BURDETT S. DUNBAR, M.D.
1938-2018
Dr. Burdett S. Dunbar – Burt, to his friends -- died on March 3, 2018.
He was a man of varied interests, who especially enjoyed traveling the globe with his beloved wife, Kathie. An accomplished cook, he savored good food and drink, all the more when he could share them with family and friends. He loved to read, to write, and to support his beloved Astros.
Born Dec. 6, 1938 in Galva, Ill., Burt was raised on a farm but knew from an early age that he would be a doctor. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1960 and from the University of Illinois medical school in Chicago in 1963. He felt extremely fortunate to have completed his residency in anesthesia under Dr. Dripps at the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the US Air Force stateside during the Vietnam conflict.
Dr. Dunbar spent his career at teaching hospitals, training and mentoring young doctors in pediatric anesthesiology. His longest tenures were at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, where he established the hospital’s academic department of anesthesiology.
A student of history, he became an expert on Civil War medicine and the early uses of anesthetics. He was proud of his time as a Fellow at the Wood Library In Chicago.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons: Michael of Wimberley, Texas; Brian of Arlington, Virginia.; and Brad of Midland, Texas. He is also survived by a sister, Ann Diederich of Austin, a brother- and sister-in-law, four grandchildren, a greatgranddaughter, a niece and two nephews, five greatnieces and –nephews, and a daughter who adopted him. He was predeceased by his brother Dwight, his son Alex and two grandsons, Daniel and Andrew.
He was a treasured friend to many who will miss his wit, his intellect, and his wonderful smile.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research, or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of Burt’s life will be announced at a later date.