Dr. George Thabit Jr.

Thabit, Jr., Dr. George an expert in general and vascular surgery, died June 24th in a motor vehicle accident near Needles, California. He was 70. Dr. Thabit practiced general and vascular surgery for over 30 years in California and Arizona. He was recognized by colleagues as an insightful clinician and gifted technician. He was a member of the American Board of Surgery. As an active member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the Society of Clinical Vascular Surgeons, Dr. Thabit helped refine modern surgical techniques. His pleasant, easy-going manner endeared him to patients and peers alike. His generous, kind spirit and disarming sense of humor forged a unique patient-physician bond that lasted a lifetime. Long-time colleague and close friend, Dr. Robert Carlton, referred to Thabit as "a physician who made the tough diagnosis look easy, and the technically challenging operation appear routine." He spent the majority of his career in the San Fernando Valley. He was Chief of Surgery at West Park Hospital (1965-1967); Parkwood Hospital (1968-1969); and Canoga Park Hospital (1970-1990). Through his clinical teaching, Dr. Thabit fostered the development of numerous young surgeons. In 1994, at the age of 63, he expanded his surgical practice to the state of Arizona. He served as the staff general and vascular surgeon in Kingman and Bullhead City. Most recently, he was Chief of Surgery at Kingman Medical Center. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, he was the son of business man George Thabit, Sr. and Nellie Thabit. After attending Marshall College where he was recognized as a standout track and field athlete, he entered Tulane University Medical School. He completed medical school in 1955 and entered his surgical residency at Philadelphia General Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania. Following the completion of his surgical training, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University. A resident of Encino, Dr. Thabit is survived by his loving wife, Geri, of 43 years, and their 5 children, George III, Bruce, Courtney, Kristin, and Cory; and 4 grandchildren, George IV, Clay, William, and Ty. He is also survived by his brothers, Bruce and Mitchell, and sister, Elsie Hosey. He was an avid fisherman, golfer and gardener, and a member of St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Van Nuys. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed dearly. A memorial service was held Friday June 29th at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Los Angeles, with a burial service following at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills. Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to The Lupus Foundation, in care of: The Lupus Foundation of Northern California 2635 North 1st Street Suite 206 San Jose, CA 95134