Robert C. Leaver M.D., died peacefully after a brief illness, at the age of 89 on June 26, at home with hs wife by his side.  An accomplished neurosurgeon, he graduated from the University of Colorado Medical School and completed his residency at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.  A Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, he was the commanding officer of the 24^th Evac Hospital in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.  From 1990 to 1991 he served as a Consultant Neurosurgeon in Desert Storm.  He founded Neurosurgeons of Cape Cod in 1976 and served as the sole neurosurgeon for Cape Cod and the Islands for over a decade.

 

Much like Robert Frost, Bob “had a lover’s quarrel with the world”.  Humble and generous, he had an uncanny sense for seeing things for what they were.  A diligent physician and compassionate toward his patients, Dr. Leaver set the bar high, always expecting the best of himself and of those he worked with. A lover of words, he had a vast library and read books of poetry, natural history and philosophy.  Bob also read his share of articles on the current state of society even though it drove him mad.

 

The essence of Bob’s belief is best expressed by his favorite author and poetic physicist, Alan Lightman, “Someone could follow them (his atoms) around for the next thousand years as they floated in air, mixed with the soil, became parts of particular plants and trees, dissolved in the ocean and then floated again to the air.  Some will undoubtedly become parts of other people, particular people.  Some will become parts of other lives, other memories.  That might be a kind of immortality

 

Upon retiring from surgery, Bob rediscovered his passion for small boat sailing and boat/kayak building, spending several weeks a year kayaking on the waters of Blue Hill, Maine and sailing his beloved Herreshoff 12 ½ around Lewis Bay.

 

Bob is survived by his children, stepchildren, grandchildren and his wife, Priscilla….his anam cara. Per Bob’s wishes the burial will be private.  In remembrance of Bob, please consider making a donation to one of the organizations he admired; Doctors Without Borders, The Animal Rescue League or The Nature Conservancy.

 

 

Twenty-six years ago I suffered a ruptured disc in my lower spine which required immediate surgery as it was impinging on the nerves in my lower legs. I was terrified and immediately told the doctor (Jim O'Conner) at Falmouth Hospital that I had to go to Boston. He replied that I could or I could have the "Leaver Procedure" done at CCH by Dr. Leaver himself. I did that and was forever grateful for his kind manner. My sympathies to you all.

I well remember my first encounter with Bob's excellence. A patient of mine had undergone surgery by him and based on my experience with prior neurosurgeons, I expected her to be bedridden for days. On my rounds I paid her a social visit and found her sitting in bed reading a book. I asked if the surgery had been cancelled. She assured me that it had been done and she was preparing to go home that day. I was amazed and impressed. I continued to be amazed and impressed by the excellent surgeon and compassionate person who constantly strove for perfection, yet remained a kind and caring man encompassing all the good we hope for in the word, "physician". An honor to have known him. - J. Robert (Bob) McNutt, MD

Sincere condolences to the family.