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John Opitz Obituary
1935 - 2023
Salt Lake City, UT-Dr. John M. Opitz, MD joined the faculty of the University of Utah in 1997 after many contributions to medical genetics at the University of Wisconsin and the Medical Genetics program in Montana. During the 6 decades of his career, he received many honors and honorary degrees and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers in human and medical genetics. Notwithstanding, Dr. Opitz was most proud of his work in educating all of us on the role of evolution in the practice of medicine.
Dr. Opitz, born in Hamburg, Germany, was naturalist, humanist, and student of the history of morphology. He loved children, animals, all things beautiful and held to the view that music was "the voice of God." Originally focused on Zoology during his time at the University of Iowa, his love of animals was fundamental to his being. His home was never empty of them. His family will always think of him when in nature, looking at fossils and spending time with pets.
Dr. Opitz is survived by his wife Dr. Susan Lewin of 35 years, and their daughter Emma (Mark). He is also survived by children Lea (Keith), Teresa (Brian), John, Sonti, first wife Marian, and grandchildren Lauren (Nick), Nate (Tiffany), Greg, Darya, Fauna, Violet, and Max. He is survived by dog Hailey, sun conure Darwin, and cat Goldie. He joins his son, Felix, who died previously. His body was donated to the Body Donor Program at the University of Utah.
In honor of his memory as a physician and the patients whose lives are better because of him, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Organization of Rare Diseases.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Opitz
Lynn Richard
November 18, 2023
My daughter has Smith Lemli Opitz. She was born in 1987. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Opitz at our conference in 1997. He was so gracious with meeting some of us. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Julie is now 36 years old and doing well.
Frederick Hecht, MD
November 4, 2023
I just came across this brief but lovely tribute to John whom I knew for many years. A true polymath and an unforgettable man. I remember his choosing to sit in the back of my VW Beetle and demonstrating how neatly he could fold his tall frame into a small space.
Fred/Ted Hecht
Frederick Hecht, MD
Jane Griffith
September 11, 2023
I had the distinct privilege of associating with Dr. John Opitz for the last 15 years in the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics. I have felt honored to know this legend of a man, known for his brilliance and kindness. He has left his mark on the world in magnificent ways. I will miss him greatly.
Mary and Hadi Khalil
September 11, 2023
My sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Opitz. Through his research he gave my son a voice..a reason and answered many questions after so many years of not knowing. We are part of the BOS community. Thank you and be at peace.
Julieann Ross
September 10, 2023
I never knew this man but he has had a major impact on my family's life and we are forever grateful for all that he's given our world. You see our daughter was diagnosed with Borhing Optiz syndrome in 2018 and simply having a name for what was wrong with my child was worth more than most will ever know. Our family is not alone either, because of the dedicated work of this man our family is part of a community of fabulous families connected by one syndrome.
Thank you for all you've given!
My most sincere condolences to the family and close friends
Lionel Mausberg
September 9, 2023
Dear Susan, I am saddened to read of John's passing My condolences to you and the family.
Lionel Mausberg
September 9, 2023
B
Jelena Martinovic
September 7, 2023
Prof. John Opitz was my mentor and guide supporting from the beginning my strong genetic orientation of fetal pathology. He even visited us at Necker hospital in Paris, France. He most kindly accepted to preface and edit our recent Manual of Fetal Pathology.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Always yours John,
Dr Jelena Martinovic
Atilano
September 7, 2023
I met Dr. John Opitz a few times, when he would come to Tampa to visit with Dr. Enid Gilbert Barness, another legend with whom I have shared many cases in consultation, research projects and publications. John had a brilliant, incisive mind, a trait shared with Enid who I respected so much. May John´s legacy and beautiful soul live on in all of our memories.
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