Dr. Gordon Emrek Hanusek

Dr. Gordon Hanusek's life's journey began on a farm in Camden, Ohio, and concluded peacefully in Studio City, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. It was a voyage that passed through Europe and reached the heights of the medical profession while remaining grounded in the values in which it originated.
Gordon was the last of ten children. He spent his early years helping his family manage the farm, and many a day operating a tractor from dawn to dusk. It was during this time that he was befriended by a pig he named Arnold. Throughout his life, he fondly remembered the time he spent with the pig, always remarking about how smart Arnold was and the games they played together. Even with this connection, upon asking Gordon about the demise of Arnold, he simply stated that he was "delish".
Gordon graduated from high school in 1948 at the age of 16 and went on to attend his beloved The Ohio State University. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he continued to the OSU College of Medicine, where he received the Borden Award for meritorious research. He and Dr. Leo Sapirstein, his professor and mentor, discovered during a Cardiac Output Study for pregnant women, that lying on their left side would increase cardiac outflow. This study was published in the American Journal of Physiology in 1958. Gordon graduated Top 10 in his class of 1958 and received the 2nd highest grade on the State of Ohio Medical Board exam, only missing the top slot by a single point.
Upon the successful completion of medical school, Dr. Hanusek, with his young family, moved to Los Angeles where he interned and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the LA County General Hospital from 1959 until 1963. He joined the Air Force and spent two years in Toul-Rosieres, France, delivering the children of service members and storing wheels of stinky cheese on his window sill.
Following completion of the ROTC service with the Air Force In 1966, Dr. Hanusek returned to Los Angeles and began his 50 yearlong career, which included his private practice at OB/GYN Medical Group, retiring at age 80. Dr. Hanusek calculated that he delivered more than 25,000 babies - the equivalent of the entire cities of Laguna Beach or Calabasas!
It was not uncommon for Dr. Hanusek's family and friends to learn from his patients that he performed his duties with compassion and care. He was always quick with a joke, to the point where it was expected, and his patients would question him if it was missing. During his time as a gynecologist, he was THE preeminent expert in the Los Angeles area, a common referral for his peers' patients.
Throughout his practice, Dr. Hanusek provided his staff with opportunities to grow professionally and encouraged them to pursue additional education. The culture fostered in the office made it enjoyable to come to work and filtered into the care that was provided to his patients.
When at home, Gordon remained humble and full of jokes. He enjoyed following the Buckeyes, cooking, shopping for bargains, and maintaining well-manicured fingernails. He had multiple closets full of suits, shoes, and over 600 ties. It was not uncommon for him to stand out with vibrant colored outfits with pink pants or red shoes. He moved through life as smoothly as he did on the dance floor (few knew Gordon was an instructor for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in New York when he was younger).
All these experiences created a full life, filled with respect and love. We are presented with a finite time on this earth. We show the world different versions of ourselves and leave a trail of memories in our wake. Gordon was intelligent and driven to success, working hard to reach a life focused on healing others. Dr. Hanusek provided an exceptional level of care for his patients, support and encouragement for his colleagues, and created knowledge for future generations to build upon. He provided joy and support to his friends and family, always encouraging and soft-spoken ...... and he LOVED the Buckeyes! He will be missed.
Dr. Gordon Hanusek is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Terry; son Emrek Hanusek; son Adam Hanusek (Shirley); daughter Mia Dean (Justin); step-daughter Jacqueline Valle (Greg); step-son Ryan Valle; seven grandchildren; and nephew Jay Hanusek (Diana). Gordon was preceded in death by his daughter Rebecca Hanusek.