just seemed to make you smile as he approached, without trying! Wishing you peace in this difficult time.
Amita Sudhir
February 3, 2022
Dear Allison,
I was so sad to hear this news. Don was an incredible teacher and mentor. From learning from him in the pathology course when I was a med student, to his support in establishing a required emergency medicine clerkship for medical students, he was instrumental in my career as a medical educator, and an impeccable role model. I remember coming to your house as a medical student and being amazed at all the art you both had, and I think of you both often as I grow my own art collection. His love of teaching inspired mine, and he is a large part of why I chose the career path I did. Aaron (Freilich, my husband and also SMD '04 and SOM faculty) extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family, and our gratitude to Don.
regards,
Amita
Curt Tribble
February 3, 2022
Dear Allison, I was sad to learn of Don's recent death. I had great admiration for him, especially his never ending commitment to the education of students and residents. I will be thinking of you and your family at this sad time. curt tribble
Guillermo Solorzano
February 3, 2022
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Innes' passing. I recall him as a my teacher and colleague. I am so sorry for your loss.
Judy Jones Pointer
February 3, 2022
Sending love and comfort to the Innes Family and fond memories of Don.
Judy Jones Pointer
Selina Noramly
February 3, 2022
Dear Allison, I was so sorry to hear this news - my deepest condolences to you and the family. Don was a great mentor to so many currently working at UVA and beyond. He also gave very good advice and showed many kindness and a sympathetic ear when needed. Best Wishes - Selina
Carolyn Engelhard
February 3, 2022
I am so sorry for the loss of Don Innes, an accomplished researcher, teacher, administrator, and loyal colleague. I send heartfelt condolences to Allison and Hillary and the whole Innes family.
Ellen Boswell
February 2, 2022
I worked with Dr Innes for many years in the Hematology LAboratory. He was a mentor to me as we sat at the microscope learning about blood disorders. We worked together on teaching 2nd year medical students hands on skills in the lab. We also had a lot of great conversations about travels to Italy. So sorry to hear this news and thinking of you Allison.
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