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Richard Vial Obituary

Richard H. Vial MD died at his residence in Metairie on Saturday, December 20, 2003. Age 57 years. Beloved husband of Kathleen ""Kathy'' Varnau Vial. Father of Charles Patrick Vial, Stacey Patricia Vial MD, Stephanie Marie Vial and Emily Kate Vial Fitzpatrick. Son of Melanie Cassou Vial and the late Lester J. Vial Sr. Brother of Lester J. Vial, Jr. MD and Wayne C. Vial MD. Dr. Vial received his MD from LSU School of Medicine in 1971. He completed his internal medicine residency and medical oncology fellowship in 1975 and 1977, respectively. He joined the faculty at LSUHSC in 1977 and served as the Director of Student Curriculum for Internal Medicine as well as Director of the Oncology Fellowship Program. Over his 26 year teaching career, he was a mentor and role model for thousands of medical students and internal medicine residents at all levels of training. A Memorial Catholic Mass was held at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 PONTCHARTRAIN BLVD. (In Metairie Cemetery) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at 3:00 pm. Burial services were private. Donations to LSU School of Medicine Alumni Association. or Stanley Scott Cancer Center, 1542 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112 would be appreciated.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 22 to Dec. 24, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

robbie varnau

December 29, 2003

Dear Kathy, We were all shocked and saddened by Rick's utimely and sudden death. You and your children will continually be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being so courageous in dealing with this most unexpected loss. Your strength and fortitude are inspirational to us all. Please keep on keeping on as Rick would want you to do.

Simone & Michael Gordon

December 25, 2003

Mrs. Vial, Chuck, Emily and Rob: We were so sorry to hear of "Big Guy's" sudden passing. May you find peace and comfort at this Holy Season. God Bless, Simone & Michael Gordon (Charles's parents)

Edward Skeins

December 24, 2003

Kathy and family: I will always remember Rick as a superb teacher and fine role model for medical students. He was my resident when I was just a junior med student in 1972. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

Gertrude M. Darby

December 24, 2003

To all the family-Dr. Vial was special to me, he helped me survive breast cancer. I send my prayers and hope they will help you in your grief.

Patsy Nunez

December 22, 2003

Kathy & Family:

I wanted to express my sadness in hearing about the death of your husband/father. It has always been a pleasure speaking with you and I just wanted you to know that your family is in my prayers.

Kikie Priddy

December 22, 2003

Kathy, we are all so saddened & will do our best to keep Emily close to our hearts in the weeks to come. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Love, Kikie, Robert & Chris and Mike, Shannon, Ryan, Austin & Kennon and Ruthe.

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