Dr. Joseph H. Wyatt
Died January 22, 2015
SUTTONS BAY - Dr. Joseph Herbert Wyatt, 94, of Suttons Bay, passed away Jan. 22, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Wyatt was born on Feb. 20, 1920 in Flora, IL, the son of Herbert and Stella (Peak) Wyatt. On June 24, 1950 in Detroit, he married Maxine Armstrong who survives.
While it may seem that Dr. Wyatt’s birth date—2-20-20—predestined him to become the respected ophthalmologist he became, he was originally much more interested in athletics and music. A high school sports star, Dr. Wyatt completed two years of pre-med training at Illinois Wesleyan before attending Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, hoping to become a team trainer. Dr. Wyatt chose instead to focus on eye, ear, nose and throat training beginning in 1946 at the former Los Angeles County Hospital. He returned to Detroit in 1948 and practiced ear, nose and throat for a decade before specializing in only eyes. Ophthalmology became the dearly loved work of his life.
Founder of the Detroit Osteopathic Ophthalmology Consortium, Dr. Wyatt has been described as a visionary pioneer of osteopathic ophthalmology. In 1961, he began the first ophthalmology-only residency in the osteopathic profession centered in Highland Park, Michigan at the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital. Dr. Michael Rubin believes that Dr. Wyatt’s work will live forever: “He has left a remarkable legacy, as witnessed by the osteopathic ophthalmologists who are improving the quality of life for countless Americans.”
In the early 1960’s, Dr. Wyatt and his wife, Maxine, spent two and a half months traveling to 19 countries around the world, where Dr. Wyatt met and taught ophthalmologists. Dr. Wyatt and a friend, A. B. Rizzutti, MD, exhibited their skills in corneal transplant, often in tents set up in rural fields in India and Pakistan, using donor corneas obtained within each country as well as dehydrated corneas.
Died January 22, 2015
SUTTONS BAY - Dr. Joseph Herbert Wyatt, 94, of Suttons Bay, passed away Jan. 22, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Wyatt was born on Feb. 20, 1920 in Flora, IL, the son of Herbert and Stella (Peak) Wyatt. On June 24, 1950 in Detroit, he married Maxine Armstrong who survives.
While it may seem that Dr. Wyatt’s birth date—2-20-20—predestined him to become the respected ophthalmologist he became, he was originally much more interested in athletics and music. A high school sports star, Dr. Wyatt completed two years of pre-med training at Illinois Wesleyan before attending Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, hoping to become a team trainer. Dr. Wyatt chose instead to focus on eye, ear, nose and throat training beginning in 1946 at the former Los Angeles County Hospital. He returned to Detroit in 1948 and practiced ear, nose and throat for a decade before specializing in only eyes. Ophthalmology became the dearly loved work of his life.
Founder of the Detroit Osteopathic Ophthalmology Consortium, Dr. Wyatt has been described as a visionary pioneer of osteopathic ophthalmology. In 1961, he began the first ophthalmology-only residency in the osteopathic profession centered in Highland Park, Michigan at the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital. Dr. Michael Rubin believes that Dr. Wyatt’s work will live forever: “He has left a remarkable legacy, as witnessed by the osteopathic ophthalmologists who are improving the quality of life for countless Americans.”
In the early 1960’s, Dr. Wyatt and his wife, Maxine, spent two and a half months traveling to 19 countries around the world, where Dr. Wyatt met and taught ophthalmologists. Dr. Wyatt and a friend, A. B. Rizzutti, MD, exhibited their skills in corneal transplant, often in tents set up in rural fields in India and Pakistan, using donor corneas obtained within each country as well as dehydrated corneas.
Dr. Wyatt was honored with the Special Board of Governors Award by the AOCOO in 1990 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1975 as well as many other accolades in his professional career.
Upon retirement, Joe divided his time between Singer Island, Florida and Suttons Bay, Michigan and found joy in many things such as a life long commitment to fitness, singing in both church choirs and barbershop groups, volunteering as a nature park tour guide, gardening, and being a wonderful and loving grandfather. He was a member of Wyatt’s Walkers, a group of retired men who walked daily in and around Suttons Bay, as well as a member of several coffee clubs, including the “research” group in Suttons Bay. Joe was diagnosed with macular degeneration in his 70s and amazed all with his ability to find ways to still enjoy passions, such as replacing printed books with talking books. In later years, he enjoyed going on Wednesdays to listen to music at Dick’s Pour House in Lake Leelanau. He loved to laugh. He loved his work. He loved his family and was a loyal friend. Joe Wyatt’s life was, indeed, a life well lived.
Upon retirement, Joe divided his time between Singer Island, Florida and Suttons Bay, Michigan and found joy in many things such as a life long commitment to fitness, singing in both church choirs and barbershop groups, volunteering as a nature park tour guide, gardening, and being a wonderful and loving grandfather. He was a member of Wyatt’s Walkers, a group of retired men who walked daily in and around Suttons Bay, as well as a member of several coffee clubs, including the “research” group in Suttons Bay. Joe was diagnosed with macular degeneration in his 70s and amazed all with his ability to find ways to still enjoy passions, such as replacing printed books with talking books. In later years, he enjoyed going on Wednesdays to listen to music at Dick’s Pour House in Lake Leelanau. He loved to laugh. He loved his work. He loved his family and was a loyal friend. Joe Wyatt’s life was, indeed, a life well lived.
In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Joseph is survived by his children, Pam (David) Bradshaw, Wendy Wyatt, Stephen Wyatt, and Deb (Neal) Fellows; five grandchildren, Charlie Wyatt, Ben Fellows, Peter Fellows, Austin Fellows, and Olivia Fellows.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Harriet Sailor and Mary Gross.
Family will greet friends from 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with a Celebration of Joseph’s Life and Sharing Service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Reverend Doctor Robin Long will facilitate. A celebration luncheon will follow at the Village Inn in Suttons Bay.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Harriet Sailor and Mary Gross.
Family will greet friends from 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay with a Celebration of Joseph’s Life and Sharing Service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Reverend Doctor Robin Long will facilitate. A celebration luncheon will follow at the Village Inn in Suttons Bay.
Memorials may be directed to the Talking Book Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686 in the name of Joseph H. Wyatt.
Please share memories with Dr. Wyatt's family below.
Please share memories with Dr. Wyatt's family below.
Joe was a very respected pioneer in osteopathic medicine. He removed a metal fragment from my cornea in 1976 right in his office without complication. I remember him as a man with dignity and the epitome of professionalism but mainly as a "nice guy." His happiness was in serving others. This world and our profession needs more like him. He will rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Wyatt: The special memories that we have and good times will
Deletenever be forgotten.
Marilynn Jakubowski-McDonald and family
2-14-15
DeleteMy name is Mary Jo Wonacott (Agbabian) R.N. I am one of two nurses who worked and scrubbed for Dr. Joesph Wyatt at the Detriot Osteopathic Hospital for over five years. (1955-1961) He was an exellent eye surgeon, a doctors' doctor and a perfect gentlemen. It was my privilege to have known him. He was always kind to his patients, adored by the staff and admired by his peers. I send my loving condolences to his entire family.
Mary Jo Wonacott Agbabian R.N.