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Nile R. Lestrange

1936 - 2018

BORN

1936

DIED

2018

About

Bucknell University

Nile Lestrange Obituary

Nile R. Lestrange, MD, 82, beloved husband of Bette Shaffer Lestrange and devoted father to Laurel Lestrange, passed away on December 11, 2018 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.He was born on November 19th, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY to Maude Keller Lestrange (deceased) and George Edward Lestrange (deceased) .He graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, PA, Bucknell University (Magna cum laude), University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, served as Captain in the U.S. Army and completed a residency in orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh.He relocated to Fort Lauderdale and practiced Orthopedics in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach from 1970 until shortly before his death.Nile wrote several publications, lectured extensively and was visiting professor in various universities in USA and abroad. In addition to medicine, he loved playing golf, piano, snow skiing, racing off shore power boats, race cars and scuba diving. He held licenses for Real Estate Broker, General Contractor, and as a Helicopter Pilot. He loved the practice of medicine and did his utmost to help his patients.His interests were extensive and he enjoyed talking with everyone and continuing learning. He has a legendary sense of humor that was kind and gentle, usually making fun of himself. He was loved by his friends, colleagues and his patients and will remain in our hearts forever.He served on several Boards professionally and recently served on the Board of the Center for the Performing Arts and was on the Sheriffs Advisory Council. He financially helped several people to further their educations as he believed so strongly in the benefits of education.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or a charity of your choice. A Memorial will be held on January 9th, 2019 , from 5:30 until 7:00 PM, for Business acquaintances and Medical Associates. A separate Memorial will be held at a later date for family and close friends by invitation only.

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Published by Sun-Sentinel from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Nile Lestrange

34 Entries

CASSANDRA MAYES

April 8, 2025

Goodevening to the Lestrange Family it broke my heart today 4/8/25 to learn of Dr Lestrange passing and the years that has pass and I never knew about his passing my sincere Prayers and Condolences and may he continue resting in the arms of God Amen God Bless from a long time ago patient Cassandra Moye

Patti Hodge

April 3, 2025

IIt was truly an honor to have worked for and with such an outstanding orthopedic surgeon Nile Lestrange at Holy Cross Hospital, and our beautiful new building at 4800. I remember being so excited to see the elevator doors and my new x-ray room , every day was exciting and fun. Working there turned out to be my most favorite job because of Niles jokes, kindness, and clientele . my sincerest condolences to Betty and Laurel. I loved the opportunity you gave me to make rounds for you on Wednesdays. Definitely a life well lived Patti Hodge RTR

Michael Adams

November 5, 2022

I think that doctor Lestrange was one of the kindest men I ever met you operated on me and brought my life back together after a serious car accident I wish I would´ve spent more time in the last visit I had with him he was a great man I´m sure he´s greatly missed thank you Michael Adams Pompano Beach

Gail Piontkowski

August 25, 2022

It was an Honor to work for and know Dr Lestrange back in the `70´s. He hand picked me to work at his office from N Beach hospital. He taught me SO much about medicine. His wife would often bring the staff gifts from her travels abroad as a Pan Am Stewardess. He was Always full of life and ready for anything. The world lost a Very unique personality and skilled surgeon. I will forever be grateful for my years under his guidance in the medical world. My condolences to Bette and Laurel. There´s a star shining bright in the sky for him.
One of a kind.

Melanie Thompson

July 14, 2022

I recently had decided to search out Dr. Lestrange to send him a thank you for his expert care and surgical expertise. Dr. Lestrange saved my left leg after a motorcycle accident in June of 1973. It took some time to get back to "normal" but I´ve always said my thanks to Dr. Lestrange that all these years later, I have been mobile because of him. To his family, I want you to know how blessed I´ve always known that I am that HE was the ortho surgeon on call that day. He will always be in my prayers.

Victoria Barnhart

November 14, 2021

I've just came across Dr. Lestrange obituary and is deeply saddened to hear of the loss. Such a great physician/surgeon! My deepest and sincere condolences to his wife and daughter.

Darryl Richardson

June 29, 2021

After treatment and for my Knees and back. I am in tears of joy to have known this great individual as a doctor who truly care about me and others.Reading his obituary I am glad he enjoyed the fruits of his labor.Both hip surgery at same time,brave and confidence individual.

Tracey Bonner

March 10, 2021

I find out that Dr. LeStrange pass always. I’ll give my condolences to his family. I know he will be surely miss by people that know him and love him. Dr. LeStrange is one of the best doctor that I met in my life. Dr. LeStrange operated on my back in January of 1999. he gave me my life back because I was in so much pain from a car accident that I was in. There’s no way I could ever repay him for giving me my life back of no pain in my back. I know that Dr. LeStrange is in heaven, from his patient Tracey Bonner

Ilene Falley

December 13, 2020

He attended our Wedding in his office. 25 years ago. He was a very interesting man, way above his class. Another New Yorker.

Jeffrey Starr

August 3, 2020

Just discovered this so I'm writing this on behalf of my dad, Don Starr, a reporter with WFLA channel 8, who raced together with Dr. LeStrange in offshore powerboat racing. Listened to many great racing stories from my dad about their adventures. In later years, no trip to Ft. Lauderdale went by without them getting together. For myself, while Dr. LeStrange was doing a residency in St. Petersburg, FL in the early 60's, he taught me how to write my first word. Out of all my memories, for some reason, that one stands out most. A number of years back, I sent him a video copy of some old 16mm film I discovered that my dad shot which contained a few minutes of scenes of them from the 1967 Bahamas 500 offshore race.

I don't think I've ever met a kinder, more interesting person than Dr. LeStrange.

A life well lived.

Rest in peace.

Mary Dull

February 1, 2019

Dear Betty and Laurel,
I'm sure you won't remember the Dull family, but I wanted to send you my very sincere sympathy for the loss of Dr. Le Strange. My husband, Ron Dull, (deceased) came to Florida selling the Bateman hip replacement. Dr. Le Strange was his first customer. They had a long business and personal relationship. I used to think golf and orthopedics went together. Mary Dull and Children.

January 9, 2019

As one of the Radiologists at Holy Cross Hospital for many years, we were privileged to work with Nile on many patients.

he was always a gentleman,an excellent orthopod and a friend.

Our deepest condolences to his family from all of us, Radiologists of No. Ft. Lauderdale.

Bob Conti

Petrine Fardette

January 7, 2019

My condolences to your family. Thank you for some amazing memories during the North Ridge days. Your zest for enjoying life was contagious

Timothy Smith

January 4, 2019

Nile was a truly great guy. I really enjoyed all our time together. He was always so funny and kind to everyone. He will be missed.

Maryann Weglinski,RN

January 1, 2019

As a retired OR nurse I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Lestrange at North Ridge Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale. He was always kind and generous to the operating room staff and a nice guy to work with. My condolences to his family.

December 30, 2018

Randi Martin

December 29, 2018

I worked for Dr. Lestrange back in the 70's & 80's for 8 years, best times of my life! When everyone in the office thought I was too young to work for him, he was the one who gave me the opportunity to show him I'd be his best worker. He was not only a GREAT boss but a friend for years! I just saw him 3 years ago as a patient & he looked great & had that same welcoming smile & great sense of humor, always made me laugh even when I was in pain! You will truly be missed my dear friend, thanks for the many wonderful memories! My condolences to Laurel & Bette, I am so sorry for your loss! Randi Martin

Maria Todd

December 26, 2018

You inspired my successful career, Doc.

Jane Hall

December 26, 2018

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Dr. Lestrange at North Beach Hospital, in Ft.Lauderdale. He will be greatly missed by all.

John & Sandy DiSalvatore

December 26, 2018

May you Rest In Peace, Nile. We will miss you, your sense of humor and hold dear the memories.

Bette, we extend our sincere condolences to you and Laurel. We are so sorry for the loss. We will miss Nile.

Cheryl Bond

December 24, 2018

Sincere condolences to the Lestrange family! So enjoyed working with Dr LeStrange many yrs ago.

Rafael A Ramirez MD

December 23, 2018

Nile, Rest In Peace. Thanks for the memories.
Your friend and colleague

Bill Lawson

December 22, 2018

My good friend is gone, we went through race boats, race cars and hilarious adventures, too many to count ! All was done with fun and enthusiasm. Will think of him often especially at Christmas when I had excellent dinner with him Bette Laurel my very scots mother,(Laurels babysitter)and his mother, the mix caused great mirth and a new language which he used against me ever after. Condolences to Bette and Laurel
With love Willy Lawson

December 21, 2018

I am incredibly sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences. May you always cherish the memories that you've had with your loved one. Remember God's promise at Jeremiah 29:11,12 this will give the family the comfort they all need during this time of grief.

Linda Deutsch

December 20, 2018

A wonderful physician who will be remembered for his skill and kindness.

Diane Day

December 20, 2018

Am still walking on the repaired knee Dr Lestrange worked on 35 years ago. So grateful he was my surgeon. Was thinking of him the other day as I drove by Holy Cross Hospital. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family. He touched many lives.

December 20, 2018

I love you Doc, thanks for everything. I couldn't have done it without you! Dirk Pitt, Project Manager

Neil Sartori

December 20, 2018

Doctor Lestrange was my orthopedic doctor for many years. He was a professional and caring man. He always made me feel welcomed to his office, and he was superb in what he practiced. So sad to hear of his passing.

December 19, 2018

Thank you for being a wonderful employer.
Ilene Falley-Harrell

Wylie Scott, MD

December 19, 2018

My friend and medical partner of 30 plus years. Your passing will leave an emptiness in many lives. You were bigger than life in so many ways. A man with a sense of humor extradinaire. A fine surgeon with a curious mind.
I will miss you

Lee Myers

December 19, 2018

Always a good friend, always professional, a great loss to us all.

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results