Arlo L. PITCHER, MD

PITCHER, SLARKS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/19/2012 at 22:08:32

March 24, 1919 --- May 2, 2012

St. James, Minn. — Arlo L. Pitcher, age 93, of Hobe Sound, Fla. died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at North Memorial Hospital in Stuart, Fla. after a gradual decline in health. A funeral service was held on Monday, May 7, 2012 in Patchogue, N.Y. with burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Ruland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Cards may be sent to Mrs. Elsie Pitcher, 7926 SE Trenton Ave., Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Arlo was born in Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada on March 24, 1919 to Vera and Herbert Pitcher. He attended Queens University for his undergraduate and medical degrees where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class. After finishing medical school he served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Arlo did his residencies in New York, N.Y. at Polyclinic Hospital and Washington DC. He married Elsie Beck of Patchogue, N.Y. whom he had met during his residency. Arlo worked as a general surgeon in Belmond, Iowa and St. James. After delivering his first grandchild in 1984, Arlo retired from private practice and moved with Elsie to Hobe Sound, Fla. During his retirement, he continued to work as a ship's physician with Holland America Line enabling him and Elsie to travel extensively, to see and experience many different cultures of the world. Arlo was a dedicated and caring doctor who was never too busy to help someone in need. He made house calls when needed. For one month every summer, Arlo worked as the community doctor at Fire Island Pines, NY, allowing him to spend time with his family, do some surf casting and enjoy the beauty of the island. Even in retirement, Arlo continued to read medical journals and was interested in the latest developments, treatments and technologies. He enjoyed his conversations with his grandchildren but especially enjoyed discussing medicine and science with Austin. Arlo never lost his love of learning and, shortly before he died, learned to use an iPad and instant messaged his grandchildren. Arlo was a loving, kind, patient and giving husband and father. He lived his life with grace, humility, generosity and kindness. He was a quiet man of faith who worked hard to provide a good life for his family and was an outstanding role model for them. He was a positive influence on so many people from many various walks of life. His was a life well-lived and and he will be greatly missed by his family.

Dr. Pitcher is survived by his wife, Elsie, of Hobe Sound, Fla; his daughter, Patricia Pitcher of Minneapolis; son Dr. Steve Pitcher and wife, Chris, of St. James; daughter Barbara Sue Slarks and husband, Al., of Boulder, Col. He is survived by three grandchildren, Dr. Austin A. Pitcher of New York, NY; Morgan Pitcher of St. James, MN and Alex Pitcher of St. James, MN. He is also survived by six nieces and nephews in Canada and one niece in New York. Arlo was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Vere.