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ALAN SEYFER Obituary
Alan Eric Seyfer
Of San Antonio, Texas passed peacefully from interstitial lung disease on October 7, 2020. Al was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and graduated from West Point with a degree in engineering. He was then assigned to a missile unit in Milwaukee, where he met the love of his life, Glenna Stuart, who became his wife of 52 years. They were married and lived Okinawa, Japan, where Al was posted. Al got his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed surgical fellowships at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Harvard, Sloan-Kettering, and Duke University. He served as chief of plastic surgery and hand surgery at Walter Reed, and retired in 1989 as a Colonel. He then chaired the Plastic and Hand Surgical Divisions at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Portland, Oregon, building two surgery training programs and a research lab that focused on bone regenerating proteins. He and his colleagues published numerous articles and chapters, and he authored a surgical atlas on chest wall reconstruction. But it was the daily teaching of his residents, fellows, interns and med students that Al loved most, and his students honored him with multiple teaching awards. In 2002, Al accepted distinguished professorships in Anatomy and Surgery at the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2018, he joined the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's Long School of Medicine, serving as a professor in its Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy and as a professor of surgery. Al's happiest moments were spent with his wife Glenna, with whom he traveled all over the world, and his daughters Tara Plymouth and Jessie Seyfer Chorney, who all survive him. He is also survived by his sister Maria Tebbetts, MD, and granddaughters Ruby and Sasha Chorney. A funeral mass is being planned, to be followed by burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Funeral services are being provided by www.porterloring.com. A recording of the service will be available for those who cannot attend. If you wish to make a contribution in his memory, please consider the American Lung Association (lung.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for ALAN SEYFER
Ronald S WADE
October 5, 2024
Dr. Seyfer... A mentor, colleague and friend. Truly a man of faith, humanity and concern for others.
Kathy Vu
December 2, 2021
Quinn and I are deeply saddened to learn of Al´s passing. I enjoyed working with him @ OHSU. He was hard to keep up with. My best wishes to the family as they make their way forward. P
November 11, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
AJ Copeland
October 28, 2020
I first knew Dr. Seyfer when he was the Chief of Plastic Surgery at the old Walter Reed (or "Walter Reed classic" as some of us prefer to call it) back when I was a general surgery intern in the mid-1980's. He had very high standards and could definitely be a tough taskmaster but he never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself, and no one was a more passionate advocate for his patients. He was a skilled and compassionate surgeon, and brought that same passion to teaching anatomy when he came to back to USUHS. He was a kind man with a wonderful sense of humor and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sharon Juliano
October 17, 2020
I worked with Al when he was a faculty member at USU. We were often paired together to work with students in the neuroanatomy labs and I really enjoyed working with him. His door was always open, he always had a smile for everyone, and he is missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Sharon Juliano
Donna Tatham
October 16, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family. I worked in the same department as Dr. Seyfer at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He was a gentleman, and such a great educator to many of our students.
My fondest and funny memories of him were when I'd help decorate his office in tin foil with the Army students when the Army vs. Navy football game was happening! He'd laugh, and was such a good sport!
The last time I saw him was last year at the Navy Exchange, he was having lunch with his wife and granddaughters. He came up and gave me a big hug. He will missed by many.
JIm Amsberry MD FACS
October 15, 2020
My condolences and prayers to Glenna and the family.
I was active duty Navy practicing Oto/HNS and applied to Plastic Surgery Programs. After my interviews I started getting phone calls from Dr. Seyfer (even in the OR) checking in to see if I had any more questions about the program at OHSU- letting me know my application was "one of the three applications on my desk- and it was on top". I came back to my home state to train. The program was exceptional and he had passion for the specialty. I was extremely well prepared for my Plastic Surgery career in the Navy and the reconstructive cases that we encountered during the conflict overseas. I retired from the Navy after 24 years and I could not imagine a more rewarding career serving- Thank you Dr. Seyfer, your legacy lives on in all those you trained over the decades. Well Done, Barvo Zulu. Fair Winds and following seas. We have the watch.
Ronn Wade
October 14, 2020
It is sad news to hear of Dr. Seyfer's passing. He was an exceptional , physician, teacher, mentor, gentleman and friend. As the director of the Maryland State Anatomy Board, I was most fortunate when he accepted the Chair to lead in its role to advance medical education and research study, while also serving as head of the Anatomical Education director at the Uniformed Services University. I am better just to have known him and express my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the family for their loss.
Chris Scheibler
October 14, 2020
Dr. Seyfer was an incredibly friendly, warm and devoted teacher. I was lucky enough to have him as an anatomy instructor for my first year at USUHS, and enjoyed learning from him so much that I worked with him as a TA and in a surgical research capacity during my 4th year. He was always so excited to teach, and so humble while sharing his vast knowledge...always with a big smile. He will not be forgotten as his memory will live long into the future through his students - honestly I was sharing a story about him not 3 weeks ago with a fellow alumnus. Godspeed Dr. Seyfer...
Maureen Higgs
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer was one of the best teachers I had at USUHS. He was definitely a shining light to me in the dark days of MS-1 year in 2005.
Justin Peterson
October 13, 2020
I loved Dr. Seyfer's anatomy lectures! I had him back in 2010-2011 at USU. He was full of incredible stories, was an engaging speaker, and had a sunny disposition. I remember him very fondly and I'm grateful he chose to teach. I give my admiration for the man and condolences to his family.
CB Payne
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer was an excellent anatomy teacher at USU. He was kind, encouraging and engaging. We will miss him.
Eric Balent
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer was an amazing teacher and mentor. I was fortunate to perform a dissection lab project with his as a fourth year medical student at USUHS. His knowledge and education one of the reasons I am a surgeon today. He will be sorely missed.
william kelly
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer had tremendous expertise, passion, and was a fierce advocate for his subject matter and most of all for his students. It was an honor to get to teach and serve with him.
Lisa Young
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer was a great professor, and so kind. He will be missed! I am sorry for your loss! (USUHS class of 2008)
Bruce Pier
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer’s kindness and professionalism permeated through the anatomy classroom. He was always present with a smile, no question was beneath him. It was an honor to learn from him.
Sylvia Arora
October 13, 2020
Thank you for being a wonderful professor, mentor, physician and officer. Your love for teaching made learning effortless. Rest in peace Sir.
USU Class of 2006
Debra Jones
October 13, 2020
Dr. Seyfer was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I had the privilege to work closely with him when I was a volunteer at USUHS. When he learned of my interest in medicine, he took me under his wing: teaching, giving me textbooks to study, and writing my letter of recommendation. He was the first person I wanted to tell after learning of my acceptance to USUHS years ago, and I remember his beaming smile (which was frequent!). He the person that I had commission me into the Army. His guidance played such an important role in my life and my path to medicine, and his military and medical careers were an inspiration, so it was an honor that he was the one to help me start my career. His passion for the military, medicine, and teaching was very clear in the smile that he wore to work every day. To a kind, knowledgeable, inspiring, and wonderful mentor, you will be dearly missed. To Dr. Seyfer's family, I offer my deepest condolences. May his memory be a blessing.
Michelle Lynch
October 13, 2020
Dr Seyfer was a humble, kind and inspiring leader and educator. One of my fondest memories at USU was in the anatomy lab with Dr Seyfer, he was truly loved by all! His loss saddens us deeply but there is no doubt that he lives on in the service of all his students to their patients. Prayers for peace for the Seyfer family. USU class of 2007.
Bill Bester
October 13, 2020
I had the privilege to work with Alan during my time at USUHS from 2006-12. He was a wonderful man, teacher, surgeon and role model to so many. Students, faculty, military leaders, academicians and peers respected him, looked to him for guidance and admired him both professionally and personally. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for many years to come through the many lives he touched and taught along the way. My sincere condolences.
Velma McDavid
October 13, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Seyfer. I worked for him for many years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the Plastic Surgery Department handling patient intake. Dr. Seyfer was very personable--not only did I work for him I considered him a friend. He was one of the nicest doctors in the department and was always willing to talk and listen. Glenna, we had opportunity to meet many times, and I know you will miss him dearly. You and your family have my deepest condolences.
Gary Wind
October 13, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear about Al’s passing. We worked together many years in all phases of his career, publishing papers, a book, and teaching anatomy, all of which he excelled at. my sincere sympathy for your loss and the loss of a great teacher of the next generation of physicians.
Mitch Eliason
October 13, 2020
I credit Dr. Seyfer’s lectures on surgical reconstruction as motivating me in medical school to pursue surgery. He was a great mentor and will be sorely missed.
Kevin Jackson
October 13, 2020
A generation of USU medical students benefited from his knowledge and wisdom - may he rest in peace.
Diane Garofolo
October 13, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I knew Dr. Seyfer when he was Chief of Plastic Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was a very caring man and always had a smile on his face.
Barbara Knollmann-Ritschel
October 13, 2020
Alan was a wonderful faculty member and teacher. It was a pleasure to work with him. May his soul rest in Peace with our Lord.
Craig Shriver
October 13, 2020
To Dr. Seyfer's family and Loved Ones: I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Dr. Seyfer was a wonderful mentor to me for decades, and always supported my own medical and surgical career. I remember every year when he was in the USUHS Anatomy Department, he would introduce me to the entire class of 160 medicalstudents (they were required to personally attend lectures in the old days!) at my Breast Surgery and Anatomy Lecture and he always embarrassed me saying the nicest things. He also was a researchmentor for me during my entire residency in the 1980's at Walter Reed and, in fact, was senior author on my first-ever publication:
Desmoid tumor of the paraspinous muscle involving the chest wall. Graeber GM, Seyfer AE, Shriver CD, Awan M. Desmoid tumor of the paraspinous muscle involving the chest wall. Mil Med. 1985 Aug;150(8):458-61. PMID: 3929184.
We cannot really express the long, long legacy of his mentorship and education of generations of military physicians and other health care providers; he was a true giant in our field and his legacy will endure for generations as well...the Long Gray Line he leaves behind.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
V/R
Craig Shriver
Jeremy Holden
October 11, 2020
I worked with Dr. Seyfer when I was a medical student at OHSU. I remember his enthusiasm towards teaching and caring for his patients. Excellent Doctor, teacher and an amazing man.
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