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Lawrence Rhea Obituary

Lawrence David Rhea, M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada) 1931-2007 Died peacefully December 27, 2007 at his home in Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Hare; his dear daughters, Celia (Donnie Shannon), Cynthia (Harry Woods) and Caroline (Costaki Economopoulos); step-children, Beckie Gibson (Phillip) and Kenny Sussman (Wanda); and his beloved grandchildren, William and Robert Woods, Shelby, Kelsey and Kenny Gibson and Matthew Shannon; and by his former wife, Margery Harper. He was born in Montreal, Canada and was educated at Selwyn House, TCS and McGill University and graduated in medicine in 1956. He was in private practice as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Montreal for over 20 years and taught at the McGill Faculty of Medicine (as did his father Dr. Lawrence J. Rhea). In 1979, he continued his practice in Tucson, Arizona at Tucson Medical Center. He was an experienced scuba diver and fisherman, a passionate fan of college sports, and a dedicated volunteer at the TMC Hospice for the six years following his retirement. He was a founding board member of the Individual Achievements Association, a non-profit organization which brought Conductive Education for children with cerebral palsy to the Southwest. The family requests that any donations in his memory be made to The Individual Achievements Association, 2702 N. Golden West Ave, Tucson, AZ 85749. Condolences may be sent to [email protected]. A memorial celebration will be held in the Spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jan. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Rhea

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sandra senecal

January 22, 2008

I will remember him from the duck eggs he brought to me every week. He even called to apologize when his hens had a run in with a coyote. Promised he would be in with more after things settled down. He kept that promise.
He had a gentleness that you felt immediately when he looked at you. I will miss his uplifting smile.

Margaret Abbott/Wilkins/De Gregorio

January 10, 2008

Dr. Rhea delivered my daughter Lesley Paige Wilkins on September 4, 1970. This was shortly after he delivered Paige's cousin Traci Yaccato and Nancy Greene's twins.

At the time I lived on Bonavista and on occasion visited his mother for tea. Soon after we moved to Argyle Avenue and enjoyed parties at his nearby home.

He was an absolute marvel and enjoyed a devoted following of grateful women - and men too.
I was privileged to know him and thankful for his bringing my daughter safely into the world.
God bless you David and farewell dear friend.

Kris Moran

January 10, 2008

David will be remembered as a gifted physician and a kind and loving friend to his patients, family and colleagues. I am honored to have known him and learned from him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and may happy memories console you.

Susan Ross

January 9, 2008

Dr. Rhea was my Mom's gynocologist in the 1960's. He asked my Mom what do you prefer a girl or a boy, my Mom replied "a girl, since my brother was already around," and he said "well that is good I only deliver girls." But he did not expect a breech birth, which eveyone knows is not an easy birth. And the student nurse fainted plus 2 other breeches came after me. I never met Dr. Rhea, but my Mother adored him, we are saddened by his passing and extend our deepest sympathies to the whole family. Thanks for being my birth doctor, you held my faith in your hands and I am here today because of you. Thank you Dr. Rhea.

BRENDA BRODUER

January 9, 2008

MARY AND FAMILY, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH DR RHEA FOR ALMOST 19 YEARS. HE TRULY LOVED PEOPLE AND HELD THEM IN GREAT RESPECT. I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED BUT REMEMBERED WITH LOVE BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. BRENDA BRODUER

Dolores Huard

January 8, 2008

My deepest condolences to the Rhea family.
Dr. Rhea was my first Gynecologist and he delivered two of my nieces. I was so sad when he left Montreal and feel very sad now to know that he has passed. I was thrilled to see him appear on Hollywood Squares with Caroline and their mutual love for each other was so obvious. He must have been a great father as well as a great doctor.

Thank you Dr. Rhae. May you rest in peace.

Judy & John Eekhof

January 8, 2008

He will be missed. Dr. Rhea brought a couple of my children into this world. He was always very professional and sincere. No matter the problem he always put me at ease. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Maggie Gunston-Bell

January 8, 2008

Montreal, 1964. I was pregnant, unwed and very scared. Dr. Rhea saw me through all of it. He was kind, patient, caring, gave me great support and often advice above and beyond that of which vitamins to take, which foods to avoid. His mission was to make sure I had a stress-free pregnancy and that my baby be healthy. He was my non-judgemental 'good guy' through it all. And I have often thanked him in my heart for helping to make what could have been a horrible experience one where I felt cared for and a lot less alone.

He was a blessing and I've a feeling that that blessing has worked its way into every life he touched.

His family may have lost his physical presence but reading the wonderful remarks written, I think it's safe to say his soul will continue to live amongst them.

Louise Farmer Paquin

January 8, 2008

He will be missed. He brought both our children into the world and was a most attentive and compassionate doctor. I was fortunate to know him outside the office as Maude Clarke (his former mother-in-law) was a neighbor and great friend of mine. My depest sympathies to all the family.
Louise Farmer Paquin, Orford, Que

Allan Schwartz

January 8, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gail DeViney

January 7, 2008

Dear Mary and all the Rhea Family:
We have never met, but I feel close
to you through my son, Jerry. I
am so sorry for your loss and sorry
that I never had the opportunity to
know Dr Rhea. God Bless You.

Janet Forrester

January 7, 2008

Dr. David Rhea was my first OB/GYN who had "forward thinking" ideas approx. 25 yrs ago about music and the effects prenatally. His bedside manner was always professional and very caring. He also was a huge supportor of TMC and actively participated in making it a better place especially for staff.

Carol Lavoie

January 5, 2008

Dr. Rhea guided me with both my sons' births, and was able to 'intuit' my severe anaemia once, and later giardia, so saved my own life twice. He was the only person in Tucson who pronounced my last name the 'real' way! He encouraged me with my art, hanging my paintings in his office. His compassion, sense of humor, gentleness, and wisdom, are unsurpassed in any doctor I've ever met, or any human being for that matter. I have been missing him since I moved to WA state, now I feel an even bigger void. My heart goes out to his family and other friends; big hug to all.

Debi Kelly

January 4, 2008

What a great individual. He delivered my oldest daughter now 17 and my son now 15. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He was such a gentle and caring individual and helped me with two very special gifts in my life.

Linda Hoffman Baker

January 4, 2008

So many of the best people I have ever known have died lately. I consider David Rhea in that category. He became my doctor in 1980 right after he came here and delivered my son JJ shortly there after. Although I have had health problems which have complicated my life Dr. Rhea was always positive and helpful and a supportive friend. I am sorry to hear of your loss.

Christina

January 4, 2008

Dr. Rhea was a great comfort to me at the birth of both of my children. He was an instantaneous friend. Condolences to his family.

Patty Sleger

January 4, 2008

Dear Mary & family,

I am a nurse @ TCM L&D (nurse for Becky's 2nd delivery). I just want to let you know that I think Dr. Rhea was a great guy & great MD. He will be missed!

January 4, 2008

Great man, saved my life, god rest his soul.

Judy Paris

January 4, 2008

Dr. Rhea delivered our son 21 years ago. He was a wonderful doctor. I remember his car ran out of gas and he ran the rest of the way to TMC to help deliver our son. My prayers go out to your family and our thankfulness is ever present for his expertise, gental care and humor in the delivery room. Thank you.

Judy Paris

January 4, 2008

Dr. Rhea delivered our son 21 years ago. He was a wonderful doctor. I remember his car ran out of gas and he ran the rest of the way to TMC to help deliver our son. My prayers go out to your family and our thankfulness is ever present for his expertise, gental care and humor in the delivery room. Thank you.

Cheryl Holliday

January 4, 2008

Dr. Rhea was my OBGYN in the 1980's. On the day my oldest daughter was born he wasn't on call, but decided to come in anyway because he was "just hanging curtains at home." He had a great sense of humor. I loved him being my doctor. I am sorry for your loss.

Lorie Bean

January 4, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Desert Star Family Health

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