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Dr Robert W. Aanestad

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Dr Robert W. Aanestad Veteran

Birth
Death
20 Aug 2005 (aged 85)
Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, USA
Burial
Cremated, Location of ashes is unknown Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
AANESTAD, Robert W., MD
Dr. Robert W. Aanestad, 85, died at home on August 20th in Sonoma, after a long struggle with many illnesses. Dr. Aanestad was born and raised in Minnesota where he entered the University of Minnesota at age 15, earning his degree in the sciences and a minor in philosophy, followed by his medical degree. He married June in 1943 and moved to San Francisco where he did his internship and residency at Franklin Hospital. He began his family practice in 1947 and retired in 1983. He worked primarily at Saint Luke's Hospital and Franklin Hospital (which became Ralph K. Davies' Hospital). For many years, Robert volunteered regularly at Cannon Kip Clinic for low income patients. Dr. Aanestad was very proud of his service to this country. He was enlisted in the Army; later joined the Army Reserves and served for 26 years, retiring with the rank of colonel. He and his wife June raised seven children. During his practice, the needs of his patients and community came first, followed by those of family, and lastly his own. He was a man of few words, but the few he chose were of full measure. He had a gentle hand, was kind and compassionate, living proof that actions speak louder than words. Although he was a city doctor, he referred to himself as an "old country doctor." He delivered babies, assisted with surgeries, and was on call 24/7, 365 days a year. Before losing his sight, shortly after retirement, he was an avid golfer and bowling enthusiast. He regularly made it to the Lincoln golf course at dawn to play nine holes before making his hospital rounds, seeing patients in his office, and making house calls - even in the middle of the night. He is survived by June, his loving and devoted wife of 63 years; their surviving children: Karin Morrison, Kathy Aanestad and her life partner Veda Lewis, Nancy Strongin and her husband David, Erik Aanestad, and Susan Abouata and her husband Elie; grandchildren: Phillip Morrison, Christina, Robert, and Paul Aanestad, Joseph, Sarah and Perry Abouata; and his sister, Dorothy Porter; nephews, Al and Brad Porter and niece, Abigail Balland; and cousin, Amy Schneider who was like a daughter to him. Dr. Aanestad practiced his belief in the Creator's message of "love your fellow man." He did his best to treat everyone equally, always open and affirming in his actions. He was a caring and an excellent listener. He summarized his philosophy in the following words, from St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, 1692: "Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, you may become vain and bitter. For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery, But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself; especially do not feign affection and neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings, many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive God to be; and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul." Even in death the sun still shines. The family will sorely miss you but applaud your life's work. In loving memory, your family. Arrangements under the direction of: DUGGAN'S MISSION CHAPEL MISSION CREMATION SERVICE Sonoma, CA
AANESTAD, Robert W., MD
Dr. Robert W. Aanestad, 85, died at home on August 20th in Sonoma, after a long struggle with many illnesses. Dr. Aanestad was born and raised in Minnesota where he entered the University of Minnesota at age 15, earning his degree in the sciences and a minor in philosophy, followed by his medical degree. He married June in 1943 and moved to San Francisco where he did his internship and residency at Franklin Hospital. He began his family practice in 1947 and retired in 1983. He worked primarily at Saint Luke's Hospital and Franklin Hospital (which became Ralph K. Davies' Hospital). For many years, Robert volunteered regularly at Cannon Kip Clinic for low income patients. Dr. Aanestad was very proud of his service to this country. He was enlisted in the Army; later joined the Army Reserves and served for 26 years, retiring with the rank of colonel. He and his wife June raised seven children. During his practice, the needs of his patients and community came first, followed by those of family, and lastly his own. He was a man of few words, but the few he chose were of full measure. He had a gentle hand, was kind and compassionate, living proof that actions speak louder than words. Although he was a city doctor, he referred to himself as an "old country doctor." He delivered babies, assisted with surgeries, and was on call 24/7, 365 days a year. Before losing his sight, shortly after retirement, he was an avid golfer and bowling enthusiast. He regularly made it to the Lincoln golf course at dawn to play nine holes before making his hospital rounds, seeing patients in his office, and making house calls - even in the middle of the night. He is survived by June, his loving and devoted wife of 63 years; their surviving children: Karin Morrison, Kathy Aanestad and her life partner Veda Lewis, Nancy Strongin and her husband David, Erik Aanestad, and Susan Abouata and her husband Elie; grandchildren: Phillip Morrison, Christina, Robert, and Paul Aanestad, Joseph, Sarah and Perry Abouata; and his sister, Dorothy Porter; nephews, Al and Brad Porter and niece, Abigail Balland; and cousin, Amy Schneider who was like a daughter to him. Dr. Aanestad practiced his belief in the Creator's message of "love your fellow man." He did his best to treat everyone equally, always open and affirming in his actions. He was a caring and an excellent listener. He summarized his philosophy in the following words, from St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, 1692: "Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, you may become vain and bitter. For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career however humble, it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery, But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself; especially do not feign affection and neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings, many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive God to be; and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul." Even in death the sun still shines. The family will sorely miss you but applaud your life's work. In loving memory, your family. Arrangements under the direction of: DUGGAN'S MISSION CHAPEL MISSION CREMATION SERVICE Sonoma, CA


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