Nicholas George Douvas M.D.

Nicholas George Douvas M.D. Port Huron Nicholas George Douvas M.D. of Port Huron, with his loving wife Arlene at his side, passed on to be with the Lord on December 26, 2011. Dr. Douvas was born on November 16, 1921 in Hastings, Nebraska. He graduated from high school in Hastings where he was valedictorian, and was selected as an All State performer in football, swimming, and debate. He then attended the University of Nebraska where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1942, and his Doctorate of Medicine in 1945. He also was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. He left Nebraska to serve his internship at Boston City Hospital. He then served his country for two years in the United States Army Medical Corps. Upon finishing his tour of duty he proceeded to the University of Iowa where he obtained a Masters Degree of Science while finishing his ophthalmology residency. Prior to entering private practice in Port Huron, Dr. Douvas served in the capacity of Associate Eye Surgeon at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In 1973, Dr. Douvas invented the Roto-Extractor. The invention was a major advancement in eye surgery that restored the sight to many patients. The Roto-Extractor was utilized throughout the world. During his career Dr. Douvas won numerous awards and honors in the medical field. Among them were the Barraquer Memorial award for his contributions to ophthalmic education through cinematography, the Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he was the eighth Culler Memorial lecturer at Ohio State University, the Wolfe Memorial Lecturer at the University of Iowa, and in 1978, he received the key to the City of New Orleans for his work in ophthalmology. Dr. Douvas was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Port Huron Golf Club, Michigan Medical Society, the St. Clair County Medical Society, of which he was a past President, International Retina Gonin Club, American Retina Society, International Implant Club, American Ultrasound Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Michigan Ophthalmology Society, Detroit Ophthalmology Club, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the American Vitreous Society. Dr. Douvas was preceded in death by his parents George and Elaini Douvas, and his brother Gus Douvas. He is survived by his wife Arlene, his sister Katie Kofos, three children, Elaine Douvas and Robert Sirinek of Ridgewood, New Jersey; Joanne Douvas and Ray Beeler of Pelham, New York; Janet Douvas-Chafin and Rex Harris of Houston, Texas; four stepchildren, Dan (Cheryl) DeGrow of Burtchville Township; Paul (Trisha) DeGrow of Laguna Niguel, California; Mark DeGrow and Julie Letofsky of Chandler, Arizona; Sue (Stephen) Freeborn of Federal Way, Washington, seventeen grandchildren, Portia Sirinek, Margot Sirinek, Alex Beeler, Katie Chafin, Allison (Matthew) Ruiz, Stephen DeGrow, Kelsie (Matthew) Prevost, Jacqueline (Jeremy) Muth, Michael DeGrow, Layne DeGrow, Ross DeGrow, Richard DeGrow, Melanie DeGrow, Gary DeGrow, Lana Freeborn, Jenelle Freeborn, and Leah Freeborn, and five great grandchildren, Stephen Ruiz, Johnathon Ruiz, Faith Prevost, Charlie Prevost, and Danica Freeborn. The family would like to thank his special care givers, Lori Koutny, Robin Sherbutt, Pat Buckley, and the entire staff of Hospice of Michigan for the tender and loving care they gave to him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Michigan (www.hom.org) or Grace Episcopal Church. Cremation has taken place and visitation will be at Grace Episcopal Church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011 followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home-North, 1525 Hancock St. To send condolences, please visit smithfamilyfuneralhome.com.