Donald MacLean Switz M.D.

1937 - 2026

Donald MacLean Switz, MD

March 2, 1937 - January 19, 2026

Donald MacLean Switz, M.D., born March 2, 1937, died peacefully on January 19th in the presence of Lee, his beloved wife of 60 years. He is remembered with love and gratitude by Lee; his children, Neil, Geoffery, and Katherine; and his dear grandchildren, Megan and Ned.

Always curious himself, never without a weighty biography or history book near at hand, and impossible to drag past a museum or historical road marker without stopping, he steadily supported both his wife and children in their own interests and educational pursuits. A citizen of the world (bilingual, having lived abroad) he brought that larger and exciting world into the home, whether in discussions in the car or over dinner, and continually supported his children in exploring the world for themselves. In retirement, he and Lee traveled extensively, including to Africa, China, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

A lifelong sailor, he participated in multiple Mackinac races, as well as on a winning crew in the 1964 Southern Circuit. His later sailing included Sorrento, Maine, the Chesapeake Bay, and the British Virgin Islands.

Throughout his life Don was grateful for his education, which included an undergraduate degree from Carleton College (Minn.), medical training and residency at the University of Chicago, and subsequent specialty training at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard.

From 1966 to 1968 he proudly served in the U.S. Navy, as a Lieutenant Commander at Camp LeJeune, N.C., treating injured Marines returning from Vietnam. He subsequently spent 35 years at the Medical College of Virginia (now VCUHealth), where he was a faculty member in Gastroenterology and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2005. At MCV he helped pioneer use of surgical endoscopy in Virginia, training over one hundred fifty Fellows and many hundreds of student doctors. In addition, he was a central part of a major clinical study of Crohn's Disease which had significant impact on the field and patient care, and while Associate Dean for Ambulatory Affairs he initiated the VCU Medical Center at Stony Point, bringing local access to VCU physicians and care to communities South of the James River.

Service was a central part of his life, and included volunteer medical work in Haiti, many years of service (including as Chair) on the VA State Medicaid Board and Sheltering Arms Hospital board, and at the Richmond Academy of Medicine (including as President). An active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, he served there in many roles from 1970 onwards. In retirement he served on the boards at Westminster Canterbury, his Rotary club, and the St. Paul's vestry, and volunteered helping elderly and indigent patients navigate the healthcare system. He viewed political involvement as a civic duty, and was active in the election of Gov. Baliles in 1984. Even in his 80's he was driving voters to the polls in support of Gov. Spanberger's first campaign.

He was a loving husband to Lee and father to his children, and by example helped all of us to be better people. He is dearly missed.

A memorial service, with reception to follow, will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 815 East Grace St., Richmond, VA on Saturday, March 7th at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheltering Arms Hospital, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, or the Westminster Canterbury Richmond Foundation.

The family is extremely grateful for the exceptional care he received from the dedicated nurses, CNAs and workers at Westminster Canterbury during his years in memory and health care.