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Gary Manchester Obituary
Gary was a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Medical School. He completed a general surgery residency at the Beth Israel Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. His surgical training was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his bravery.
After returning home from Vietnam, Gary completed his general surgery training as well as a plastic surgery residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He then went into private practice in San Diego, CA, where he ran the Manchester Clinic of Plastic Surgery for several years.
Gary was also instrumental in establishing the plastic surgery program at Scripps Green Hospital, where he served as chief of plastic surgery for several years. Among his many accomplishments, he developed a novel technique to remove tattoos as well as operated on one of the most famous chatterboxes in the world: he fixed Muhammad Ali's jaw after it was broken by Ken Norton in 1973.
In addition to his passion for surgery, Gary was an avid art collector, voracious bargain shopper, gourmet cook, green thumb, world traveler and unparalleled raconteur. But perhaps his biggest passion was breeding and raising English bulldogs. The walls of his house and office, as well as the outsides of his van, were plastered with pictures of his canine best friends.
Gary is survived by his wife Linda; his two sons Keith and Eric; his two grandsons Owen and Elton; and his beloved dogs GiGi and Benny.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Manchester
Steven Skolochenko
June 7, 2023
Sad to learn of Dr. Manchester´s passing. I served with him in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (SEP) in 1966-67. Gary was in B Company (Med) commanded by CPT Michael Jackson, MD, of the 173rd Support Battalion. Gary and I shared stories of growing up in DC. When not on operations we played games. One of Gary´s favorites was bayonet throwing. On a couple of occasions, I accompanied Gary and others on MedCaps, which were visits to villages where the doctors and medics helped the locals. Gary was a good officer. May he rest in peace.
Pamela Brittain
November 24, 2021
Aka Connie Stevens that´s what he called me ...former patient.. he was a awesome person a great surgeon .. so sorry to see he is no longer here and my condolences to the family.
Here I am excited to go to his Christmas party. Fond memories
Keith Hilinski
October 4, 2021
Dr Manchester had a great life- went to the best medical school, worked hard, successful surgery practice, lived in La Jolla, who would want anything more ?
I met him through my brother, a fellow Harvard grad.
He had an enormous building in Sorrento Valley that was part medical office and part medical warehouse where he sold me stuff for the animal hospital I was running. We bonded over our interest in bulldogs.
While talking he stared at a mole in my ear, told me to keep an eye on it- couldn't stop himself from being a doctor during a chat.
Must have been a tough time to get pulled out of med school and open your eyes in Vietnam, during the war.
Hope the Manchester family is hanging in there.
Christine Neis
September 18, 2021
Good memories of Gary. He was very generous and he always tried to help people. RIP
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Mark Rechnic
September 16, 2021
Thanks for the memories.
Kaddish.
Yizkor 5782.
Ron Edelson
September 14, 2021
Lisa snd I are very saddened to hear of Gary´s passing. He was a colleague, mentor, good friend, and a source of many good times. He will be sadly missed.
Bob Bullock, MD, Anesthesiologist
September 12, 2021
Very sorry to hear that Dr. Manchester has departed this earth. He was a gifted surgeon and a great pleasure to work with. I have many fond memories of observing his skill and the great care he took of his grateful patients.
Nancy McHenry
September 12, 2021
So very sorry to hear this news. I worked for Dr. Manchester for a number of years, after meeting him on the OR at Scripps, as his office manager and was amazed by his surgical expertise, fun personality and love of life. Always had a special place in my heart for him. RIP xoxoxo Nancy McHenry
Linda Kazmarek
September 12, 2021
Dr. Manchester was one of the best plastic surgeons! I loved his sense of humor and all the cosmetic surgery he did on me was the best!!! RIP
Judi Adams
September 12, 2021
So sad to hear this new. I met Gary in 1968 at 6 years old after my nose was terribly broken. I was finally ready for surgery 8 years later and that day was a pivotal point in my life. What should have been a 3 part complicated surgery, my amazing surgeon completed in one! I went from being called Witchy Poo.... to this young confident proud girl.
I am blessed to have kept in touch with Gary over the years, and so saddened by this news. To have a friendship like this is a treasure! Rest In Peace Gary. You truly changed my life and I am forever grateful Hugs to Linda and his boys.
Cora
September 12, 2021
Deeply saddened to read about his passing. Doctor Manchester was a great help and mentor to me and many others. His generosity augmented by his eccentric genius is what I will remember the most. Rest In Peace, sincere condolences to the family, specially, Linda.
Dr. Robert Michler
September 12, 2021
Dear Family of Dr. Gary Manchester,
As a young high school student, I was fortunate to be introduced to Dr. Manchester and volunteer in his office. I was hoping to follow in his footsteps as a surgeon. He helped me in so very many ways and mostly, as a kind friend who listened to my many reservations and self-doubts.
He helped me prepare for my college interviews. I was fortunate to be accepted to Harvard and after Harvard, I attended Dartmouth Medical School. (He did the opposite!)
He was a voice of reassurance throughout medical school. We lost touch thereafter, but he has always remained in my mind and heart as one of those special people whose path we cross in life.
I doubt he ever knew that I did go on to become a surgeon, that I joined the faculty of Columbia for many years, and that I have had a tremendous career in heart surgery.
I will always be grateful for his kindness and his willingness to give of himself. I am honored to have known him.
With warm wishes and gratitude,
Robert Michler, MD
-------------------------------------------------------
Surgeon-in-Chief
Samuel I. Belkin Endowed Chair
Professor and Chairman,
Department of Surgery
Professor and Chairman,
Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
Montefiore Medical Center
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
New York City
James Backer
September 12, 2021
Gary was one of our favorite and most colorful clients at Standards of Excellence, I always enjoyed stories of his fascinating life. RIP, Gary.
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