Gary Donald Cieslak M.D.

Gary Donald Cieslak, M.D. Gary Donald Cieslak, M.D., age 50, passed away on Jan. 30, 2009, of cancer. Gary was born Feb. 10, 1958 in Binghamton, N.Y., and spent his childhood in the village of Pittsford in upstate New York. His family moved to Dallas, where Gary graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory High School in 1976 and earned a full scholarship to the University of Dallas. There, he was named valedictorian of his class in 1980. After being awarded his M.D. from University of Texas Medical Branch in 1985, Gary completed his pediatric residency at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, an anesthesia residency at Parkland Hospital, and a Pediatric Anesthesia Fellowship at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle. He was certified by both the American Board of Pediatrics and American Board of Anesthesiology. With his wife Mitzi and four children, Gary eventually settled in 1996 in Boise, Idaho, where he served as staff anesthesiologist for St. Luke's Regional Medical Center. However, Gary's distinguished academic and professional accomplishments only tell a small part of the rich story of his life. He viewed such achievements as simply the means to fulfilling a larger, more worthy purpose, as his deep personal faith informed and guided all of his aspirations and relationships. He led first by example an extraordinary life of philanthropy, selflessness, sacrifice, and compassion. Gary dedicated his life to the service of others, not only through the practice of medicine, but through his volunteer work. Most recently he served as physician with Project Haiti, traveling with a team of doctors and clergy to Milot and Port-au-Prince. Closest to Gary's heart was spending time with his wife and family, yet he also maintained close friendships with many of his University of Dallas classmates. He enjoyed playing hockey with a local men's league. He was well-known for his contemplative nature, his warmth, his humility, his humor and clever wordplay, and he was often sought out for his insight and wisdom. Gary passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by Mitzi and the children, his father, and his siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mitzi; his children Jessica, Michael, Joseph, and Andy; his father Donald E. Cieslak of West Hills, Calif.; his siblings David, also of West Hills, Brian, of Riverside, Calif., Kimberly Salzer of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Amy Engelmann, of Boise. Funeral mass to be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Boise, Idaho on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 at 11 a.m. Arrangements under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel. In lieu of flowers, people may donate contributions in his name to: Project Haiti, c/o Debbie Hamilton, Saint Alphonsus Foundation, 1055 N. Curtis Rd, Boise, Idaho 83706, or St. Luke's Children's Health Foundation, c/o Jeff Cilek, St. Luke's Children Hospital, 190 E. Bannock, Boise, ID 83712.