Dr. Richard Shapiro - In Memorium

Richard Shapiro was so loved in our community that when he died quite suddenly of a heart attack on July 21, 2005, our entire community was stunned.  Nearly half of the staff at our local hospital couldn’t come in to work the following day.  His family, colleagues, staff and patients were shocked and devastated.  And the world lost a gentle, funny, quirky healer.

We were all Richard’s favorite patients.  He had a remarkable ability to connect with each of us in a remarkable way that made us feel loved and protected.  But Richard was anything but a father figure.  At 41 he was all “boy,” completely engaged in having fun.  He adored going with his kids to Disneyland.  He was a great fan of rap music.  He loved good food and encouraged his patients not to give up their favorite things to eat because they thought it would be better for treating the cancer.

Although humor was a natural part of Rich, he was deeply compassionate.  When he visited patients in the hospital, he would often visit other patients, ask them how they were doing and share concern over their condition.  He would often cry at home after losing a patient he was fond of.

Richard left a beautiful wife and a ten year old daughter and twelve year old son.  His daughter has struggled most of her young life with a life-threatening condition.  He planned vacations to celebrate her survival of yet another surgery.  He was very devoted to his family.

While we all miss Richard tremendously, I feel grateful that I knew him and had him as my doctor.  And I know that he was a man who lived each day fully and joyfully.  His short-but-full life is a model of how we should all live – passionately and fully – as we have no idea when we may need to leave.  Thanks Rich for the time you shared with me!