EUGENE Edward FIBUCH, M.D. – Eugene (Gene) E. Fibuch, M.D. peacefully passed away Sunday, August 20th, 2017 at the Hospice House of Kansas City after an arduous nine year battle with cancer. A visitation, funeral service and reception will be held Friday, August 25, 2017 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206. The visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. A military burial will be held at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Gene was born January 8, 1945 in St. Paul, MN to Edward and Elizabeth (Biel) Fibuch and was blessed to have loving role models in his parents.
He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from the Creighton University School of Medicine in 1970. In 1974, he graduated from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Anesthesiology and immediately entered the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and began his teaching career at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. His love of teaching brought him to Kansas City in 1976 where he began as a staff anesthesiologist at St. Luke’s Hospital. In 1977, he became the Program Director of the Anesthesiology residency training program at St. Luke’s and graduated over 100 physicians throughout his career. He served on many hospital and board committees and was the member of many professional medical organizations. He also served as the Vice-President and Medical Director for Quality at St. Luke’s Hospital and was instrumental in St. Luke’s winning the Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award in 2003. He was a true academic leader who also served as a senior oral examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology for over 25 years.
In 1991 he became the Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine until his retirement in 2014 when he was appointed Professor Emeritus. His board certifications included Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Pain Management, Quality Assurance and Certification as Physician Executive. Gene was a kind, caring physician who continuously challenged himself and his resident physicians to find ways to improve the quality of care for patients. He was a leader with high expectations for himself and others. He always encouraged everyone he worked and associated with to become more than they believed they could be.
Gene was a principled man of character whose love of faith, family and his country guided him throughout his life in all his endeavors. A man of many talents, Gene has been described as a Renaissance man whose varied interests were seen in the beautiful wood sculptures he created for his home, the intricately assembled model war ships and airplanes. His daughters also appreciated the handcrafted doll house he made for them. He loved traveling the world with his family and friends absorbing the details of many cultures. His wife especially appreciated his handyman ability; he could fix almost everything around the house himself. He also enjoyed bantering with his neighbors and helped them whenever he could. He was known for many years to awaken at 4:45 a.m. in the winter to plow the snow so everyone could get to work on time. Gene truly loved and treasured his family, friends, neighbors and his fellow Knights of Columbus, where he was a member of the honor guard for the 4th degree Fr Michael J. McGiviney, assembly #3141.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward S. Fibuch. He is survived by his wife, Annette of 47 years, and his daughters Heather Townsend (Justin) Stilwell, KS and Jennifer Robertson M.D (Atlanta, GA), grandchildren Jeannette and Shane Townsend and his two beloved grand dogs, Harvard and Zoe Belle Robertson. His mother, Elizabeth and sisters, Darlene Kowalski (Jerry), Mary Jo Anderson from Minnesota and brother-in-law Thomas Simek (Evelyn) of Arizona also survive him.
The family is deeply grateful to all of Gene’s physicians, nurses, family members and caregivers who compassionately traveled this journey with him. They left no stone unturned in his care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kansas City Hospice House and Palliative Care, Kansas City, Missouri; the Church of the Nativity Knights of Columbus, the Fr. Michael J. McGiviney Assembly #3141 or the charity of your choice.
–
Sorry for your loss.
He was truly a great man, and will be missed. Condolences to his wonderful family.
Gene was a true friend, as is Annette. I recall so fondly our many discussions about how to improve healthcare. Gene’s heart beat for others and for excellence in all he did. He will missed deeply, and our prayers of comfort continue for his family.
Yes, we truly did lose another of the good men. Mom and I can truly understand your loss. From mom, Erin and I we send our love and prayers.
This world has lost an incredible man, a beloved husband, an amazing father, a renowned physician, a wonderful communicator, a connoiseur of fine food and wine, a physician filled with kindness and conviction for his patients, a tremendous friend and a true warrior for his family, friends and his health to the bitter end! There was nothing more delightful than having dinner with Gene and Annette. It was an evening filled with interesting conversations, laughter and genuine friendship. These are treasured memories! I will miss you, Gene!
Thank your Mary Ellen! Your thoughts mean a lot!
Thank you Nancie
Gene was a Knight of Columbus in the truest sense. He was a great brother and friend as well as a man of principle. The Honor Guard will sorely miss his presence!
Kent Noel, Ph.D.
Past Faithful Navigator – Assembly #3141
Thank you so much Charlotte! You are 100% right, he was a great man and we miss him more than ever.
Thank you so much for your kind words! He was one of a kind and a great man!
Gene was a Knight of Columbus in the truest sense. He was a great brother and friend as well as a man of principle. The Honor Guard will sorely miss his presence!
Kent Noel, Ph.D.
Past Faithful Navigator – Assembly #3141
Dave, thank you so much! We appreciate your kind words & memories of my father and my mother’s husband! On behalf of all of us, thank you for your condolences.
Thank you Dr. Noel. He truly was a man of principle and treasured all of his brother Knights! Thank you for your kind words
My prayers for your family remain as you walk through sadness and yet celebration of a life so well lived. God bless you all. Kath
Gene will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Annette… I was shocked to open up the email from you and see that you lost your dear husband. I am so very very sorry to hear that. I know the pain you are feeling. That was a beautiful obituary that was written for him, it certainly told the story of his life and the people that he loved. Please know you are in my thoughts and your family is also. Peace to your hearts as you go through this difficult time. Fondly, Susan
Your father was one of the most forthright and stalwart Knights I have ever known. His defense of the Honor Guard being able to wear our full regalia i.e. carrying our swords, was extremely important to all of us. He went to the mat for that cause with a control issue pastor, who wouldn’t allow it. He will always be remembered as a man who wasn’t afraid to stand up and speak up.
I will proudly and gratefully be in his Honor Guard at the funeral.
Michael Nolte
I worked with Dr. Fibuch for many years in Labor and delivery and later when I was on the Quality Council with him. He was so professional and he held a special place in my heart, since he saved my life during the birth of my second child. I never could find the proper time to tell him, but one day I did. He was very humble and touched and I will always be so grateful her was there to take care of me. I’m so sorry to hear of his death.
Michael,
Thank you for the beautiful comments about my father. He was an amazing father and husband to my mother and a fabulous friend. I look forward to meeting you at the funeral on Friday as well as all the other Honor Guard Knights!
Thank you Mrs. Brown for your condolences. We miss him a lot!
Kathryn thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. We really do appreciate all the prayers!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you for your sacrifices throughout the years with your husband/father, as he dedicated his life to our residency program so that we would all become truly competent anesthesiologists. During my training, I often wondered if I would ever make him proud. His standards were so high. I look back and feel very grateful that he gave so much of himself for our benefit, which I’m sure for your family translated into dinners, parties, vacations, and weekends without him.
I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Fibuch’s passing. He was a mentor of mine when I joined the Saint Luke’s Pain Clinic as a young staff physician in 2001. He was such a knowledgeable physician and helped to shape the careers of many young anesthesiologists over the years. He helped me as I began my academic career and always encouraged me in my endeavors. He continuously inspired a culture of excellence and will be remembered for this always. I want to convey to you the powerful influence he had on many at Saint Luke’s/UMKC Department of Anesthesiology. I aspire to be as good a teacher to the trainees that continue to come through the residency program as he was. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to my friend and her family for there lose of a great man and may God Bless you with all his might Please let me know if there is ANYTHING that I can do for you all ALL MY LOVE JANE FORD hugs and kisses
Many thoughts, love and prayers for you and your family. Cherish all those special memories you have of him. I am sure you have many!May God bless all of you as you continue down your own lifes journey until you meet again.
What a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived. I am praying for you all during this time of great sorrow.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Fibuch was really a pro and a very kind person. I am a nurse anesthetist who always enjoyed working with him. I always learned a lot from him. God be with you all.
Kerry Mowrey CRNA
He was a remarkable man. He will be missed by many. So sorry for your lose
What a wonderful and accomplished man. Mrs. Fibuch, Heather and Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you to all for your kind words. They mean so much to our family.
The best teacher I ever had. It was a privilege to be one of the physicians to graduate under his watch.
I feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. He was always kind. He was a wonderful physician. St. Luke’s was very fortunate to have him.
So sorry. He was a great and inspiring leader, and a caring physician.
Annette, Jennifer and Heather, I am so very sorry for you loss. Your family are in my prayers. God bless your hearts! Sending love!
Annette, I just saw you in the beauty shop. I always used to run into you at various places around town but was so thrilled to be sitting by you at the Salon. I had no idea that your dear husband was so ill. I send my deepest and sincere condolences to you and your precious family. What a legacy he has left for your grandchildren. He must have been quite a wonderful man .
Annette, Heather, and Jennifer. My sympathy to all of you. So sorry to hear about Gene. May you feel the presence of our Lord Jesus and celebrate all the years you had with him. Many memories shared at Barstow. Lovingly, Charlotte Koenigsdorf
I am sorry for your loss, what a life well lived. Peace be with you, your mother and your sister.
I’m so sorry for your Loss. If it wasn’t for Dr. Fibuch taking a chance on me, I would not be the man I am today. I was one of the fortunate six who made up his last class of residents at umkc before he retired. I will be forever grateful he chose me. It brought great sadness but also much pride to my heart to read his obituary this am.
Gene was a mentor to many young Knights. The principles of charity, unity and fraternity flourished every time he was present. I will miss you my friend.
To Annette, Jennifer, Heather and Family:
Thank you for sharing Genes obituary with us. What a wonderful and purpose driven life Gene lived. There are no words to describe how saddened we are at the passing away of your beloved partner and father. He was always there for you through thick and thin and we would always admire the love and affection you all shared. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with you and please let us know if you need ANYTHING that we can provide.
NELSON AND ANNE JOHNSON & family
His colleagues in anesthesiology across the country and especially those at Mayo Clinic who admired his dedication and excellence will miss him. He was a great mentor for many of our current physicians.
Dr Fibuch was a tremendous asset to Saint Luke’s and UMKC School of Medicine. He was always prepared, a scholar (smarter than anyone else in the room) and driven to provider quality care / outcomes. He cared about patients. I will miss his energy towards the “Baldrige journey” and miss his friendship / mentoring. Rest in Jesus. Vince V
Gene was truly a man of conscience, drive and conviction. It was a joy to be in the Knights of Columbus (Nativity Council and McGivney Assembly) with him, especially the Honor Guard. It was a pleasure and honor to know him. He truly deserved the title Sir Knight and will be missed. – Mike Kirby, Faithful Navigator, K of C Assembly 3141.
I will forever remember my recruitment visit to Kansas City and Saint Luke’s Hospital some 35 years ago. I met Gene and Annette for brunch one Sunday morning. I recall immediately deciding on the airplane back to Rochester, MN that I wanted to pursue my professional career in KC. Gene’s demeanor, his professional attitude and friendly nature was responsible for the development of my career. What might have been in his absence – I cannot say for certain. But I can say that I will sorely miss his academic rigor, dogged determination and kindness. My symapathy to Annette and the entire family. Rest forever in peace dear friend – I regret not seeing you one last time before you passed on.
Please accept my sincere condolences.Gene especially inspired me with fellowship in the Knights of Columbus Council 3141 and the Fr. Michael J. McGiveny Assembly. I will serve in the Honor Guard this Friday. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with Gene, his family and friends.
I lived with Gene the first two years of medical school and shared with him several clinical rotations the following two years. In those early years one knew that what ever he chose to do he would do it well. And he did.
Here now I have a pleasing memory of him. We were sitting on his back porch philosophizing about our lives when he turned to me and said, “you know, Chuck, I really like what I do”. That’s not a blessing that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy. All of his years of personal contentment and all of his personal accomplishments will be my lasting memory of my friend, Gene.
My wife and I send our sympathies to Annette, his mother and the girls.
I worked with Dr Fibuch for many years as an Rn in surgery at St. Lukes. I observed him as a great teacher to the anesthesia residents. He was always a calming, firm presence in the wake of emergencies. I got to know him over the years and later after he retired from the OR when he would come by to visit he was always gracious in greeting everyone. He remembered my name and we would always chat. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you, his family.
Truly Gene was an extraordinary gentleman and passionate about everything he ever did. Gene’s tireless work and leadership in the Saint Luke’s Quality program was key to our winning the Malcolm Baldridge Quality award. Gene was the one we all relied on to insure we were achieving the highest standards in medical care. I don’t know how many times he would pause and then say “well, Rich” and I knew I was going to receive a lesson. Fortunately for me his lessons were carefully articulated and correct. He truly was one of very the few truly outstanding people I have ever known. I miss him but his legend and contribution to Saint Luke’s will always be present.
Dr Fibuch was a wonderful man,a very caring compassionate and humble. May he Rest In Peace and perpetual light shine upon him. Condolences to his family and friends. There are very few who accomplish so much in a lifetime. I am sure he is welcomed into heaven with a “well done trusted servant”! ❤️?
Annette,
Bobbie and I are truly sorry for your loss and will pray for you and your family. I have known Gene for close to 40 years and everything said about him in the obituary is absolutely true. He is one of those few people who truly made a great contribution. He will be sorely missed.
Steve and Bobbie Slogoff