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Ward Griffen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ward Griffen
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David M Barbara
February 5, 2023
I just learned of Dr Griffen´s death. He was my advisor in medical school, but more importantly, he was my role model for the practice of medicine and surgery. Anyone who has gone through medical training knows that "role models" are the main reason for career choices. That was so true for many of us at UK Medical School during "the Griffen years" when he was chief of surgery. Dr Griffen´s influence was so great for many of us. He taught us real patient care, technical skills, the quest for learning, and that this all could be done with a great sense of humor. I am still following his principles of "putting the patient first" and back in medical school we even had a little notebook of all his "sayings" that I suspect are still very active in many of our minds in our daily practice of surgery. He truly was a giant of surgery and of surgical education. I feel blessed to have known him and to have learned from him.
Bill Baumgartner
August 11, 2020
Dr. Griffin was the consummate academic surgeon. My first contact with Dr. Griffin was at the University of Kentucky in 1971. I was a 3rd year medical student starting my rotation on Surgery. His love of surgery and teaching, complemented by his sense of humor, was easy to recognize. After my rotation, I knew I wanted to go into Surgery and be like Dr. Griffin. Over the years, I have sought his advice and we became colleagues and good friends. His legacy is the countless number of surgeons he influenced during his career. Betsy and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Pudge and her family.
Mary Morrison Ryles
August 4, 2020
I absolutely loved him!!!! He was my hero as a new nurse. I once went up to him during rounds and touched his flat top. I gasped that it was soft! He said while looking at me from above his glasses, “what did you expect? Wires?” He also walked across the cafeteria to tell me I was pregnant way before I knew. In fact he did that all three times and was correct on the sexes too. I say his quote frequently. “All lumps and bumps should be in a bottle”. I loved both he and Pudge. Never have I met anyone with such love for each other than those two.
Hyde Gordon
August 2, 2020
Ward was a world class surgeon, teacher, family man, and friend. He was the best person one could ever work for and with. He brought the University of Kentucky Department of Surgery to leadership in the surgical world. But he always somehow found time to get home for the family dinner to return until the late hours of the night. But he always found time to help all of us- faculty, students, and colleagues. He will be missed. I was fortunate to be able to see him last summer and reminisce.
SAMUEL POLLOCK MD
August 1, 2020
As a medical student in 1976-80, he was my inspiration and guide to my future in Cardiac Surgery. I was able to attend ACS meeting in Chicago, riding with him, listening to UK play LSU on the radio on way. Remember it is not "scut work" but patient care. No one ever like him as a teacher and mentor.
William Carter
July 30, 2020
Dr. Griffen was a great man, a great physician and surgeon , and most of all a great and caring person. He taught us how to think , how to operate, and how to care for our patients . By example he showed us how to be principled professionals. We are all indebted to him .
Rev. Rick Peters
July 27, 2020
I was fortuntate to meet him for the first - and sadly the only - time last fall while on a visit to Frankfort with Anne Schaefer. We stayed with Tim and Susan Griffen and had dinner with Ward and other family members that evening. I found him to be most gracious, kind, and thoughtful in his conversations with me. That experience allowed me just a glimpse of this remarkable man who touched so many lives in so many ways. Your family was blessed many times over by his presence in your lives.
Glenna Dianne Bowles Curtis
July 27, 2020
I'm sorry if this note is repeated. Dr. Griffen saved my life. I had a total colectomy in 1972. He was so kind and understanding to me. I counseled other patients who were going to also have colectectomies. Such a good man and excellent surgeon. I feel like part of my past is gone. My sympathy to his family and his beloved wife.
Glenna Dianne Bowles Curtis
July 27, 2020
Dr. Griffen performed a total colectomy on me in January 1972 at the UK Hospital. He saved my life. After my surgery he would call me to speak to other patients who were going to have ostomies. I was young and they could see by looking at me that things weren't so bad. I felt like I had the best surgeon in KY to take care of me. He was such a good person and surgeon and I know he loved his big family. So sorry to hear about his death. Part of my history is gone. You, his family, are in my prayers.
Dianne Curtis
Murray, KY
Marilyn Feeback
July 26, 2020
I was a patient of Dr, Griffen and counseled some of his patients facing
Ileostomy's. I so loved him for all he had done for me and I dreamed about him last night. I will never forget how wonderful he was
May our Lord be with his family.
Joe Curtis
July 26, 2020
Dr. Griffin is a giant and his good works will bless us for many decades to come. My wife, for one, owes her life to his skill and dedication. I hope the Griffin family will take comfort in the good he left behind. Rest in peace, Dr. Griffin.
Drew Fried
July 24, 2020
a first rate physician, a charming individual, an extraordinary leader and role model.
Sara Wall
July 24, 2020
Deepest sympathy
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