Dr. Leon Banov Jr.

BANOV
DR. LEON BANOV, JR.

Dr. Leon Banov, Jr., died March 26, 2007, in Charleston, S.C.

Those who knew him will miss his kindness, wisdom, and big smile. He lived a full life, treated his patients well, and showed care and generosity toward his family and friends. We were lucky to have him in our lives, and he leaves an open spot in our hearts.

Dr. Banov, also known as "Doc," is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita Landesman Banov, his brother, Morton, and his sister, Roslyn Banov Wyman. He is survived by his son, Alan Banov of Kensington, MD; daughter, Jane Banov Bergen and husband Lester, of Arlington, VA; grandchildren, Jessica L. Banov of Fayetteville, NC, Leah S. Bergen of Washington, DC, Rachel K. Banov of Washington, DC and Joel H. Bergen of Los Angeles, CA and daughter-in-law Marla Banov of Kensington, MD.

Dr. Banov was born December 19, 1914, in Charleston, the son of Dr. Leon Banov, Charleston County's Public Health Director, and Minnie Monash Banov.

He graduated from the College of Charleston and the Medical College of South Carolina. Following an internship and residencies in Baltimore, Washington (at Gallinger Hospital, which later became D.C. General Hospital), and Cleveland, he practiced proctology in Charleston for 55 years. He also served as Clinical Professor of Surgery and Clinical Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the

Medical University of South Carolina. Active in many medical organizations, he was president of the Piedmont Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and wrote more than 60 published scientific and medical history articles.

In 1973 he was selected to be on the first Federal Government panel on hemorrhoidal drugs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - the first such federal research project. In March 1978, he testified to the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, "The United States spent $50 million to study the backside of the moon that never caused any of us any trouble, but not one red cent to study the backsides of our own suffering people." The quote was publicized in the press across the country, and he remained proud that he had shed light on a topic considered unmentionable. At the same time he was quick to joke about his profession and called himself the "Rear Admiral."

Most of all, he was a gentleman who loved his family. He and Rita, whom he nicknamed "Miss Toots," were married for nearly 58 years. They raised two children and were role models to their four grandchildren, nephews, nieces and countless others.

Dr. Banov's funeral will be at K. K. Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St., Charleston, SC 29401, at 11 a.m. on March 29. Funeral arrangements are by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., 232 Calhoun Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to K. K. Beth Elohim or the Rita L. and Leon Banov Jr., M.D. Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation, 90 Mary Street, Charleston, SC 29403.