A giant in the infectious disease medical community has passed away. He was also my neighbor.

[MontanaMama]

Dr. George Risi wasn’t a household name but his contributions to infectious disease research were immense...particularly HIV, H1N1 and Ebola. I was acquainted with George through his work at Infectious Disease Specialists, a clinical research practice specializing in testing vaccines for industry and government. Back in the day when my husband and I were poor as church mice, we participated in vaccine trials for H1N1, H5N1 and bubonic plague...we got paid for doing so. It was exciting at the time and helped pay the bills. Dr. Risi was also our neighbor. He walked past our house often and always waved and said hello when I was out front working in my garden. I noticed how thin he had become of late and worried he might be ill. He was, in fact, suffering from an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. He died December 12th.

From his obituary:

George wanted desperately to live. His greatest sorrow was that he knew he would not see his son marry, nor would he get to hold a grandchild. But he thought, at the very least, he would be granted the pleasure of seeing Trump marched out of the White House in 2021. That denied, he asks this of you: Wear a mask — they really do work; practice social distancing — sacrifice a little today for a better future. And, when it’s available, take the vaccine. Most importantly, he would remind you to hold your family close.

https://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/george-franklin-risi-jr-md/article_3d517381-f512-50e1-af49-9349d71da565.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I am sorry for your loss, my dear MontanaMama......and for all of us too.

He sounds like a true humanitarian, and we need them so much, esp. with the cruel reality that is camping in our White House.

May he rest in peace.

[marybourg]

2. He sounds like a giant of a man, also.

Condolences on the loss.

[Gilbert Moore]

4. THANKS for sharing

and putting some behind the scenes info of your experience with him !

[iluvtennis]

5. May Dr Risi Rest in Peace and his Memory Be a Blessing.

[NNadir]

6. Wow, what a guy! As Shakespeare put it...

He was a man, take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again.

We can only mourn those who have lived, and he has lived.

Although the loss is terrible, one can say that was a life well lived.

Deepest condolences.

[cilla4progress]

7. Senseless loss!

So sorry, MontanaMama. May his memory be a blessing.

A young friend (55) died of pancreatic cancer last week, as well. Such a vicious illness!




Kudos to you for participating in those vaccine trials!

[mountain grammy]

8. Thank you for sharing this..

and condolences on your loss and the loss to the world.

[2naSalit]

9. Oh no!

My condolences. Pancreatic cancer is becoming more common these days and that's awful.

[peggysue2]

10. Very nice tribute to your neighbor and friend

Thought the obituary was well written and moving. Pancreatic cancer is an awful disease and for whatever reason seems to be on the rise. Or perhaps the diagnosis of the disease is better.

Sorry for your loss.

2020. A year I think most of us would like to erase!

[BobTheSubgenius]

11. It's tough to read an obit about someone so valuable, but..

...denied his most fervent wishes, especially when he was on the doorstep of a few of those.

Easy travels, Doctor, and thank you for what you did.