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George Franklin Kish
1944 - 2011
George Franklin Kish
1944 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1944
DIED
2011
George Kish Obituary
Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.
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Mark Walters
January 15, 2025
Sitting in a vulnerable space of gratitude this morning Dr. Kish´s name flashed across my heart. I am here today because of his skill in his practice. I, as an 8 year old, he had resolved my heart issues and he remains one of my heroes. I always felt parallel to Marvel´s Iron Man because of this experience and I have looked for him in the past to no avail. At 50 years of age I give honor and sorrow that I never got a chance to give thanks on behalf of my parents and I. It never too late. Thank you, brother Kish! Rest Well.
October 17, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Winston Chu, Paulette, Eric and Marc
Linda Jeffery
October 17, 2011
To the Kish Family... for many years I got to know the wonders of George Kish. How do you describe a person who had it all. When he first came into the Library I thought he was one of the smartest, funniest, and most compassionate people that I had ever met. He was foremost a friend who helped me through so much over the years; he held my hand through the loss of my little sister to myocarditis and spent hours and hours trying to answer my whys. He was so wonderful to our Aunt Ida... the night before he operated on her he called her at 9pm and told her that God and he were guaranteeing that she was in good hands and he would be the first person she would see in recovery. He asked her what could he do to make it easier on her... she said well George, could you please make sure I have a cup of coffee and my teeth put back in first thing. When she woke up in recovery there he was holding a coffee in one hand and her teeth in the other. A few years later she became very ill and did not have the will or belief she would ever get better... Dr. Kish walked into her room and said Aunt Ida... it is not your time and Linda needs you. She was up and out of bed within hours and came back home with me to live to the ripe old age of 94. I will never forget this man who gave everyone his all... he will always be a part of my heart. If anyone would ever ask me who is the greatest person you ever met... it would be George Kish. GOD Bless You!
Linda
Stephen Pett
October 15, 2011
JoAnn, Jeremy, Nathan
We were so dismayed to here of George's sudden death. He was such a unique, gentle, kind and loving man. No one enjoyed life like George! He was a superb and gifted surgeon who took the finest care of his patients. No one was more meticulous or demanding in their care. Yet he was kind and gentle, generous and and helpful to all of those who worked around him. He was ever the educator and documentor. Yet he had the sense of humor of an 8 year old- Oh, how I envied that! Who else could get so much joy from a whoopee cushion? That was one of his true gifts- that he got so much joy out of even the most trivial or even the silliest things. George was a man who loved life and spread happiness and joy every where he went. We will really miss him.
Stephen and Lisa Pett
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John & Diane Siegmann
October 8, 2011
We were so lucky to have George in our family. We shared so many happy and fun times over the years. How wonderful it was to have your sister marry someone we really liked and loved! We traveled together, shared holidays and got through tough times by always having each other. We will miss George as we continue our lives. He was the one to research the fun places and great restaurants to see when we did our vacations. He loved being with us and including us in much of what he did. He made times special. He was a "brother" to us. Diane and John
Chin and Ann Lee
October 5, 2011
We were shocked to hear from Joann that George had passed away. George was the reason why we came to Erie. During our first visit, George and Joann opened their home to us and we spent time together in a hot tub sharing stories, drinking wine, and listening to Shania Twain. We never made it back to our hotel. Although my time with Flagship CVTS was short, we have fond memories of Erie, especially George and Joann. George was an excellent mentor and partner. I will always remember his jovial nature, our operative cases together and conversations. We kept in touch over the years after leaving Erie. I had just spoken to him prior to his passing.
George- we will miss your smile!
Fondly, Chin and Ann Lee
SANDI MOFFATT
October 4, 2011
DR.Kish was so kind to me in the years we worked together.He always made me laugh and smile.Among all the wonderful things he accomplished in his life and all the lives he touched,it was his smile that showed his inner beauty!!!I was very blessed to have met and worked with such a wonderful man,who taught me so much.GOD BLESS
Cindy Borrero
October 3, 2011
I'm so sorry for your lost. I was lucky to work with Dr. Kish at Hamot. His physician order where always done. I never had to ask for them. I enjoyed my visit last year with him and Joan. He will be missed.
Randy Kish
October 2, 2011
All my life I’ve lived with people saying, “Gosh, you look just like George.” It wasn’t a bad thing, for George was a great person to be compared with, and a great person to follow.
When I was young I followed George around like a puppy dog. He was my big brother, and I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to do the same things in high school, and I absolutely knew that I was going to be a Buckeye too. He was a good big brother. I remember being upset one time when he came home from Ohio State and had planned to go out that night with friends. He cancelled his plans and stayed home with me, playing with my train set. He was that kind of guy: sacrificing himself for others.
As I grew older it wasn’t so much following as learning from George. And he was happy to teach. George was passionate about – everything. He taught me to love good food and good wine. He took me into the OR to watch an operation, and he took me to the theatre to see Baryshnikov perform. He showed me it was possible to work hard, and to play hard.
And it wasn’t just me. George had the energy to share his passion and love of life with so many others: family, patients and friends. We had our annual thanksgiving weekends with family: food, posing for pictures, the hockey game, and of course, George’s Black Friday shopping extravaganza with Mom: they shopped till they dropped. When my own family had a crisis, George – and Joann – were like angels. They supported and guided us, because they had been there too. They were also there to celebrate with us when our daughter Madeline recently graduated from high school. Andrea, wife of George and Joann’s son Jeremy, told me a story that I believe typifies George’s bedside manner. He had operated on her great aunt Ida. Before the operation he asked her what she wanted post-op. She replied that she would love a cup of tea. Sure enough, when she was in the recovery room there was George, holding the tea. Many friends have also graciously given eloquent tributes.
On Saturday, September 24th, George’s energy ran out. He died while volunteering with friends to help maintain a trail at Sloan Canyon Wilderness. George not only maintained the trail, but he blazed it. I thank God that I have been privileged to be with him on that trail all my life.
October 2, 2011
To the Kish Family: I was saddened to hear of Dr. Kish's passing. I worked with him for many years as a nurse in Hamot's OR. I will always remember his kindness to others,his willingness to teach and above all the ability to make those around him laugh. He was an excellent surgeon and a kind,caring Physician. You have my deepest sympathy. Patty Lagner,RN
Jeessica Marie Smith
October 1, 2011
Dear Mrs.Kish and Family,
I Wanted to let you know how very sad I was to hear of your husbsnd's passing. I was one of his former patients at Hamot and I just cannot appreciate enough haw generous and compassionate a dr. he was for the enitre Erie region. He worked on my case in Oct. of 1984 with DRS. Sardisi and Tan where I nearly bled to death but with in a short period of time my Three Earthly angels were able to discover I had been born with no rt.pulmonary artery. I remember after the surgery he was elected to take out my several staples. He was a trooper being so generous--letting me be able to have all the choclate milk and ice cream I wanted just to stay still. It was because of him and the rest of the drs. in the group I decided that I wanted to work with kids.It made me want to work as a Lay Minister of the United Methodist Church in Erie.
Don't worry Dr. Kish has made it to Heaven and continues to be your personal "Guardian Angels".
I hope to be able to be at the celebratin of his life here in Erie. I feel very blessed to have him give me life anew Oct.27, 1984.
May God hold each of you in the "Palm of his Hand".
Patty Sperrazzo
September 30, 2011
As with all of us it was with great sadness to hear of the loss of Dr. Kish. The memories coming rushing back like yesterday. His infectious laugh, his antics, and his ability to care. The snowballs he would gather from the stairwell that would suddenly fly down the hallway late at night and weekend rounds in jeans, cowboy boots, and a patient robe. I was so happy to see both him and Joanne last year in Vegas when a group of us came out. My thoughts and prayers to the Kish family. He is sadly missed by all.
Teri Stano
September 29, 2011
Dr George Kish was a wonderful man who will be missed very much. I had the pleasure of working with him at Hamot & also visiting with him & Joann twice in Vegas. They made my friends & I feel welcome & George loved showing us the strip & what Vegas had to offer. He was a dear friend & I thank God I was able to spend time with him just last year. Our trips to Vegas will never be the same again. My sympathy goes out to you Joann & your family. George was a wonderful man!
September 29, 2011
I was shocked to hear about the untimely and sudden passing of Dr.George Kish.We started out as competitors in the same field of surgery based in two competing hospitals in erie and eventually became partners in a common practice working at Hamot hospital for a 2 year period just before my retirement. I came to know Dr.Kish from a distance and occasionally socially, until I knew and admired him as a close professional ally. Dr.Kish impressed me with his professionalism,devotion to his work ethic and above all his sincere regard for his patients,colleagues and friends. He always had a smile and some kind words for everybody he came across.He was always upbeat and his laughter was infectious.He was never rushed and always came to make his hospital rounds very early in the morning and generally was the last one to leave.We all miss him dearly and hope and pray that he has earned his just place in heaven.
our sympathies and prayers go to joann and the kish family at this time of their loss.
jacob and carol george,fort myers,fl.
Angie Faulhaber
September 29, 2011
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Kish, he made the whole OR smile when he walked through the door, truly a great man. he will be sadly missed.
John Honey
September 29, 2011
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Kish's passing. It was a pleasure and honor to work with such a talented and caring person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kish family. Dr. Kish will be forever missed by the staff of Flagship that had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
September 28, 2011
I want to express sympathy to Dr. Kish's family. I've read what others have said in honor of Dr. Kish and I want his family to know it is all true! Dr. Kish had a heart of GOLD! Even though when I started here in ICU the group was DSTK, the "K" was definitely not last. Dr. Kish was the problem solver the super hero behind many patient's lifesaving interventions, especially the "bleeding hearts". His cocktail of meds always worked to stop the bleeding on non surgical bleeds. We all enjoyed his rounding on the weekends especially the doughnuts! Doctor Kish shared his intelligence easily and his loving heart made us all strive to be better.
I was happy after he retired that he did so much and had some fun after so many hectic years.
I wish you his family much Peace in the days ahead. Cherish and hold on to all those memories.
With much sympathy,
PL ICU
Sandra Siegel
September 28, 2011
May I say, George Kish, that I will miss you, though our paths diverged once you left Hamot and all of us on 6 South. Many of us have moved on, but some still remain on 6. Your zest for life, your voraciousness for learning, an your respect for others, as well as the way you infused that desire into those around you make a mockery of the tears I have shed since I learned today of your death. You entrusted me with many valuable lessons and gifts and I carry my memories of you with pride; I hope I have and will continue to pass on the many gifts you gave to me to others. May you find the path you now follow as fascinating as you did this one.
Bobbie Brown
September 28, 2011
George will always hold a special place in my heart. He was so full of life and love. He always had a smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed by every one who knew him. I will miss my good friend. My prayers are with Joanne and rest of the family.
September 28, 2011
Dr. Kish was a wonderful man. Always so kind and full of laughter. He will be missed greatly by many of us at Hamot.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. Debbie Hensley
Lance Calvert
September 28, 2011
George made quite an impression in the short time I knew him. His smile, quick wit and disciplined exercise regimen were an inspiration. I will think of him every time I work out. My condolences to Joann and the family.
Lisa & Jeff Larson
September 28, 2011
We were so very sad to hear about the untimely passing of Dr. Kish. We will miss him very much. He was great to work with and always had a willingness to teach. I loved his smile and his infectious laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Mary W
September 28, 2011
I will never forget Dr. Kish, he did my moms heart surgery and he was so kind and spent extra time with me explaining everything afterwards, he gave her many many more years, god bless him, Im saddened he passed so young, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family
Chris Strzalka
September 27, 2011
The unexpected passing of my friend and mentor Dr. George Kish has forced me to reflect on several life lessons that he taught me. First, treat everyone with respect and dignity. Whether you were a member of the cleaning staff, a physician colleague, the hospital CEO, or a patient, George knew your name, and always acted with a soft spoken, unpretentious demeanor, he was the quintessential Hamot Ambassador. Secondly, pay attention to the details. George was a master of documentation, recording every interaction and communication on his hand held voice recorder that he carried everywhere in the hospital. Lastly, live and love life. George's ideal job was being the greeter at Walmart so he could wear a smiley face button, but it was his friendly smile and sense of humor that always made patients and staff feel at ease, and it will remain the key to his endearing charm. To the Kish family, I express my deepest sympathy and warmest personal regards, George was a great surgeon, and true "healer" and though he will be sincerely missed, he will always be remembered by the staff and colleagues that had the privilege of working with him and the people whose lives he touched.
September 27, 2011
Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to u. So sorry for your loss. George was such a wonderful man. So glad we got to know him. Wish we could be there with u all during this hard time. May all the memories and love help comfort the pain. God bless each and everyone of u. Love u: Jessica and Joe Sank
Judy Poremba
September 27, 2011
The Kishes and I have been friends for 30+ years. The things I will remember most about George were his wonderful sense of humor, his generosity, his willingness to teach and how much he cared for his patients, his family and his friends. He always had a kind word and a minute to spare for everyone he came in contact with. I will miss him much and never forget him.
Judy
Joe and Jean Hodges
September 27, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to Joann and family. George was a gifted surgeon who cared deeply for his patients. He had a wonderful gift of humor and being able to connect with people -- patients, associates and friends. He will be missed. I am grateful to have known and been able to learn from him.
Diana&James Crosby
September 27, 2011
To The Kish Family,So Sorry to hear of your loss.
September 27, 2011
I am deeply saddend by sudden and untimely news of George's passing away.What a tremendous loss for his family,he adored. and for us,his colleagues at Hamot!For long,Iwill cherish pleasant memories of this dear sweet man, a wonderful man to work with.My thoughts and prayers are with his family at these moments of grief...Sukh Dev Sharma
Dave Farris
September 27, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
PJ Carolus
September 27, 2011
May God grant the Kish family His peace and the ability to understand His will. PJ Carolus RN
September 27, 2011
I am saddened by the news of Georges passing. I worked with George for many years at Hamot and always enjoyed our professional relation ship. My thoughts are with his family.
Albert J. DiLuzio
C W
September 27, 2011
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Kish's passing. Had the pleasure of working with him about 20 yrs. ago. He taught me a lot as a new nurse. May he rest in peace.
Maureen Formanski
September 27, 2011
Wonderful memories of this dear, sweet man. My condolences to his family and friends. What a loss!
Dennis Michalak MD
September 27, 2011
May I express my deep regrets concerning the untimely passing of George, my gifted early mentor in Erie, my respected colleague, and the devoted father and husband that we all knew he was. As a humorous and eloquent, sensitive person, he oftentimes kept the DSTKM team at Hamot focused and functioning, and contributed extensively to the stature that Hamot Medical Center enjoys today. He established the still active Vascular lab at what is now Flagship CVTS, and had the insight to move peripheral vascular therapy to the forefront in Erie. When I asked an old professor of mine,why he didn't take photos of exciting events in the OR, he replied,"The only photo worthwhile retaining is the picture left in your mind". The photos in my mind are full of George's smilesand the sound of his easily recognizable horse laugh, and our "in the trench" brotherhood that he shared with all of his colleagues, myself, Willy Tan,and Peter Sardesai. Even in troubling times, George stood fast for his family, for me and his colleagues. No doubt he will be missed, and never forgotten. The unyielding Ohio State fan!
Thomas Falasca
September 27, 2011
Dear Joann,
Please accept deepest condolences on George's passing. His dynamic spirit and surgical expertise were a gift and inspiration to all of us.
Thomas Falasca, DO
Secretary Erie County Medical Society
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