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John Lane Obituary
November 4, 1945 - April 23, 2020
Durham, NC
John Weston Lane died peacefully on April 23, 2020 surrounded by his family. Throughout his long journey with Parkinson's Disease, he maintained a positive attitude and strong sense of humor.
John was born in South Bend, Indiana on November 4th, 1945, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Avondale High School in Atlanta in 1964 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Georgia in 1968.
In the fall of 1968, he ventured north to Duke Medical School from which he graduated in 1972. It was at Duke Hospital that John met Ginger, his wife of 47 years. They were married in November 1972 and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where John did his Internal Medicine internship at Vanderbilt.
Following his internship, John entered the US Air Force as a Flight Surgeon. From 1973-76 Ginger and John lived in Texas, Taiwan, and Tucson, AZ. Additionally, John accompanied the U-2 Reconnaissance pilots for 2 two month tours in the Mediterranean serving as their Flight Surgeon.
Upon completion of his tour in the Air Force, John began a four year OB/GYN residency at Duke. In June of 1980 John joined Chapel Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology in private practice. He practiced there for 26 years, delivered several thousand babies, and was beloved by his patients, colleagues, and staff.
Until recent years, he was active physically and intellectually, always wanting to learn more and do more. He was a private pilot, explorer of nature whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or canoeing the Eno River. He loved playing tennis and golf and was an avid reader. He also loved trivia and telling jokes.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Graeff Lane, and their three children, Brian David Lane (Nicole), Julie Lane Herrick (Ben), and Andrew William Lane (Ashley), and seven grandchildren, Tyler and Weston Lane; Maddie, Chase, and Luke Herrick; and Anna and Harrison Lane. He is also survived by his brother Ronald P. Lane and sister Beverly L. Parrish. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Greg. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham. Memorials, if desired, may be made to: Charles House Association, 7511 Sunrise Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3639 Old Chapel Hill Rd., Durham, NC 27707.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Lane
William Shaw Johnson
April 22, 2023
I knew Dr Lane as an Air Force Corpsman at Ching Chaun Kang (CCK), Taiwan. He was a fantastic flight surgeon and all around doctor. I learned so much from him. I visited John and Ginger in their home in Taichung with another corpsman, Greg Partridge. I also visited them in Tucson. Recently, I sent a memorial to the Presbyterian Church in Durham where John and Ginger worshiped. John and I also exchanged books. I very much would like to hear from Ginger Lane. Fantastic people.
Lindsay Perry
August 12, 2022
Dr. Lane was Magnificent! He helped us bring our sweet boy into this world in 2010. He was caring, witty and so open minded to our needs as a young family. May his sweet soul rest in peace. With LoveThe Perry's
Cheri Romig
October 7, 2020
The world has lost a wonderful man! My prayers are with Ginger and their family.
Mona Shangold
May 9, 2020
John was an exceptionally caring and compassionate medical school classmate, and he made our medical school experience better for our entire class. His unrivaled sense of humor and inspiring attitude brought out the best in all of us, and we all considered him a genuine friend. I know we will all miss him greatly.
Larry Minnix
May 5, 2020
John, his late brother Greg, and Ron were a pillar part of the band community at Avondale. They made it fun. John was really funny- dry humor. Great friends, big losses.... Larry Minnix
CAROLYN HARDER
May 3, 2020
Dr. John Lane was not only one of my favorite physicians to work with but one of my favorite people in this world. He was always telling jokes and had so many trivia questions. He was also very professional and cared for his patients. I will always remember his laugh and sweet nature. My thoughts and prays are with Ginger and the entire family.
Donna Worley
May 2, 2020
Dr. Lane was my gynecologist when I was a teenager, then my Obstetrician. He delivered my first child, who is now 23. He was a wonderful Doctor but an even better person. He always made me laugh. He will truly be missed. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Anyone who knew him is truly blessed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Sally (Stephenson)
May 2, 2020
I worked with John in Labor and Delivery at DRH for many years. He was always telling great stories about his years in the Air Force. Sometimes I laughed til I cried. He was truly a wonderful and compsionate man. He so loved his family and friends. He will be missed. Rest in God's peace John. See you on the other side, my friend.
Kathy Glenn
May 1, 2020
I had the honor of working with Dr John at DRH and Chapel Hill OB! He was an exceptional doctor whos patients adored him and colleagues respected and trusted his opinions. His special friendship with Mike Fried was a joy to watch... both as a patient and an employee! They kept the atmosphere in the office up beat and a smile on everyones face! Ginger you are an amazing woman and the love of his life and he let everyone know it! You were steadfast and lovingly cared for him! Im so sorry we all cant be together to honor this amazing man! To his children and Grandchildren you were hi life, his joy and he was so proud of all of you!
Denise
May 1, 2020
I worked with Dr John Lane at CHOBGYN and always enjoyed his humor and the comfortable manor he interacted with his patients. Dr. Lane leaves you with a smile on your face and a joke in your pocket. My love and prayers go out to Ginger and his family.
Mary
May 1, 2020
Dr Lane was a wonderful OB/GYN. Sending my condolences. Praying that our Heavenly Father will comfort the family with his love and support. In Jesus Christ his son I pray. Amen!!!
Duke OB-Gyn Residents
Steve & Kathy Lies
April 30, 2020
Lori Siebel
April 30, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Andrew and the entire Lane family. May you find happiness and peace in the memories you hold in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Peper
April 29, 2020
Andrew and family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wanted to leave a message here to let you know that I am praying for you to receive comfort and peace during this time. Andrew I pray that sweet memories of your dad will come back to your mind and put a smile on your face. IDiane
David Garr
April 29, 2020
As one of John's medical school classmates, I have fond memories and great appreciation for the role John played in my life during those years and after. John had a unique gift of dealing with the challenges posed by medical school by demonstrating the ability to use humor and equanimity to make lemonade when presented with lemons. My classmates and I appreciated his positive attitude, his sincerity, his intellect and his warmth during those years and after.
I was grateful and moved when John attended our 45th medical school reunion. Despite the major challenges presented by his Parkinson's disease, he wanted to be there and Ginger and the other members of his wonderful family made it possible. The positive regard with which John was held was evident by the attention and affection demonstrated by our classmates when he and his family arrived.
John lived a meaningful, loving life filled with grace and caring. Ginger, John and his family have traveled the difficult road together during the past few years, and we all have many fond memories that will comfort us as we deal with the sadness of John's passing.
April 29, 2020
John was one of the kindest men I ever knew. As an Anesthesiologist, I worked with him for 25 years. He was a fantastic clinician, and someone you could count on when the chips were down. His quiet gentle humor will be forever missed.
Burt McKenzie, MD
April 28, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He taught me as a medical student and resident, and I will always remember (and use!) his phrase "SLAGIATT." May he rest in peace.
Linda Fetko
Jackie Jennings
April 28, 2020
I love John Lane. I love Ginger and all the family. I worked with Dr. JohnBoy for twenty years. He was an outstanding physician and a wonderful man. Rarely a day goes by that I dont remember a funny saying, memory or book that he shared with me. He lives on in his children, grandchildren and those of us he mentored. Cant wait to see you again one day, Dr. John!! Much love and many prayers to his family.
April 28, 2020
I am so sorry to hear that John has passed away. He was a wonderful person with a warm personality. My deepest sympathy to Ginger and family. May God comfort you and give you His peace.
Susan Baker
Rachel C Taylor
April 28, 2020
I worked with Dr Lane for years at DRH and he was always a pleasure to be around... He was always upbeat and enjoyed his patient care. Will be remembering the family during their grieving time..
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