Peter B. Mansfield
1936 - 2020
Peter B. Mansfield
1936 - 2020
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Peter Mansfield Obituary
Dr. Peter Bicknell Mansfield, 83, died at home surrounded by family on June 23, 2020, on his 57th wedding anniversary after a 13 year battle with leukemia.
Dr. Mansfield was born in Seattle on October 26, 1936, to Norma Bicknell Mansfield and Robert Stuart Mansfield. He loved to fix things and knew at age 6 that he wanted to be a surgeon. He attended Broadview Elementary, Jane Addams MS, Lincoln High School and Stanford University. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1962. He completed his surgical internship and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, specializing in Cardiac and Pediatric surgery.
While at Harvard he met Jackie Jones at Wellesley College and they were married in 1963. He served 3 years at NIH in the National Heart Institute studying the effects of electrical stimulation on the heart and on individual cells. He also did research that doubled the life span of pacemakers. In 1967 he traveled to Texas and took part in the early testing of Scientists as Astronauts but resigned from the program in 1967 to pursue the more traditional role of cardiac and pediatric surgeon, pursuing a career that was deeply rewarding. He returned to Boston to complete his training as Chief Resident in Cardiac and Pediatric surgery. In January 1971 he and his family moved to Seattle where Peter worked at Seattle Children's and ultimately became Chief of Surgery. In the 1980s he became Director of the Heart Center at Providence Hospital in Seattle and developed the Providence Scholar program for premedical students.
Dr. Mansfield was an avid fly fisherman and fished all over the world. He was a member of the University Club, The Seattle Tennis Club, Broadmoor Golf Club and Thunderbird Golf Club. He was a Past President of the Seattle Surgical Society and traveled the world teaching his surgical techniques to other surgeons. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, the Samson Thoracic Surgical Society, the International Cardiovascular Society and the American Pediatric Surgical Association. His favorite pastime was spending vacations at his family ranch in Oregon.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie, and their three children, Brock (Mary Pat), Todd (Laura), Sally Martin (Dean) and 6 grandchildren, William, Henry, Connor, Alec, Drew and Katherine and a brother, Richard G. Mansfield (Ellie) of Cupertino, California.
A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. Peter felt strongly about fostering a lifetime love of learning with a particular emphasis on science, engineering and medicine. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest gifts to the Seattle Foundation (Seattlefoundation.org) to the Dr. Peter B. Mansfield Memorial Fund where it will be used to fund programs that instill a love of learning in future generations. Gifts can be mailed to the Seattle Foundation at LB#1-69, Seattle Foundation, P.O. BOX 35146, Seattle, WA 98124-5146 or online at www.seattlefoundation.org/peterbmansfield
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dennis downer
June 22, 2021
One of the nicest men at Thunderbird CC
He will be missed
Love to Jackie
Dennis Downer
Patti Galvin
October 21, 2020
I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Mansfield in the OR at Seattle Childrens hospital during the 80’s and 90’s. He was a commanding presence and an excellent surgeon. He was dedicated to his work and to his family (who we often had to call when surgery took longer than expected). To Jackie and family, my sincere condolences for your loss.
Geneva Benton
September 25, 2020
He did my daughter’s heart surgery 35 years ago. Saw the Cardiologist yesterday, the stitching is wearing out, wish he was still here. I remember he had huge hands to be working on little babies. Sorry for your loss.
Jack and Susie Kennedy
August 31, 2020
We were sad to hear of Dr. Mansfield's passing. He was an incredibly skilled, kind and compassionate surgeon. Dr. Mansfield operated on our son 43 years ago today. We marveled then and now how this man with huge hands could so skillfully perform microsurgery on a tiny baby. We are forever grateful that Dr. Mansfield was there for our son and for us all those years ago at Seattle Children's. His family is in our prayers. Rest in Peace Dr. Mansfield.
Jack and Susie Kennedy
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John Wesley
July 20, 2020
I knew Peter very well and worked with him as a general surgical resident at MGH, and as a pediatric surgeon at Boston Children's Hospital. He was four years ahead of me in the program, and we often operated together.
He was a valued colleague, and I will miss him greatly...
Dick and Peggy Burton
July 18, 2020
Jackie, Dick and I just learned of Pete's passing. It brought back many fond memories of long ago---1966-70---Needham Heights, MA---Residency programs and long hours for Pete, Fred, Sparling, and Dick---And a play group for our first-borns. Jackie, we send our deepest sympathy and caring to you and your family.
Peggy and dick Burton, Rochester, NY
Jan Stevens
July 6, 2020
He was a man for all seasons
Carole Cory
July 6, 2020
It was a privilege to know Pete. He was a sheer delight, and a brilliant professional.
Jan Simpson
July 5, 2020
Dr Mansfield touched my life 40 years ago when he cared for my infant son at Seattle Children's when he was flown here the night he was born from Alaska. Dr Mansfield shared not only his great skills and knowledge, but exceptional kindness and compassion during the months that my son was there. I also had the great pleasure of volunteering at one of the many screening clinics he led in Juneau, Alaska during those years. Very sad for your family's loss. A grateful mom.
Van McKenny
July 3, 2020
Dear Jackie, I am so sorry to read of Peter's death. Please accept my sincere condolences to your and your family. He was very much a part of my early life with memories.
Nick DeKock
July 1, 2020
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Mansfield family at this time. I will always have fond memories of Dr. Mansfield's kindness and warm smile. He was a great supporter of the golf program at Thunderbird Country Club and will be truly missed by all.
DENNIS DOWNER
July 1, 2020
A privilege to know Peter! A GREAT AND CARING MAN
Linda Cheever
June 30, 2020
Dr. Mansfield performed a successful surgery on our first born son in 1981 and we will always be grateful for his warmth and great care. I also enjoyed working for Dr. Mansfield for one year at the RCR Center in the mid 70s. My husband and I have admired him very much for his great contributions over a life time. Our best wishes to his family at this time.
Michael Siddon
June 30, 2020
Dearest Jackie and The Mansfield Family,
Roxann and I send our deepest heartfelt condolence on the loss of a true American hero. My life has been blessed and enriched by knowing such a beautiful soul. It was such an honor to have Dr. Mansfield at our retirement festivities at the end of January and I will be ever so grateful that I had the opportunity to tell him that I loved him. Our love and prayers to you Jackie and The Mansfield Family. Mike and Roxann Siddon
Dr L.S. And Kathleen Stavney
June 30, 2020
Respected friend and colleague . He was an excellent doctor, always pleasant , always a gentleman .Our condolences to his family.
Ruth Benfield
June 29, 2020
My best wishes to the Mansfield family. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Mansfield at Seattle Children's Hospital and admired his integrity and absolute commitment to quality of care he delivered.
Gina Cohen
June 29, 2020
Dr Mansfield saved my sons life in December of 1984. I met him minutes before an emergency cardiac surgery on my 10 day old son, Nick. I remember the care he took talking to me before and after surgery. Looking back, that was one of the worst days of my life since Nicks heart was in distress. There is no doubt that Dr Mansfield expertise on that day saved my sons life. After the surgery, he told me that Nick was the smallest baby he had ever performed the repair on. Dr Mansfield then operated a second time repairing a ventricular defect months later. Im not sure what would have happened if Dr Mansfield and Dr Jones were not at Childrens Hospital to operate that day it was 2 days before Christmas. I would like to thank the family of Dr Mansfield for all the sacrifices they made when he was operating or checking on sick children at the hospital, he really made a difference my world. Nick is truly a blessing to me and to everyone he meets. God bless the entire family of Dr Mansfield.
Joseph B. O'Connor
June 29, 2020
I was a resident on Lester Sauvage's service in 1976 where Peter was a partner. He was an impressive presence and clearly the archetypal product of the elite American medical educational system of that time. I feel that his high standards were something that I used as a yardstick for my professional life,
Madeleine Fraley
June 28, 2020
Dearest Jackie and family,
It is with such heartfelt sympathy that I send my most comforting thoughts. Dr. Mansfield, as I called him, was always such an important part of my career. It is so sad to have to say "Good Bye" to our loved ones. I send my warmest hugs to all of you as you reflect on your loving memories of such a wonderful man - husband, father, grandfather, brother, and far beyond. May your tears bring you comfort. May your memories, joys and laughs bring you peace.
Madeleine Fraley
Larry Keyser
June 28, 2020
I was a Physician Assistant at Cardiovascular and Pediatric Surgery from 1988 to 1993. Drs Mansfield and Sauvage were giants in their field and were the reason I wanted to work at Providence. Unfortunately, I only worked too briefly with Dr Mansfield before he retired. His skills in the operating room and at bedside were monumental.
Karen Kilian
June 28, 2020
I worked with Dr. Mansfield in the PICU at Seattle Children's as a bedside RN. He was very meticulous about his patients and had very high expectations from all the nursing staff. He took on many challenging cases and was always there if you needed him. His commanding presence made us all a wee bit timid to speak up and ask questions, but he always took the time to answer them, and teach. Always teach. He truly made a difference in the world; which is all we can ask for. God Speed Dr. Mansfield....I'm so sorry for your loss Jackie and for your family's loss.
Bob Campbell
June 28, 2020
I played basketball with Pete at Lincoln High School in 1951-52. I knew his father better at UW School of Journalism. He came from a great family that I was happy to know.
Kim Coma
June 28, 2020
I owe my life to Dr. Mansfield. When I was 2.5 years old he performed life-saving surgery on me - he remove a ruptured ovarian dermoid cyst that was making me a very sick kiddo. I don't remember much about that time but my mom, still to this day, tells the story of what a kind and caring doctor he was - always checking in on his patients, even making a 2am stop before heading home to his own family. My thoughts are with the Mansfield family and I hope that your wonderful memories lift you up during this difficult time.
Paul Aleinikoff
June 28, 2020
Peter Mansfield was a real gentleman. I played golf with him, socialized and had dinner with both he and Jackie. Peter could only see good in everyone he knew. I am so sorry he is not with us in person anymore however his memory will always be with us.
God Bless you Peter
George Carlin
June 28, 2020
My heart felt condolences to the Mansfield family.
Bill and Linda Tindall
June 28, 2020
A very special person who will be missed by a beautiful family and many friends It was a real pleasure to know him Best wishes and love
John Rabel
June 28, 2020
A brilliant man who throughout his life made constant contributions to his community and profession.
Leslie Siggs
June 28, 2020
So sad to hear of Peter's passing, Jackie. The world has lost a special soul. Hugs to you.
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