Carl Casimir Hug, Jr., MD, PhD

Dr. Carl Casimir Hug, Jr., age 85, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022, after waiting five long years to be reunited with his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilyn Ann Hug. His five children, their families (12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren), many friends, and his beloved caregivers were constantly by his side during his final months at an assisted living facility in Alpharetta, GA. During those months, he had many ups and downs, but he kept his sense of humor until the end.

Having accrued almost 60 years of experience in the fields of pharmacology and anesthesiology education, Carl garnered an admirable reputation as a professor of anesthesiology and pharmacology at the Emory University School of Medicine. After his "retirement," he was a senior faculty fellow at the Emory Center for Ethics and Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology. In addition to his primary professional appointments, Carl offered his expertise in other capacities including serving as a visiting research professor at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. He held positions on the American Board of Anesthesiology (Director 1984-96, Vice-President 1990-92, President 1992-93), the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (Vice-President 1995-96, President 1998-2001), and the Association of University Anesthesiologists (President 1984-86). The American Society of Anesthesiologists awarded Carl their highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2006. An expert in his field, Carl lectured on clinical ethics, end-of-life care, opioid pharmacology and addiction, high-risk treatments and therapeutic trials. He was internationally recognized in the subspecialty of Cardiovascular Anesthesia and was a valued and cherished mentor to many anesthesiologists in academic practice.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy, with summa cum laude honors, from Duquesne University, and subsequently attended the University of Michigan, from which he earned a PhD in pharmacology in 1963 and an MD in 1967. He was a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and a fellow of the American College of Anesthesiologists.

As a dedicated professional, Carl was most grateful for his late wife, Marilyn, who supported and loved him while raising their five children (four of them were born while he was in school). Family was his greatest joy. Dad, aka Papa, would drop everything if one of his family members was in need or had a special occasion. He and Marilyn were never happier or prouder than when they attended their family's weddings, graduations, dance recitals, baptisms, and other momentous occasions.

Carl was a devoted Catholic and member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. He attended mass every Sunday. In 1997, after his grandson was born prematurely with a brain bleed, he began attending daily mass to thank God for his grandson's recovery. Even when he was weak and weary, he wanted to go to mass whenever he could. His wonderful caregivers and visiting family would help him get to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta. He was a man of great faith who completely trusted in the Lord.

Carl Hug lived a remarkable life in every way. While he was an accomplished man in so many areas, he always remained humble and empathetic towards people. He lived frugally but was extremely generous to charities, his church, and his family. He volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and conducted ethics consultations up until his health declined in November 2021. He always had a story or joke to tell, loved great pranks, and appreciated self-deprecating humor. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Carl Hug's well-lived life will begin with a family visitation at 10am and Mass at 11am on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 801 Tom Smith Road SW, Lilburn, Georgia 30047, (770) 923-6633. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services (https://support.crs.org or P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303).