Paul Swift VanNice

Dr. Paul Swift Van Nice, 79, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, with his two sons by his side.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 20, 1945, to Errett Isaac Van Nice and Ruth Swift Van Nice, Paul grew up in downtown Chicago and spent summers at his family's beloved home in Lakeside, Michigan. He was educated at the Chicago Latin School and later at the Choate School in Connecticut before earning a B.A. in Biology from Northwestern University. His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, an M.D. from George Washington University School of Medicine, and later, an M.A. in Bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Paul also served with distinction in Vietnam as a member of the 101st Airborne in 1968 and was awarded the Bronze Star.

He devoted his medical career to anesthesiology, practicing at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, and Montgomery General Hospital. In the final decade of his career, he served as Chairman of the Ethics Committee at Shady Grove, where his commitment to patient care made a lasting impact.

Paul was a lifelong student, driven by an enduring love of learning. His favorite saying was the quiet reminder, "Still, I am learning," which was etched into the fireplace mantel at his family's summer home. He was an engaged member of several book groups as well as the Salt and Pepper Club, a black-tie dinner club that explored a variety of intellectual topics. Whether exploring questions of science, ethics, or history, Paul remained inquisitive throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Susan Scott Van Nice, whose partnership was the joy of his life. He is survived by their two sons, Cole Swift Van Nice (Tiffany) of Rumson, New Jersey, and Scott Alexander Van Nice (Rebekah) of Cincinnati, Ohio, along with five grandchildren who gave him great joy: Elliott, Tanner, Holden, Clark, and Truman.

A memorial service is planned at St. John's Church on Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street NW, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. Valet parking will be available.