Joachim S. Gravenstein

GRAVENSTEIN, JOACHIM S.



Joachim S. Gravenstein, MD, age 83, graduate research professor emeritus, Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Florida, died at home Friday, January 16, 2009.



Born January 25, 1925, in Berlin, Germany; he married Alix, his wife of 59 years, on August 27, 1949. He graduated from University of Bonn and Harvard Medical Schools, and led an exemplary and prolific career in anesthesiology. He was the founding member and chief, and then chairman of the University of Florida's anesthesia department 1958-1969, and director of the Department of Anesthesiology at Case Western Reserve University 1969-1979. He returned to the University of Florida as graduate research professor 1979-2009. He was a pioneer and international leader in improving patient safety in anesthesiology, founding and serving on the Patient Safety Foundation and the Institutional Review Board for human subjects protection at the U of F, and other organizations dedicated to improving patient safety and anesthesia. He inspired many as a mentor and by example with his integrity, character, courtesy and intellectual curiosity. "Va" is loved and survived by his wife, 8 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, and the many friends who became part of his extended family.



Memorial services for Dr. J.S. Gravenstein will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2009, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1521 NW 34th St., Gainesville, FL. The Reverend Glenn Busby will officiate and a reception follows.



In lieu of flowers, you may honor the accomplishments and memory of Dr. J.S. Gravenstein with a tax-deductible donation to the I. Heermann Anesthesia Foundation, Inc., (EIN 59-3349331), an organization dedicated to research and education in anesthesia and related patient safety. Donations should be mailed to P.O. Box 100254, Gainesville, FL 32610-0254. Arrangements are under the care of Moring Funeral Home, Melrose, Fl.