Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Sinclair Obituary
Michael was born in San Francisco, California on November 11, 1940. He graduated cum laude from St. Mary's College and received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco in 1966. He completed his general surgery residency at UCLA-Harbor General Hospital in 1974 and his cardiothoracic residency at New England Medical Center Hospital, Massachusetts in 1978. Michael was a cardiothoracic surgeon at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA from 1979-2007. While practicing at LVH he also was a visiting cardiac surgeon at Dubrava Hospital University of Zagreb, Croatia from 1995-1997. Michael had great interest in international surgery and worked intermittently abroad from 1969-2017 in areas of Africa, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East. His most recent position held was as a general and thoracic surgeon and instructor in surgery at Central Hospital University Butare, Rwanda from 2015-2017. In his spare time, Michael was an avid runner, cyclist, and ice/rock climber. He also loved the big mountains and made many assents around the world including Mt. Everest in 1993.
Michael is survived by his wife of 25 years, Phyllis Sinclair, of Sugar Bush, NY. He has three children from a previous marriage to Theresa Sinclair; Hoonani Cuadrado, Luke Sinclair, and Mark Sinclair. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Jonalyn Zuzelski, grandchildren Austin Cope, Kela Cope, Maria Sofia Sinclair, stepgranddaughter Charlize Caudrado, and great-granddaughter Kai Meilani Jones. Michael has two surviving siblings Barbara Quinn of San Francisco, CA and Dan Sinclair of Ione, CA.
No services will be held. Donations in Michael's name can be made to MSF/Doctors Without Borders at https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/get-involved/ways-to-give
Michael will always be remembered as a dedicated surgeon, selfless humanitarian, and loving father, grandfather, and husband.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Sinclair
Anonymous
February 17, 2024
Dr Sinclair operated on my fathers lung cancer. He removed his left lung and removed all the cancer he could see. He worked tirelessly to give my dad the best chance. Another Dr present in the surgery said he would´ve given up. The odds were against my dad but with Dr Sinclair´s skill and willingness not to rush through the operation, my dad lived 20 more years and his cancer never came back... I have thought about Dr Sinclair many times through the years and am grateful for the years that we had my Dad, thanks to Dr Sinclair
James J Goodreau
January 10, 2024
Phyllis and Family
I only recently was made aware of Mike's passing.
I have many great memories of this great human being and extraordinary surgeon.
The world is a lesser place without Mike.
I had to opportunity to work with Mike in the OR doing some really complex Aortic Cases, all of whom did well. He was a Surgeon's Surgeon.
It was a blessing to have had the opportunity to get to know Mike.
God Bless
Jim Goodreau
Tom Volk
November 21, 2023
Mike was such a great amazing spirit. He was always up for adventure and with Mike that could lead anywhere. He touched my life and I'm so fortunate to have met him.
Molly Sebastian
November 15, 2023
Mike was an outstanding surgeon and person. It was an honor to work with him and know him. Phyllis, our condolences to you and the family. Paul and Molly Sebastian
Connie McEwen
November 14, 2023
An amazing man! I will always remember Dr. Sinclair for his patience and kindness when I worked in open heart. Rest in peace.
Andreas R
November 2, 2023
Thank you, Mike, for sharing your wisdom and experience, and for the hours of interesting conversation on and off duty in Butare, Rwanda 2016/2017.
Greg Binder
November 2, 2023
Condolences to Phyllis and all of Mike's family. Mike inspired people with his passion for adventure and touched many lives with his humanitarian work. It was a privilege to have met him.
Terry Burger
November 1, 2023
I was so sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Mike Sinclair. I had the privilege of working with him in the LVHN OR as part of the Cardiothoracic Team and the Trauma team. He was always professional, kind, and respectful to the members of the OR team. He took on some of the most difficult patients. He was an outstanding surgeon and humanitarian. Special thanks for all the pts he saved over the years. I really enjoyed reading about all his adventures and amazing achievements. My sympathies to Phyllis and his children and grandchildren. May he RIP.
Michele Saladyga
October 31, 2023
Dear Phyllis, I was so sad to hear about Mike. He was a talented surgeon and an inspiring man. He certainly lived life to his fullest. Always a friendly smile and encouraging word at work! Condolances to you and your family! Michele Saladyga
Kathleen Kiffer
October 31, 2023
Phyllis,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. After working w/ Mike for so many years at the hospital. I know he was an amazing surgeon and a great person to talk with. He will be missed by many I am sure, but especially by you. Take care. RIP Mike.
Kathy Kiffer
Dianne Hvizdos
October 30, 2023
Dr. Sinclair,
It was an honor for me to have worked with you.
Thank you for the times you had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.
You were inspirational with how you lived your life to the fullest. I cannot fathom the number of lives you touched all over the world.
There are so many accolades we could all say about Dr. Sinclair but we know he would laugh them all off and tell us not to be so dramatic.
Phyllis, and family, I hope you will be 'ok'. I am sending my sincere heartfelt condolences.
Love,
Dianne "Viz" Hvizdos
Dennis fetters
October 29, 2023
We are saddened to learn of Mike´s passing our thoughts go out to you Phillis and all of Mike´s family. The few times we shared life experiences with you and Mike they were always memorable. We will miss his wit and humor. God bless. Dennis and Linda Fetters
Jerry Pytlewski
October 29, 2023
As a cardiologist at LVH, shared many patients and moments with Mike. Outstanding surgeon, unpretentious, accomplished outside of medicine. A truly unique individual who comes along rarely. My condolences and prayers to the man and a life well led.
Donna K Steckel
October 29, 2023
A special THANK YOU to Dr Sinclair for his expertise in heart surgery. He did my dad´s heart surgery in 1989 and we are blessed to still have my dad, who will be celebrating his 92nd birthday on November 1. May Dr Sinclair rest in peace and a huge thank you for all he did to save others. May his memory be a blessing to your family and to all who were blessed to know him
David Caccese
October 29, 2023
Phyllis, I was very sorry to learn of Mike's recent death. He was a valued professional colleague at LVH, and a friend. He always had a good story to tell about his many adventures. I will remember him for his adventurous personality and his dedication to the underserved populations throughout the world thru Doctors Without Borders and his other contributions to the poor and needy of the world. I always thought that if I ever needed heart surgery, I'd ask Mike Sinclair to be my surgeon. All of the colleagues who knew Mike at LVH will miss him as will his many patients. R.I.P. Mike Sinclair.
David Caccese, M.D.
Don and Karen Jones
October 29, 2023
We are so sad to hear of Mike´s passing. Forty two years of adventure with him in biking, backpacking, xc skiing, kayaking and family camping provides endless memories for us of Mike´s drive, humor and love. I am sure that I will see him along the trails in the Daks. His stamina and strength were legendary and only recently mentioned that he had too many miles on the engine. Rest well Mike!
Doug Johnson
October 29, 2023
Mike will be looking down on us saying "I know it´s just a little bit further ". Those of us that were able to work with him know his confident and steady style but also appreciate his ability to adapt and see the big picture. A special guy for sure. Missed but never forgotten.
Kela Cope
October 28, 2023
Kela Cope
October 28, 2023
Kela Cope
October 28, 2023
Kela Cope
October 28, 2023
Kela Cope
October 28, 2023
The most amazing grandfather
Patty Tachayapong
October 28, 2023
Enjoyed working with Dr Sinclair at LVH since 1981. I respected him greatly and held him in high regard. My sympathies to his family
Patty Tachayapong RN TOHU
Joann Gosztonyi
October 28, 2023
Phyllis, I´m so sad to find out about Mike. I always enjoyed working with him. A good surgeon and a kind person.
Jan Irene Neidigh Martinez
October 28, 2023
My brothers, Kurt and Bill Neidigh, and I grew up in Ione, California with Mike and his sister Bobbie, and brother, Dan. We are first cousins, our mother Claire, and their father, Stan, were siblings.
Mike was a kind and caring person who was dedicated to doing his best in everything he did. He has left his mark on the world and in our hearts.
Godspeed, Mike.
Cindy Meeker
October 28, 2023
Dear Phyllis,
I was so sad to hear of Mikes passing. I have many fond memories of our times in the OHU and was honored to have worked with such an excellent surgeon. My thoughts and prayers are with you . Cindy
John R Benfield MD
October 28, 2023
I had confidence in Mike. He marched to his own tune. Doing good for others, and improving our world. He was a magnificent man.
Nora Lawton
October 28, 2023
Phyllis,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Mike will be sorely missed.
Nora
Phyllis Sinclair
October 28, 2023
Phyllis Sinclair
October 28, 2023
Karen Yellin
October 28, 2023
Dear Family and Friends,
I have good memories of Mike, being a nurse at Cedar Crest and also joining a couple bike trips in our previous lives. Always enjoyed his stories.
He will be missed.
My condolences.
Karen
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Sinclair's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Michael Sinclair
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Sinclair's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
