Robert Varney

VARNEY, ROBERT H. (BOB), 67, of Sherwood Forest, MD, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 20, four months after being diagnosed with cancer. Bob grew up in Chevy Chase, MD and was a graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. He attended Dickinson College and Georgetown University School of Medicine. Bob practiced as a general surgeon in Rockville, MD and was on the staff of Suburban Hospital and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital for 33 years. His passion for his profession shone through in his active involvement with several local and national medical associations. He held many appointments at both hospitals including President of Medical Staff at Shady Grove. He was frequently recognized in Washingtonian magazine as a "Top Doctor." The last years of his career, he served at Frederick Memorial Hospital. His patients and colleagues will fondly remember "the bowtie doctor" who had the utmost compassion for his patients. Bob was a devoted family man to his wife, three children, and loyal family dogs. He was a man of few words, but the words he spoke were well respected and could make anyone laugh. Friends and family lovingly remember his quirky, dry sense of humor and brutal honesty. Bob loved to be by the water, and took pleasure in watching the boats sail by from their Sherwood Forest home, with a Manhattan in his hand. Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joanie, his children and their families, John and Christine Varney, Stephen, Deanne and Dylan Varney, Katie and Paul Rosenbeck, and his sister and brother Joyce Swirka and David Varney. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Sherwood Forest Endowment Fund, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405. Donations in Bob's memory will be set aside for a proposed dog-friendly space in the outer forest of Sherwood. Donations may also be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.