David Allan Fogel, MD
May 3, 1949 - December 20, 2005
Obituary
David Allan Fogel, MD
David was born May 3, 1949 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Louis and Joan, the parents he admired and emulated. He was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan and its medical school. He was married to Kris Edwards, his wife and soul-mate for nearly 30 years, his love, who gave meaning and perspective to his life. He considered his family his crowning achievement and was the proud and loving father of Jessica, Jeremy and Peter and the devoted brother of Steve, Danny, Ricky and Nort. He was a physician for more than 30 years, practicing Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology in Los Angeles and San Pedro, California. He moved to Federal Way, Washington in 1993 and was a cherished partner at Digestive Health Specialists. Using medicine as a platform, he contributed to the physical and spiritual well-being of his patients and to the broader community. David’s passion for Michigan, his family and friends, and for life itself never faded. He was taken suddenly from us on Tuesday, December 20th in Auburn, Washington. We will miss him deeply. Go Blue. Suggestions for those who wish to make a donation in his memory: Human Rights First, KUOW – Seattle’s NPR Station, American Heart Association.
I was so very sorry to hear about Dr. Fogel. He was one of the nicest doctors I have ever met. Even though he was a Wolverine-we’re Spartans! My heart is breaking for his family,friends,associates and patients. God Bless you all and just know that I’m sure that everyone that ever met him is proud to have known Dr. Fogel.
Hello, Dan Fogel is a colleague and one of the finest people with whom I work. I am saddened by the death of his brother. I know that Dan is a man with strong family values. He is a person that I admire very much. I would think that his brother was also a man of character and strength. I am truly sorry for your loss. Donna Marie Kuiper
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Dr Fogel’s passing. I worked with him at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital for many years as a nurse. He was caring, always keeping life in perspective. I always share the story about his interaction with the student nurses. It was not just about medical issues. He had an on going survey of the number of Americans that did not know how many justices there were in the Supreme Court. The student nurses proved his theory and about 1 in 10 could answer correctly. When they left the GI lab, they learned more than medicine from their encounter with Dr Fogel, they were more informed about our country. He made a difference in his interactions with people and I have thought of him often since his family moved to Washington. My sympathy to Kris and the family. He will not be forgotten.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends & co-workers of Dr. Fogel. He was a caring & compassionate physician to my son Devon. His care & concern for his patients; especially my son, went beyond a doctor/patient relationship. Dr. Fogel always made sure to explain treatment options and to admit when he didn’t have the answers, but would go the extra mile to try to find out answers & keep my son informed. He will be deeply missed by our family and words can not begin to express how sad we feel with his passing.
I am a friend of David & Dan’s my sympathies to the family.
I am a friend of David & Dan’s my sympathies to the family.
Our sympathy to Dan,Nort and Steve. I remember Dave as a legendary scuffed-surface basement hockey player. Also a non-threatening golfing companion.
Dr. Fogel has been my doctor for a year, with regular treatments. My last treatment was December 20. I am shocked at his sudden death. The world has lost a very nice man.
As everyone,I was saddened to hear of the loss of the coolest Doc I’ve ever known.Dr. Fogel was MY DOC for 10 years…kept my GI troubles under control and was an open,entertaining and personable clinician.My last visit to him was right after my old dog died…his response ..”I’ve never much liked dogs”: ..He was slim,vibrant,and health conscience..so it was a shock to lose him..My heart goes out to his family…and I feel as if I know you cuz he and I discussed you all at my appointments…guitar -playing son,older kids in college at his beloved Michigan..his “trailblazing” vacations..his lifelong college friends and his dear wife…you all were there at our visits…he was a really fine man and I feel sad and lost without him…no one will ever compare and I will miss his charm,wirey frame,balding round head and gentle hands forever. With respect to his loved ones..
Peggie Grieve R.N./patient/friend
From a patient:
Dr. Fogel’s was a caring and thoughful person with the ability to listen to my concerns. During my brief appointments he was compfortable sharing in converstation his personal experinences with and the love of his family. I feel honored and blessed to have met this good Doctor.
Eventhough Dr. Fogel wasn’t a big talker, he always made time while making rounds, to share family stories with me. Our oldest played soccer together, and the other day I mentioned Dr. Fogel at a soccer game to Dr. French. I can’t belive his life has ended. My deepest sympathy to his family. In my thoughts always, Maryann Shaner
Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. It was a shock to hear of David’s death. He has always been a great colleague and a good consultant in caring for patients.
Dr. Fogel was such a caring and understanding physician. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and wish to extend my sympathy to his family and friends. I share your sadness and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Fogel. While he was my physician, I always felt that he was a friend. Our boys went to high school together Kyle Mauhl is my son and we would discuss their activities at my appointments. I would often see Dr. Fogel at Marlene’s at lunch time and always felt that he was taking the best possible care of his own health. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I send strength and peace to his family.
I learned so much from Dr. Fogel and will always think of him with fond memories.
What fun we had removing a spatula from a dog at South Shores Vet. With love to Kris and his family.
Sincerely,
Arlene
I remember Dave well. We grew up virtually on the same street. He was always kind and friendly and I am sure you all miss him. I am very sorry for your loss.
I was very fortunate to have been able to work with Dr. Fogel and like everyone who knew him, am so very saddened by his sudden death. My heart goes out to his wife and children. The world has lost a very sincere, kind and passionate man.
Our sympathy to Dr. Fogel’s family and friends. He was our doctor and we always enjoyed wonderful medical care as well as many conversations about our Michigan. We are also summer vacation people from the shores of Lake Michigan. We will miss him.
Very saddened to hear of Dr. Fogel’s passing. What a wonderful, caring physician he was to his patients. Always had time to chat and loved to talk about his family. How proud he was of them all! He will be surely missed by his staff and the people in the Federal Way community. We are all truly blessed to have known him.
Passing much too early. I remember the many years of Saturday and Sunday carpools.
My deepest sympathy to The family of Dr. Fogel. Reading of his passing made me sad, but it also brought back many funny memories. The years I spent working with “Fogey” in the GI Lab at San Pedro taught me more than GI medicine. He had such a common sense approach to life and his advice was always welcome. He gave me advice on marriage and childrearing. I will never forget his stories about Kris and the kids and how I should learn in life to pick my battles. He told me the story of one of his children Peter I beleive sleeping on the floor in the hallway. He explained that it was no big deal–there were more important things to worry about. When my daughter chose to sleep on her floor in her room for a year, I remembered Fogey’s story and told my husband not to worry about it, it was “no big deal”. I could recount endless stories like this as could most people reading this. He was a kind, intelligent, and compassionate doctor. Dr. Fogel, you will truly be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to the Fogel family. Dr. Fogel was a caring and compassionate physician. He will be deeply missed.
I am deeply saddened to read that Dr. Fogel died. He has been one of my Dr’s for more than a year. He had such a gentle, caring nature. Even though I didn’t see him very often it will be hard to find another Dr. My prayers are with his family.
Sincerely, Susan K. Dale
Our most sincere condolences to the Fogel families and all their friends on the loss of David. Love, Rita and Stuart Citron
I met Dr. Fogel many years back while I was working at St. Francis Hospital He was a quiet man and dedicated to his work. He and I didn’t know of each other well but I knew he was an excellent gastroenterologist whom care for his patients. I can see it by his performance. I was extremely shocked to see of his passing in the paper. Deep regards to Dr. Fogel’s family and staff at Digestive Health Services.
We are so devastated we could not be with you. We cherish all our memories, Ottawa Beach, Peter’s Bar Mitzvah week, and all the times we spent together since he was born.
Dear Kris and family,
All of us at UW Tacoma Nursing are saddened by your great loss. It was always clear that your husband and family were your priorities and tremendous supports for you. At this time, we hope you find comfort in friends and family. Our thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely, Janet Primomo and the UW Tacoma Nursing Program
I was very sorry to read about David’s death. I have always enjoyed our meetings regarding preparation of income taxes for the family. He was always easy to work with, very understated, an appreciated client.
My prayers and sympathy to David’s family.
From all of us at KUOW 94.9FM, we wish Dr. Fogel’s family peace and comfort at this sad time. We enjoyed getting to know Dr. Fogel as part of KUOW’s listening community and greatly appreciate his enthusiasm for public radio. He will be missed by many.
please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers-
Bruce, Debbie, Karen, Cheri, Jennifer, Veronica,Connie, and Vicky.
Although it has been many years since I have seen David it only seems like yesterday that we played football during half time of the Lion’s games and after East High games in your backyard with real goal posts and lights cool, fished for hundreds of sunfish/bluegills in Reeds Lake and cleaned them in your garage and ate them there after your mom cooked them for us. Hockey all day long during Christmas vacation on Fisk Lake @ Kimball’s. Dave went to Calif. between jr. and sr. year to take college level classes, came back and turned us all onto this new band called “The Doors”. Thanks. You will be missed by many.My thoughts and prayers to the rest of the family. Danny, I’ll see you at a triathlon this summer.
Dr.Fogel was an amazing man.
I am a nurse that worked with him in Washington. When I was planning my wedding, Dr Fogel took an interest in it. Each week I had to give him a play by play of the newest plans. If I didnt show up in the GI lab each Wed to give him an update ,I would hear he was asking about it. What a great man. Also , in May 2002 on Wed
all of the staff wore vests
in honor of his birthday. It took him a little while to notice ,but he liked it.He always wore a vest
Some of us cut a vest out of a linen bag. They were very cute.!!
He was a great person and I will miss him very much.
Bless you ,Kris and family.
Dear Kris and family,
Several of us who knew David at San Pedro Hospital were deeply saddened to learn of his passing. We recalled his contributions to the hospital and fondly laughed as we shared stories of his mischievousness. During the times we shared I was always impressed by his pride and love for you. He was a great friend.
My heart goes out to you.
I was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Dr Fogel and want to express my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. He was my doctor for 8 years and he will be deeply missed. He had a very gentle nature about him and always had time to talk and share stories of his family. He was obviously very proud of his wife and family. I will always be very appreciative of the compassionate and wonderful care he gave to me.
Dear Kris and Family,
My wife Doreen and I are deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Fogel’s passing. He was a Doctor and a Friend to both of us when he was practicing in San Pedro, and remained so even when he moved his practice to Washington. When he moved to Washington we often called him for advice and he eagerly provided it. He was an incredible Doctor, we still haven’t found an adequate replacement in 12 years and an even better Human Being; I know that my wife and I both feel that we are better people for having known him. We look forward to the day we see him again in Heaven when we can sit with him and watch his beloved Big Blue play my Fighting Irish.
May Gods Grace rain down on you and all your loved ones in this time of need.
Tony and Doreen Pesce
We miss you.
I had the honor to work with this wonderful man. His dedication to his patients was what made me chose him as my doctor. Dr. Fogel’s love for his wife and children was what made him all the more amazing. I want to thank Kris and the kids for sharing this wonderful man with us all at DHS. He is missed everyday and will continue to be for years to come.
I was stunned by the tragic loss of Dr. Fogel. As a fellow University of Michigan Alumnus, we always included stories about Ann Arbor in my periodic visits to his office. When I last saw him in October, I told him I would be going to my 50th Reunion next June and would report back to him.
I always appreciated Dr. Fogel’s good humor, his professional attention to detail and his frankness.
My sincere condolences to his family and to his colleagues at Digestive Health Specialists.
H. David Kaplan
The announcement of the death of Dr. David Fogel was a most
shocking and distressing event. He was my personal physician, a most professional and thorough doctor. His competence was always evident, and highly valued. He accepted me as a patient even though I did my graduate work at Purdue University. We often discussed the football rivalries during my visits to his offfice.
My sincerest sympathies go to the Fogel family, as well as his colleagues. He will be missed by all.
Stanley M. Pier
In appreciation of an ethical and respected physician, a person of kindness and a generous spirit towards his fellow man.
I cannot believe he is gone. At ARMC, I remember what a gentle, caring physician and mentor he was for me and all of our patients with Auburn Community Health Center. He made no distinction in care between the insured and the uninsured except to be sensitive to their financial situation. He will be sorely missed. My sympathies are with you, his family, his staff and all of his patients. Blessed be.
We were saddened to read of the passing of David. We have fond memories of all of you at Temple Beth El, and also as the greatest and kindest physician.
Our sympathy is extended to your entire family may you all find comfort in each other and the wonderful human being that he was.
My heart and prayers go out to all of David’s family and friends.
My sincere condolences on the loss of Dr, Fogel. I did not know Dr. Fogel on a personal level. I was an occasssional patient at Digestive Health Specialists. His professional advice and demeanor was valuable to me. He eductaed me about my condition and discussed options with calmness and compassion. I was deeply affected to learn of his untimely passing. I pray the Lord’s blessing and peace be with his family.
Hi Kris: Estelle and I were so saddened and surprised to hear of David’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; we wish you comfort and understanding. Rabbi Lieb
although I didnot see Dave after high school I always knew that we were friends for life. I’m so sorry for his family and friends that we won’t be able to spend more time together w/ Dave
Just hearing the news today and I’m stunned. Just having had an appointment in early December we went over what had become our yearly check list – Michigan football i’m an OSU fan but he didn’t hold that against me, what his kids were up to proud dad to say the least, my recording studio, recent projects I was working on and how technology is changing music. My yearly visits seemed more like catching up with an old friend. Reading through the guest book, it appears I’m not the only one that felt that way.
Kris and family,
Wanted you to know how deeply sorry I am to hear about Dr. Fogel’s passing. He will be greatly missed. I had recently seen him in the office and hoped that he mentioned to you that I said “Hi”. He updated me about you and the kids and how wonderful you are all doing. My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family. Would love to hear from you if you have a moment. Take care,
Brenda Morrow HCC nursing school class of 1996
I want to wish my sympathies to the family of Dr. Fogel. He was a very warm and compassionate physician. I heard this many times from patients and also experienced it myself when I had the privilege of being seen in his office. Over the past month more than a few patients have told me how shocked they were that he was so suddenly taken from you. I can only imagine how hard it has been for all of you and I hope and pray that God has given the strength to deal with this difficult period. If there is anything that I can do please do not hesitate to contact me at 253-874-2246 or doclamba@aol.com. God bless.
I work at DHS Endoscopyin Federal Way and had the wonderful chance to work with Dr. Fogel for over a year. What a great man he was to work with. He was the only Doctor to eat lunch with us nurses and always asked about our lives beyond the work environment. While we like and/or respect all the physicians we work with, I can honestly say Dr. Fogel is our favorite. I just want to thank Kris and his family for sharing him with us and I am a better person for knowing him. My sympathy and prayers to you..Stacey Stefanich LPN