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Stephan Plager Obituary
Services will be held Sunday, September 16th, for Dr. Stephan D. Plager, 68, who died September 9th of leukemia at Stanford Medical Center. Dr. Plager had been in private practice as an ophthalmologist in Santa Cruz for twenty-three years. He was the medical director of Plager Vision Center, and was Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Stanford University.
Dr. Plager was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He was the son of the late Akiba L. and Clara Plager. Dr. Plager obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 1960, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1964, where he was the president of the medical fraternity. His internship was at Los Angeles County General Hospital U.S.C..
Dr. Plager later served proudly for nine years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He took his ophthalmology residency sponsored by the Air Force at the Kansas University Medical Center, where he was the Chief Resident from 1969-1970. He was the Chief of the Department of Ophthalmology at USAF Regional Hospital at Scott Air Force Base in Bellville, Illinois from 1970-1973 and subsequently held the same post at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Dr. Plager formerly served as Chief of Staff in the Department of Ophthalmology at Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital. In 1990-1991 he was Consultant of the Year at the University of California in Santa Cruz. Stanford University Department of Ophthalmology also honored him with the 1998 Voluntary Clinical Faculty Member of the Year award.
Dr. Plager was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1972. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Medical Association, California Medical Association, Santa Cruz Medical Association, American Intraocular Lens Implant Society, American Society of Outpatient Surgeons, American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, and a member of the Keratorefractive Society. He is the author of several journal articles and is a recognized expert in the field of refractive surgery.
Dr. Plager enjoyed boating most recently in his powerboat "Hawkeye", motorcycling, mountain biking, and long-distance running. He was active in the Cabrillo Music Festival, the Santa Cruz County Symphony, the United Way Board, and as a member of the California Highway Patrol 1199 Society.
He is survived by Linda Williams Plager, his devoted wife of 21 years, and six loving children-Lori Plager, Linleigh Richker husband Russ, Joey Plager wife Audrey, Jeremy Plager wife Andrea, all of Los Angeles, D. Joshua Plager wife Constance, of Portland, Oregon, Kristen Williams of Santa Cruz, and eight grandchildren. He has two brothers, Capt. Richard H. Plager of Netanya, Israel, and Judge S. Jay Plager, of Washington, D.C.
Services Sunday will be at Temple Beth El, Jewish Community Center, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos, at 1 p.m., with interment to follow at Home of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the Katz Cancer Resource Center, 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz 95065.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephan Plager
Sponsored by All of us who love and miss him.
Cindy Powell
September 8, 2024
Rest in Peace Dr Plager. You are forever missed.
Cindy Harmon
January 5, 2024
Sure miss you Dr Plager RIP
L.
January 21, 2021
Still think of Dr. Plager fondly aftger all these years. He was so generous and relatable. I worked with him at Stanford Ophthalmology Department. He always was a pleasure to be around and my day was always better when he was overseeing the resident clinic or performing eye laser surgery. He was one of two doctors at my 10 years working at Stanford who took staff to lunch. I will never forget your kindness.
Peter Huemer
October 12, 2007
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Plager's passing. He was a brilliant man whose kindness and accomplishments outshine what most of us aspire to. He touched all those who knew him, and he made this world a better place. I am grateful to have known him and to have had the pleasure of working with him. Seeing the photo in the office of his marathon finish, it was he who provided me with the inspiration to run the first of many marathons. All of our lives are better for having known him. He will be missed by all.
Melody Newcombe
October 2, 2007
I didn't realize that Dr. Plager had passed- and called his office today and was told by his staff. My heart and thoughts go out to his family/office/coworkers at this difficult time.
Cindy Harmon
September 24, 2007
Sweet Dr. Plager: You will be so missed but never forgotten. You took such good care of me for so many years, while living in the Santa Cruz County. When I had to leave the area and move 125 miles away, there was no question in my mind but to drive that 250 mile round trip drive to see you. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones, who are now so saden to have you no longer with them. God Bless.
Dianna Bond-Hatch
September 19, 2007
Dr. Plager was an amazing guy and a visit with him was always and adventure. His stories alone were worth the price of admission. He once even offered to marry my (now) husband and I and I think if we hadn't of had the wedding out of town he would have.
He was also an example of a life well lived and his life reminds me of this old saying that goes like this:
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again."
My heart goes out to his family at this time for their very sad loss.
Dianna Bond-Hatch
Karen Reese
September 16, 2007
Doctor Plager was such a wonderful man and physician. I met him 16 years ago when I began working at Dominican Hospital's Medical Staff Office. Dr. Plager was kind and respectful and I chose to change ophthalmologists when I got to know him better. When it became clear that I would benefit from Lasik surgery, Dr. Plager was very patient with me during the process and gave me the 20/20 vision I had not had for years.
You will be dearly missed by your families - both the ones closest to your heart - and those that you have helped over the years here in this area and around the world through your humanitarian trips.
I will miss you Dr. Plager, for your laugh, your smile and your warm hello whenever I saw you.
God's peace and love to you and your family.
Rhonda Langell
September 15, 2007
Dr. Plager ,
What in the world will I do without you to hug , talk to, to gripe at and most of all to laugh with ! With all you have done to touch so many people's lives, no wonder we could never run on time in the office! I am honored to have worked with you for so many years. Thank you for all of your wisdom and kindness. You are in my heart and soul forever. Good bye , I love you...
Linda & family,
Thank you for sharing Dr. Plager with all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Judge John Salazar
September 14, 2007
It was my great pleasure to have known Dr. Plager. I first went to see him for eye care because of his fine reputation. I continued to see him because I discovered that not only was he a highly qualified eye surgeon, but more importantly he was a very decent human being. I selected him to perform eye surgery on me because I had complete faith in him. He always had a friendly greeting for me, as well as a number of stories to tell. I enjoyed my visits with him, and will miss him.
Ted Bailey
September 14, 2007
Stephan was indeed a a great Eye Doctor. But, he was also a very compassionate human being. He treated every patient like they were his only patient. If you had to wait to see him for awhile, that was because he was spending the time with another patient, as he then did with you. He was also a great friend and colleauge. We got to spend a lot of time together outside of the office. He was a wonderful story teller and made his presence known wherever we were; in a hotel lobby, a restaurant, a bar (no, we never went there), an educational meeting, wherever! I've worked with several doctors, and he was the best of them all. Love to you Linda. Suz and I will always be there for you.
Ted and Suz Bailey
Judy Belden
September 13, 2007
Dr. Plager diagnosed and treated my daughter, Sarah, for a serious corneal ulcer. He saw her every day for nearly two weeks, including Saturday and Sunday! I will never forget his dedication. He was warm, caring, cheerful and happy. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Pam Custer
September 13, 2007
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Plager's passing. I feel great sadness for his family as well. I will always remember him as being upbeat and humorous, and he looked to be the epitome of good health. I'll never forget the day I came in to his office in 2003 for an appointment with him, with a scarf on my head hiding the fact I didn't have any hair left from chemo. He took the time to tell me about the cancer center he started and why it came about, and what it had to offer. I really had no idea it existed. What a wonderful place and a wonderful, lasting gesture he did for his daughter, and the community. I had my last appointment with him before I moved to northern Arizona 3 1/2 years ago, not realizing it would actually be the very last time I'd ever see him. I had actually been thinking of coming back to visit friends in Santa Cruz and have lasiks done by him. He's the only one I ever really trusted with my eyes.
Thank you, Dr. Plager, for more than words can say. Rest in peace.
Pam Custer
September 13, 2007
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Plager's passing. I feel great sadness for his family as well. I will always remember him as being upbeat and humorous, and he looked to be the epitome of good health. I'll never forget the day I came in to his office in 2003 for an appointment with him, with a scarf on my head hiding the fact I didn't have any hair left from chemo. He took the time to tell me about the cancer center he started and why it came about, and what it had to offer. I really had no idea it existed. What a wonderful place and a wonderful, lasting gesture he did for his daughter, and the community. I had my last appointment with him before I moved to northern Arizona 3 1/2 years ago, not realizing it would actually be the very last time I'd see him. I had actually been thinking of coming back to visit friends in Santa Cruz and have lasiks done by him. He's the only one I ever really trusted with my eyes.
Thank you, Dr. Plager, for more than words can say. Rest in peace.
Deanna Starnes
September 13, 2007
Dr. Plager...You helped me through a 12 year battle with my right eye. Thank you so very much for your kindness,support, and sense of humor. I feel so lost now. I can only imagine how much your family must miss you, and I pray for their comfort during this difficult transition. God bless you and rest in peace.
Tisha and Roger Jones
September 13, 2007
GREAT GUY!!
Steve left his, "FOOTPRINTS," on many lives.
Our thoughts are with his family,
Gail Gay
September 13, 2007
Dr Plager, Thank you for taking care of my eyes for over 20 years & giving me clear vison again via Lasix surgery that I would never have done if you had not performed it. I trusted your extreme knowledge & reputation. You will be missed by the whole community and beyond. Rest In Peace, Lovingly, Gail Gay
Jenna Magen - Garcia
September 13, 2007
Dr. P -
After only trusting you with my eyes for over 20yrs - what am I going to do(no one else will ever compare or be as trusted!)? 2days ago I was sitting in the waiting room full of fatherly advice questions for you..I can not believe you are gone. I am just happy that you got to meet my son and be such an influence in my life...You helped calm the fears of a very scared 9yr old and her family all those years ago..and you really were a trusted friend to my entire family....You treated 3 generations and I was hoping it would be four. You are very very missed!!!!!
Linda - My heart goes out to you and your entire family. He was an amazing man, with such a kind heart and soft touch and could calm anyone & he is the only person I would ever let shave some of my eye off with a dimond drill bit! YOu just knew he could always be trusted!!!!
Cathy Young
September 13, 2007
Dr. Plager was my opthamologist for over 20 years. He was not only excellent at his craft, he was kind, caring, and had a great sense of humor. I will miss him very much. God Bless.
Cathy Young
krista gray
September 13, 2007
Dr. Plager, I miss you so much. Thank you for always supporting me. I will never forget how much you cared. I didn't get to say good-bye... or tell you "I love you".
Krista Gray
September 13, 2007
Linda,
My heart goes out to you and your family. He was a kind and generous man and he will be truly missed.
Chris Griesinger
Dominican Hospital Foundation
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