Bramwell Anthony

Dr. Bramwell Anthony Dr. Bramwell Ronald Anthony, 94, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2014, at home with his loved ones. Bram was born in August, 1920, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies. He was the 6th of 7 children born to Lebanese immigrant parents, Girgous and Citra. Bram enjoyed a magical childhood in the tropics, running barefoot and carefree. He attended strict Catholic schools, and was always glad to strip off his starched uniform at the end of the day. His parents both died when Bram was in his teens, and he dropped out of school at 16 to help with the family business. At 23 he decided he wanted to become a doctor, so he left the quiet island life for New York City, where he attended Columbia University, graduating in 3 years. He then attended New York Medical College, followed by his OB/GYN residency at Columbia Hospital for Women in D.C. During this time he met and married Doris Thornton, and they began their family. He served as a Captain in the Army for 2 years, stationed at Fort Jay, Governor's Island in N.Y., delivering military babies. In 1957 he and Doris moved their growing family across country to the tiny town of San Luis Obispo. Bram was the 8th doctor to join the San Luis Medical Clinic, and one of the first certified OB/GYN's in San Luis Obispo, delivering at Mountain View, General Hospital and the old French Hospital. In 1959 a group of 21 doctors pooled $1500 each to obtain a loan to build Sierra Vista Hospital. During these busy years 2 more children were added to the family, for a total of 6. Many an hour at swim meets, and fun at the Yosemite cabin followed. Following a long illness, Doris died in 1982. Bram met and married Debbie Sims in 1988, a nurse assisting him with a surgery. She brought 2 more sons into the mix, and then their own, Megan Citra, was born in 1990. After delivering around 6000 babies Bram ceased his OB practice in 1986, and then completely retired in 1992. He and Debbie have enjoyed many wonderful adventures together. His passion for family, music, his SF Giants, Neil Young, the ocean, and his contagious laughter, are memories for us all to share. He had a way of touching others lives profoundly, yet very simply. Bram is survived by his wife, Debbie; his 9 children, Marilyn Kirkland (Gary), Barbara Tierney (Wayne), Kathy Hesch (Will), Doug Anthony, Andrew Anthony (Cynthia), Tricia Anthony, Evan Sims (Melissa), Nate Sims (Veronica), and Megan Anthony; his 17 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sisters, Marie and Elaine, of Australia, extended family, and many, many dear friends. Our sincere thanks to Drs. Lori Fletcher, Dan Lewis and his staff, Howard Hayashi, Central Coast Hospice, and our dear friends who walked this path with us. A service will be held Sunday, September 28, 2014, 2pm, at First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo, on the corner of Marsh and Morro. Please honor our number one SF Giants fan, by wearing orange and black. In lieu of flowers, these are two of Bram's favorite organizations: www.doctorswithoutborders.org or www.slosymphony.org. And, as Bram would say, "Don't be so busy making a living, that you forget to have a life." And he, indeed, had a great one. Sign his guestbook at sanluistribune.com/obituaries