1925
Robert
2014
Robert Spurney
October 13, 1925 — October 1, 2014
Dr. Spurney graduated from CWRU (then Case Institute of Technology) as an Electrical Engineer (1945), then served on active duty in the U.S. Navy (1945 - 46). After discharge, he worked for Reliance Electric and Engineering Company designing electric motors and controls. In 1951, he returned to school (CWRU) and received his M.D. degree in 1955. This was followed by an internship, residency and special studies in ophthalmology. Since a part of his training was received at Government expense, he was recalled to active duty at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Key West, Florida, for two years. Since 1961 he practiced Ophthalmology mainly in Cleveland, Ohio, until retirement in year 2000.
He has been a member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights for 60+ years, where he has served on many committees including as a Deacon and a former Stephen Minister.
In 1979, Dr. Spurney received the YMCA-YWCA plaque for being the General Chairman of the Golden Triangle Campaign, and in 1988 he received the Heights Family YMCA plaque for "Many years of Untiring Service ..." for assisting with YMCA activities, including being Chairman of the Board for several years.
He also worked with Boy Scout and Explorer Scout programs, including four 12-day backpacking trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and three 5-day canoe trips in Canada and Maine.
In 1994 he was honored by the Department of Ophthalmology, CWRU, as the "Clinical Attending of the Year" for which he received a plaque.
He has served on the Board of the Shaker Historical Society, Shaker Heights, from 1991 to the present, and was elected Board President for 1999 to 2001, and then was elected to Emeritus status in 2003.
His experience in the armed forces, in medicine, and in engineering stimulated his great interest in American and World history, with a special passion for the American Civil War and Reconstruction. This interest motivated the writing of a monologue about General U.S. Grant, "The Name is Grant," and a historical novel, "A Family in War." Through the late 2000's he was working on another novel to portray soldiers from the much-decorated Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry during the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War. A captain in this unit spends many months with the Shakers in the North Union colony.
After retirement from medical practice in year 2000, he was elected to Emeritus status at CWRU for years of teaching and service.
Bob was the beloved husband of Florence W. (nee Weishampel)and the dear father of Robert F. Spurney (Yvonne) of Durham, NC; John C. Spurney (Meylin) of Kent, OH; James A. Spurney of Athens, OH and Laura V. Hill (Christopher) of Campbell, CA. He was the dear grandfather of Grant and Laura Spurney, Massiel, John and Terry Spurney and Sarah and Matthew Hill and dear brother of the late Paul M. Spurney, II.
Bob was a skilled physician, generous philanthropist, tennis player, world traveler, backpacker, writer, good neighbor and volunteer.
Bob passed away October 1st, 2014.
Those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Open Doors Capital Campaign Fund c/o Plymouth Church, 2680 Coventry Road, Shaker Hts., Oh 44120, where a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 6th at 3 PM.
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He has been a member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights for 60+ years, where he has served on many committees including as a Deacon and a former Stephen Minister.
In 1979, Dr. Spurney received the YMCA-YWCA plaque for being the General Chairman of the Golden Triangle Campaign, and in 1988 he received the Heights Family YMCA plaque for "Many years of Untiring Service ..." for assisting with YMCA activities, including being Chairman of the Board for several years.
He also worked with Boy Scout and Explorer Scout programs, including four 12-day backpacking trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and three 5-day canoe trips in Canada and Maine.
In 1994 he was honored by the Department of Ophthalmology, CWRU, as the "Clinical Attending of the Year" for which he received a plaque.
He has served on the Board of the Shaker Historical Society, Shaker Heights, from 1991 to the present, and was elected Board President for 1999 to 2001, and then was elected to Emeritus status in 2003.
His experience in the armed forces, in medicine, and in engineering stimulated his great interest in American and World history, with a special passion for the American Civil War and Reconstruction. This interest motivated the writing of a monologue about General U.S. Grant, "The Name is Grant," and a historical novel, "A Family in War." Through the late 2000's he was working on another novel to portray soldiers from the much-decorated Second Ohio Volunteer Cavalry during the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War. A captain in this unit spends many months with the Shakers in the North Union colony.
After retirement from medical practice in year 2000, he was elected to Emeritus status at CWRU for years of teaching and service.
Bob was the beloved husband of Florence W. (nee Weishampel)and the dear father of Robert F. Spurney (Yvonne) of Durham, NC; John C. Spurney (Meylin) of Kent, OH; James A. Spurney of Athens, OH and Laura V. Hill (Christopher) of Campbell, CA. He was the dear grandfather of Grant and Laura Spurney, Massiel, John and Terry Spurney and Sarah and Matthew Hill and dear brother of the late Paul M. Spurney, II.
Bob was a skilled physician, generous philanthropist, tennis player, world traveler, backpacker, writer, good neighbor and volunteer.
Bob passed away October 1st, 2014.
Those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Open Doors Capital Campaign Fund c/o Plymouth Church, 2680 Coventry Road, Shaker Hts., Oh 44120, where a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 6th at 3 PM.
PDF Printable Version
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