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Curt Ries Obituary
Curt Ries died peacefully at home in San Anselmo on November 12th, 2021, two years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Born in Basel, Switzerland in 1938, he came to the U.S. on the last passenger ship to cross the Atlantic before the start of WWII. His family settled in Maplewood, New Jersey, where he grew up alongside his three sisters, mother, and father.
Curt worked hard at school, attending Johns Hopkins University and receiving his MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. After two years in the public health service, he moved to California and began a distinguished career at UCSF, where he was a Professor of Medicine in Hematology for over 50 years. Utterly committed to his work of advancing clinical research, mentoring staff, and caring for patients, Curt was known as an exceptionally kind, compassionate, and attentive physician, who exuded warmth, calm, and empathy.
Curt was also a dedicated and loving husband and father. He shared 40 happy years of marriage with his wife, Marybeth and raised three wonderful children: Elizabeth (Dara Sherfat), Julia, and Curt Jr (Kyle Amsler). He was "papa" to his beloved grandson, Kameron, and "Cort" to his younger sister, Elizabeth (Tootsie) Kocher. He treasured spending time with his family around a shared meal and a carefully researched bottle of Pinot Noir.
Curt deeply appreciated the peace and beauty of nature and found a special joy fly fishing in the wild rivers of the West. He was deeply cherished by all who knew him and will be dearly missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Doctors Without Borders, the Sunrise Movement, or your favorite humanitarian or environmental organization.
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Memories and Condolences
for Curt Ries
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4 Entries
Joaquín Cano
August 10, 2022
I was a patient of Dr. Ries, back in 1988, when I had a bone marrow transplant done at UCSF and now, 34 years later, I couldn´t believe my eyes when I found out that he passed away last year. I even have photos of him and our son David (we call him the miracle boy), whom was born after the procedure to cure my leukemia (AML), even though the probabilities to have kids again were really small at the time. Dr. Rise will always be part of our lives and the lives of so many patients and their families who where deeply touched by his humanity and professionalism. R.I.P. Dr. Curt Ries!
Kittie Raskowsky
January 5, 2022
MaryBeth,
Sending my thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Praying God will bring you comfort and peace.
Kittie and Raskowsky Family
MARY DURHAM
November 30, 2021
Dr Ries was a wonderful friend, physician, leader and a very kind gentleman.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Ries.
Mary Durham
Mike Boland
November 29, 2021
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Ries. I was a patient of his who was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2002. He was the primary doctor that saved my life. We remained friends long after the treatment ended. He was a like-saver to thousands. He is already missed but will be remembered always. Dr. Ries was an inspiration.
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