Harriet Fellows
Stanley B. Kaye, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. finished his well lived life on October 13, 2016 in much the same way as he lived- on his own terms. He had retired from practice and teaching several years ago and was living in North Miami Beach with his wife, Roz when he became ill earlier in the month.
Born in Manhattan, New York, Stan was educated in the public school system. He enlisted in the Army when World War II broke out and served as a technical sergeant in the Army. He was present in the theatre at Omaha Beach and later was present at Germany’s surrender in 1945. He attended and graduated from the University of Arizona and then went to Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine. After he completed a full Osteopathic surgical residency. His entire practice occurred in the Miami area. He is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.
In addition to surgical practice, Dr. Kaye was the Chairman of Surgery at both Southeastern Medical Center and at Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine (now Nova Southeastern University) in North Miami Beach. He was a lecturer in podiatric medicine at Barry University. He resigned his license to practice Osteopathic medicine last year, at the age of 92. He was a 32nd order Mason.
Dr. Kaye was a fierce advocate for his patients, sometimes to the point of putting other staff members on edge. He believed in doing what was right and not necessarily what was expedient or cost effective. He knew every aspect of patient care and demonstrated his empathy and commitment by sitting at the side of his patients while he carefully elicited their concerns. He was an avid student and a motivated teacher. No matter how much he knew about a surgical procedure, he sat up the night before surgery and reviewed his anatomy and surgical texts while he chewed on peanuts and drank a glass of milk. His attention to detail, right down to his penmanship, was remarkable. It would be a rare occasion to see Dr. Kaye without a bow tie and a jacket or lab coat.
His last few days were much like his life; despite excessive personal burden of a health crisis, and family health concerns, Dr. Kaye concentrated his efforts on others. He gave a stern lecture to my son in Japan on the importance of family; he talked with his granddaughter, a fourth year med student headed for a career in surgery, his wife and daughter and the residents caring for him. After assessing his own situation and recognizing that efforts to recover his own health were herculean, he signed his own DNR papers and took the time to produce a steady, well penned signature.
His last days were filled with conversation about his career and his family- his two loves. He greeted visitors and said tearful goodbyes to loved ones. He prayed. He laughed. He enjoyed talking about and listening to old stories about lunches in the cafeteria, interactions with fellow doctors and residents. He was especially fond of some of his students and residents and spoke with great admiration for those who came before him. Dr. Kaye had understandable regrets at not being there to see his granddaughter graduate from medical school and not dancing at the weddings of his grandsons and grand nephew. And up until the last four hours of his time with us, he had a twinkle in his eye.
Dr. Kaye leaves behind his wife, Roz of 55 years, a daughter Elisa Seigel (David), his daughter Laura and three grandchildren, Julie, Michael and Eric. He is also survived by his niece, Harriet A. Fellows, D.O., F.A.C.N. who has lost her mentor, friend and uncle, as well as several other nieces and ne