Dr. C. Peter Groom

Dr. C. Peter Groom
Corwin Peter Groom, M.D., of Pocatello died on March 31, 2017 following an extended illness.
He was born on May 16, 1941 the second child and oldest son to Dr. Corwin Elliott and Marjorie C. Groom. His namesake and grandfather, Dr. Corwin Peter Groom, was a pioneer physician who graduated from Northwestern University Medical School in 1909 and practiced in Afton, Wyoming and Rupert, Idaho before settling in Pocatello in 1923. His father was a 1939 graduate of Northwestern University Medical School and set up practice in Pocatello in 1947 after serving as a physician in World War II. His father served as President of the Idaho State Medical Association in 1965. The family provided 93 years of medical service to the Pocatello community.
Peter was educated at local schools and spent summers at the family cabin on Hebgen Lake, Montana. He was an accomplished skier and participated in the Junior Olympics. Peter graduated from Pocatello High School in 1959. He attended the University of Idaho, where he was affiliated with the Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated in 1963 and attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, graduating in 1967. After a residency in internal medicine and serving in the Air Force, Peter set up practice in Pocatello in 1973.
He served on the Board of Trustees of the Idaho State Medical Association from 1995 to 2009 and was President of the Association from 2003 to 2004. He also served as Alternate Delegate to the American Medical Association from 2004 to 2009. Peter was a Chief of Staff of St. Anthony hospital and helped initiate the one hospital concept in Pocatello. When St. Anthony was sold to Pocatello Regional Medical Center, he joined the Board of Directors for 20 years, and served as Chairman for two years.
Peter was known for his love of classical music and support for the Idaho State Civic Symphony. He travelled extensively in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East and enjoyed engaging with diverse foreign cultures. He was an avid golfer associated with the Juniper Hills Country Club. For several decades, he said that if Pocatello had only one hospital, built the South Valley Connector and the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, it would be time for him to leave this world. He was true to his word.
He married Linda Elliott in Burley, Idaho in 1965. In addition to his wife, Peter is survived by his daughter Samantha (James) Crowe of Seattle, WA; granddaughter Aoife Crowe; and son Corwin (Sarah) Groom of Duluth, MN. He was preceded in death by both parents, sister Patricia Groom Jones and brother Robert C. Groom. Peter is survived by his brothers Richard (Eileen) Groom of Prescott, AZ and Michael E. Groom of Arlington, VA. Other survivors include Curtis Jones and Kitty (Bill) Bullock of Pocatello.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Idaho State Civic Symphony. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 5, from 3 to 7 pm at the family home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com 208-232-0542