Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Robert Pavy Obituary
July 27, 1933 - June 29, 2014
On the bright summer morning of May 29 2014, Robert Neal Pavy, M.D. of San Carlos departed this life. He was 80.Born in Opelousas, La. to Jim and Viola Pavy, he charted his career path at age 9 years; it was medicine.
He graduated Louisiana State University and LSU Medical School in Baton Rouge at the top of his class, did his internship at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton and his residency in neurology at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and Stanford University hospital.
Rather than follow a career in academia, he opened his private medical practice in Redwood City in 1963 and an affiliation with Sequoia Hospital.
His philosophy was simple: "My mission as a physician is to improve the quality of life of every patient I treat."
Out of the office Dr. Pavy was truly a "Renaissance Man." He was a curious learner, a devotee of philosopher Carl Jung, a linguist who was fluent in Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian, a runner, biker, sailor and a black diamond skier. He had the unique ability to talk to strangers and hone in on their interests the instant of their first handshake.
His publishing ran the gamut from a scientific book on childhood epilepsy to the whimsical expert, "Dr. Beagle" in "Hair of the Dog."
He had an affinity for all things Cajun and loved to shout, "Laissez les bons temps rouler," (Let the good times roll!)
In the fall of 2013 he retired due to illness.
The president of the hospital praised Dr. Pavy and his dedication to medicine and to the community.
"Your superb clinical acumen has been a resource to all of us," said Gary Aron, M.D. "The collegiality, selflessness and equanimity in which you have carried out your practice serve as an example to us. You are, quite simply, irreplaceable."
Yes, he was.
Dr. Pavy and his late wife Mary Louise raised three daughters in the Bay Area.
He is survived by his wife, Julia; daughters Nanette Bernstein and husband Seth Bernstein, Susan Pavy, Aimee Pavy and Gavin Curtis; grandchildren Victor Pavy, Donald Coslett and Julia Bernstein; Cornell Barnard and Peter Mason; Diana Barnard; Martha and David Cordell; Maggie Carrington and Dennis Kirkpatrick.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Pavy
Jeni Mahon
April 19, 2021
Oh so sad to see this. I owe so much to Dr Pavy. I've thought of him so often over the decades since he, well saved my life. I was suffering from debilitating migraines, saw countless Dr's until I saw and was diagnosed with Cluster Headaches by Dr Pavy. He was such a sweet caring Man... and Dr., rare to find these days.
To his family, I know you know what an amazing man he was, though you may never know just how much he also meant to others, he was truly a Gift. So sorry for your loss.
Jeni Mahon
April 19, 2021
Oh so sad to see this. I owe so much to Dr Pavy. I've thought of him so often over the decades since he, well saved my life. I was suffering from debilitating migraines, saw countless Dr's until I saw and was diagnosed with Cluster Headaches by Dr Pavy. He was such a sweet caring Man... and Dr., rare to find these days.
To his family, I know you know what an amazing man he was, though you may never know just how much he also meant to others, he was truly a Gift. So sorry for your loss.
Ann Thompson
February 26, 2015
Dr. Pavy was one of the kindest and most genuine people I had the pleasure of knowing. He cared deeply about each patient, spent time with everyone, and listened to all of your concerns. He will be missed more than words can say.
Linda Barnard
December 4, 2014
Nannette, Susan and Aimee....I was your babysitter in the mid 60's, working a lot with your mom. I was extremely amazed at both your parents and you kids. Later, when I was 25, I became ill and it was your father who came to see me at the er. Your mom brought me books. The two of them rallied around me. I'm sorry you lost your mother already too. You had two outstanding parents and I'm sure your father made a wise choice in a stepmother for you.
Carole Dougherty
November 12, 2014
Dr Pavy was such a special person and excellent doctor. My condolences to Sue and family.
George Heil
October 16, 2014
Dr Pavy was simply the best. I truly appreciate all that he has done for me through the years. A gifted doctor and and incredible human being. He is truly missed.
Shahla Oloumi
October 16, 2014
Dr. Pavy is definitely irreplaceable. I was very lucky to have found Dr. Pavy when I was ill. He was very amiable, caring, and empathetic. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.
sue pavy
August 7, 2014
you are the best of everything, what I would do for a cup of coffee and and hour with you. I will always love you and miss you . your baby girl sue p.s. say hi to mom ooxx
Janette
July 27, 2014
Sue and family so very sorry for your loss. Just read about Doc, I enjoyed listening to all his worldly travels during my visits.
Cherish your memories
Jon Spangler, League Cycling Instructor 3175, LAB
Jon Spangler
July 26, 2014
Robert Pavy was my neurologist for over 40 years, from 1970 until he retired in 2013. He was a superb neurologist and very patient with me as I transitioned from high school through my college years, and senior years. (I had a longer relationship with him than any other physician, and knew him longer than most people outside my immediate family.)
He was a thorough and compassionate healer, a wise advisor, and he adopted a wholistic approach to patient care long before it became popular. And I always had fun when I talked to Sue on the phone or came in for an office visit.
My heart goes out to Sue and the rest of his family, as well as to his many friends and colleagues. I know how much you loved him: he was a very lovable, warm, capable, and funny man. This realm has lost a great soul.
Libbie Frank
July 19, 2014
So many beautiful things have been said about Dr. Robert Pavy and I agree with all of them. He was the best - an open-minded and caring doctor, always willing to listen and explain.
Elise Sola
July 16, 2014
Dr. Pavy was the best doctor that I ever had. He was compassionate and always spent enough time with you to explain whatever you asked him. He helped me when I was very frightened.
I will miss him very much.
Colleen True
July 13, 2014
A kind and gentle man, sweet and understanding to everyone, epically the nurses at Sequoia Hospital....He will greatly be missed!!!
Tom & Layla Tuohy
July 12, 2014
"Irreplaceable" is how we think of Bob! We are so sorry to hear about his passing. He was an amazing human being and a fantastic Doctor. We shall miss him tremendously. We feel blessed to have had a chance to share very happy moments of our lives with him. We will never forget his kindness to our family!
I think he would want us to remember him by " let the good times roll", and that we shall do.
Layla, Tom, Dunya, Ruby & Amir.
George Schoenstein
July 12, 2014
Bob Pavy was a kind, loving and compassionate man. He was my professional mentor and coach and I'll be forever in debt for his warm advice. His southern charm and quit wit will always be in my heart. We lost a great man and the communities most talented Neurologist! Godspeed Bob!
July 11, 2014
Oh will we miss this special man! For 35 years Bob was a dear friend, a valued mentor and a unique force in our lives. Wonderful memories abound: the twinkle in his eye whenever we talked, the gentle caring he provided at crucial times, the quirky humor that occasionally brought us to gleeful tears. Bob enriched our lives. Heartfelt sympathy to Sue, Nan, Amiee, Julia and the entire family. Be soothed by the knowledge that Bob made this world a better place for so many! With love,
JoAnn, Greg and Marta Kemist
Pam & Erik Kitchens
July 11, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful man. Sincere condolences from the Kitchens & Adamich family.
July 11, 2014
Dear Sue,
So sorry to hear about your Father's passing. He took wonderful care of me, and I was blessed to have known him.
Sincerely,
Janet Wade
David Levenson
July 10, 2014
Bob, you and I spent many wonderful years together as colleagues. You were a kind, generous, and devoted physician and friend. The world is a much better place because of your goodness. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Nancy Navarro
July 10, 2014
I worked for Dr. Pavy for almost 8 years, he was such a special person in my life. I was truly blessed to have been in his world. He will never be forgotten and I will always have him in my heart. In loving memory of a wonderful person. I love you!!!!
Brent Stienstra
July 10, 2014
I will miss the gentle-man from louisiana.Your grace, and compassion improved the quality of life in everyone who was lucky enough to know you. I will miss your kind eyes and southern drawl, especially when you would say "good morning everyone, shall we all meet in my office before the patients arrive?"it was indeed a pleasure to have you as my Dr., my employer, and my friend. Rest in peace Sir"
Allen Lapin
July 10, 2014
I was lucky to know Bob Pavy as a friend and a doctor. He was a great neurologist and a generous friendly man. I wish more people were like him. My condolences to his family.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Pavy's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Pavy
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Pavy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
