Happy New Year. I hope that the holidays provided each of you with a chance to spend time with cherished family and friends.
Before looking ahead to 2018, it's important to reflect back on a life well lived. As I'm sure you know, we lost Dr. Vee on Christmas Eve. At age 90, he passed away surrounded by family in Houghton, "his Lithuania," according to his sister, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Dr. Vee, who retired in 2016, had been part of the Karmanos Cancer Institute community since 1958 and was a pioneer in oncology research and treatment. He was known by many as the architect of Detroit's reputation as a leading center for cancer treatment. His findings forever changed oncology care for millions of patients around the world.
He was named professor of medicine at Wayne State University in 1972 and appointed chair of WSU's Department of Oncology. Dr. Vee was named chief of Oncology at Harper-Grace Hospital in 1977, and in 1978 he was named associate director for Clinical Activities at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Metropolitan Detroit.
Dr. Vee was instrumental in securing our National Cancer Institute designation in 1978. In 1991 he served as president of the Michigan Cancer Foundation, and in 1995 he had a critical role in establishing the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, later serving as interim president. In 2016 we were honored to create the Dr. Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.
His funeral service was Jan. 2. Dr. Joseph Uberti, co-leader of our Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Multidisciplinary Team, spoke at the service. I want to share this heartfelt tribute with you (please see the attachment).
I've also included links to media coverage and tributes that have appeared following his passing.
May you rest in peace, Dr. Vee. You've left an amazing, indelible mark on this world.
Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Chair of Oncology
Wayne State University School of Medicine
WXYZ Channel 7 story on Dr. Vee aired several times, both on Channel 7 and TV 20: https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#clip/view/31586413?token=8c4a71c5-9a59-43cc-8ff4-6b93d0e6fcaf
Detroit Free Press, online Dec. 31, 2017, and in print Jan. 1, 2018: https://www.freep.com/story/news/obituary/2017/12/31/cancer-pioneer-dr-vee/993538001/
The Oakland Press, Dec. 29, 2017
The Daily Tribune, Dec. 29, 2017