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BORN
1943
DIED
2018
Gary Apter Obituary
September 19, 1943 - February 22, 2018
Dr. Gary Apter passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 22, 2018. Gary was 74. He and his brother Dennis were born in Pittsburgh, PA to Barry and Edith Apter. Gary attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he was an active member of Hillel. He graduated with a degree in chemistry and went on to study medicine at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. It was in Lausanne where he met his beloved wife of 49 years, Ingrid. Ingrid and Gary moved to San Francisco in 1975 where he established his medical practice and served his cherished patients for over 40 years. Gary's compassion and unwavering dedication to quality medicine were appreciated by generations of patients. Gary was a devoted and loving father to his two children, Janine and Brian.As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Gary's passions were back-country skiing glaciers in Canada with Ingrid, backpacking The Sierra, mountain-biking Mt. Tam, and biking through Europe.
Gary's gift was making true connections with everyone he met. His ever-present smile, inquisitive nature and deep compassion for people's happiness and health created bonds with patients, friends and family that will carry on his spirit. Gary made us all better people.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Barry and Edith. He is survived by his loving wife Ingrid, brother Dennis, his two children Janine and Brian, and his three precious grand-daughters Aria Belle, Tahlia Mae and Larkin Rae, who were the apples of his eye.
A Memorial Service will be held at Congregation Sherith Israel on Sunday February 25 at 4pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in his name shall be gratefully accepted by the following organizations: UCSF Foundation, directed to the Pancreas Center Dr. Tempero, Congregation Sherith Israel, and The Nature Conservancy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Apter
Edward Schwartz
February 17, 2025
Very good friend, wonderful times together, nicest person-always Ed Schwartz
Ed Schwartz
April 20, 2024
Think of Gary often
Beryl A Keys
April 19, 2024
Dr. Apter was the best doctor I ever had. He was thorough, kind and compassionate. He took his time to listen. I was shocked to learn of his passing.
Ed Schwartz
February 17, 2023
Still upset Gary is not here,very good friendship
ED SCHWARTZ
February 17, 2022
Was the nicest person I ever met, special memories.
Brett Worley Smith
January 2, 2022
Was thinking about Dr. Apter this evening, out of the blue, so decided to look him up on line. Sad to learn that he´s no longer with us, his very appreciative former patients. My late husband and I were fortunate to have him as our physician when we lived in San Francisco, he was a brilliant diagnostician and a very kind man.
Tom Norman, Grand Junction, CO
May 17, 2021
I just learned Dr. Apter passed and very sorry to hear. He was my internist for years and saved my life in the early 90's. I had a large kidney stone and was in CPMC a week waiting for a mobile lithotrypsy machine. Urologists/hospital put me on an IV NSAID but no one was monitoring. Dr. After came to visit, knew something was wrong, ordered immediate labs and a blood transfusion. I was bleeding out from the NSAID and he said I lost nearly half my blood. Thank you Dr. Apter.
Edward Schwartz
February 17, 2021
Nicest person ever
Erwin Betnal
February 4, 2020
I'm sad to know that Dr. Apter has passed. He was my doctor for 20 years. Wonderful and very compassionate individual. Rest in Peace Dr. Apter. Thank you for taking care of me.
July 14, 2019
Wonderful person, so many nice memories together
Ed Schwartz
Richard Birchard
October 19, 2018
He was my primary care physician for many years. He was always concerned and caring about my health. May he rest in peace. Richard Birchard
Alison LaVoy
June 22, 2018
I worked with Gary at CPMC for 25 years. He was a superlative physician and person, inquisitive and smart, with great compassion toward patients, their families and hospital staff as well. He was a physician's physician, a great diagnostician, and was always willing to share ideas and information with others.
He was very dear to the medical community-that rare independent physician who made us all better people and doctors through knowing and working with him. One of a kind and irreplaceable.
Alison LaVoy MD
Libby Nelson
April 20, 2018
My husband and I were patients of Gary's for 20 years. We haven't been able to replace him yet. He knew us so well and kept us healthy. We will always miss him. Condolences to the family of such a wonderful man.
Lausanne 1969-70
Ingeborg-Gabriele Jaeger geb. Führ
April 18, 2018
April 16, 2018
I have just learned of this situation and I am devastated. Gary was a wonderful friend and person. Our sincere condolences to the entire family Bonny and ed Schwartz Pittsburgh
Linda Hartmann
March 21, 2018
I worked with Gary in his office during the first two years that I lived in San Francisco, 1981-1983. I knew he was among the best of the best of physicians, as he had so many physicians and nurses as his patients. The attention he gave to every patient, the hours, thoughtfulness, working through his lunches with only a yogurt to ensure he called all his patients back was impressive. I referred many patients to him who have expressed such gratitude for all he had has done for them. We worked together for many years at CPMC as he helped to inspire my decision to attend nursing school. He was a kind, caring, gentle, intellectual, family-oriented, and nature-loving person, who I and many others will miss greatly. My sincere condolences go out to Ingrid, Brian, Janine and the rest of the family and his close friends and colleagues.
Sandra Shapiro
March 6, 2018
Gary was The most wonderful person, father, friend and cousin.
Our thoughts and love are with you, Ingrid, and your loving family during this difficult time.
Pat Foy
March 2, 2018
I worked with Dr. Gary Apter at CPMC for many years. I was Dir of Nursing/Site Admin at a special place called Garden Sullivan Hospital from the mid-80s to the mid-90s and Dr Apter was the Medical Director. Garden had a long history of providing Acute Rehab and Skilled Nursing services when the HIV/AIDS crisis developed in S.F. Under Dr Apter's skilled and innovative leadership, the Garden Unit was developed to provide ongoing care for HIV patients who had previously been treated on S.F. General's AIDS unit.
On behalf of all of us who worked at Garden, our sincere condolences to Dr Apter's family. We are so proud to have been a part of the great work that he did.
February 27, 2018
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
George Mekeel RN
February 27, 2018
My sincere condolences to Dr. Apter's family & may he rest in peace. Dr. Apter is one of the finest physicians with whom I had the pleasure of working. He was a great teacher and a very compassionate and caring person.
February 26, 2018
Gary was my internist for many years and a fellow parent active at Troop 14 in SF where his son Brian and my son Justin achieved the rank of Eagle Scout within a few years of each other. Gary was a special person filled with an abundance of joy, compassion, thoughtfulness, good humor, a keen intellect, and courage. He was truly a hero, and the world is a much better place because of the gift of his life to all of us. I thank God for all that Gary has given us and send my deepest condolences to Ingrid and his two children. In sorrow, Tim Smith
February 26, 2018
Gary was my internist for many years as well as a fellow parent active at Troop 14 in SF where his son and mine achieved the rank of Eagle Scout within a few years of each other. Gary was a special person filled with an abundance of joy, compassion, thoughtfulness, good humor, keen intellect, and courage. He was truly a hero, and the world is a much better place because of his presence! I thank God for the gift of his life to all of us and send my deepest condolences to Ingrid and his two children. In peace, Tim Smith
Blaise Salas
February 25, 2018
A finer, more compassionate doctor there could not be.
Michael Mueller
February 24, 2018
I only met Gary a few times playing tennis with him at the Presidio YMCA. I remember him being very fit and arriving at the courts on his bicycle. I thoroughly enjoyed our matches and thought what an interesting and engaging man who really enjoyed life. My condolences to his wife and family.
Warren Judd
February 24, 2018
Although I have not seen Gary in quite some time, I remember fondly the times we spent together in grade school and high school. My sincere condolences to Ingrid and family.
Cathy Canter Glassman
February 23, 2018
The Apters were our neighbors and close friends in Pittsburgh. I knew Gary would be a great doctor when he stopped dressing for his prom to take me to the hospital after a golf club accident. Barefoot, and wearing tuxedo pants and a t shirt, he kept me and my mom calm and called a plastic surgeon for me. My thoughts are with Ingrid and her family and Denny
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