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Dr. Robert Marvin Hegstrom, an accomplished physician, beloved husband, and attentive father, died February 25. He was 86 years old.
Born in Seattle in 1930, Robert and his younger sister were raised by their tenacious but poor working mother in the depths of the Depression after his father died in 1932. He attended central Seattle schools, including Minor, Meany and both Broadway and Garfield high schools, before attending the University of Washington, where he did his undergraduate work and obtained a medical degree. After doing his internship at Bellevue Hospital in New York, and serving as a physician in the Navy, he returned to the University of Washington as a medical resident and then research fellow. He served under Dr. Belding Scribner on the team that pioneered dialysis treatment for end-stage kidney disease that has saved countless lives. True to his passion, Robert's role on the team was as a clinician, focusing on patient care, and he continued to care for the first dialysis patient for years. He left the UW to enter private practice at the Virginia Mason Clinic, where he and Dr. Richard Paton established the nephrology section. Besides his tireless devotion to patients in nearly 30 years practicing medicine at Virginia Mason, Robert served for a time as director of medical education at Virginia Mason, and on the board of directors of the Northwest Kidney Centers. He retired from medicine in 1992.
Despite his success, Robert never forgot where he came from, and he and his wife supported liberal causes designed to open opportunities like those offered to him. They also supported Seattle arts. He was a lifelong outdoorsman, a mountaineer as a young man, a family backpacker in his middle years, and an inveterate walker right up until he no longer could. He was a voracious reader of history. He volunteered for several causes, including the Nordic Heritage Museum and Queen Anne Helpline. In his old age, he liked to say that he had lived his whole life in Seattle, and was half as old as the city. He marveled at the dramatic recent transformation of the city he had known eight decades, though he was not immune to its disruptions, including the recent sale and closure of the First Hill retirement home where he and his wife had planned to live out their lives. An unshakable optimist, Robert had a keen sense of humor, and remained unfailingly cheerful even when suffering physical debilitations that would have left a lesser man cranky. He would call long-distance relatives and tell of the glimpses of sunshine he had seen on those Seattle days the weatherman described as mostly cloudy.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna; his baby sister, Carolyn Hibbard; his children from a previous marriage, Carol, John, and Edward; two daughters-in-law; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews along with their children and children's children. He is preceded in death by his stepson, Dennis Schellhase.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Northwest Kidney Centers, Planned Parenthood, or the charity of the giver's choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Bleitz Funeral Home, Seattle, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bleitz Funeral Home.
6 Entries
May 5, 2019
Len Doberne
I am very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. he was a first class physician whom I admired, and had a larger view of life than just medicine. I was lucky enough to interview with him for internship in internal medicine, and I was fortunate to have his support in my first few years of being a physician, for which I have always been grateful. I am sure I have been a better physician because of his influence. Luckily, I was able to speak with him late in his life, and thank him for the support he gave me. My condolences to Donna, especially with the loss of your son as well. Best wishes.
June 14, 2017
Robyn Langham
Dear Mrs. Hegstrom, I was a patient of Dr. Hegstrom in 1974. I was a young mother with very high blood pressure that could not be controlled. He diagnosed my renal problem after diligent testing and retesting. He wasn't satisfied (as many doctors before him had been) with my previous diagnosis. I credit him with saving my life, and making it possible for me to live a healthy and productive life. I am now 70, and doing very well. He was a wonderful man, and Seattle and Virginia Mason have lost a valuable contributor.
Sincerely, Robyn Langham
March 11, 2017
Dear Donna
When I first came to Seattle more than 50 years ago Bob was one of the first local nephrologists that I met and we became good friends.
He was a great doctor and a delightful individual.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Chris Blagg
March 8, 2017
ed benson
Dear Donna,
I am a better man and a better doctor from having known Bob. I treasure so many memories from the good old days. I am sorry to be unable to attend his service.
Ed Benson
March 5, 2017
Jillian and Jonas
Donna, we wish you strength in this difficult time. Bob was such a gracious host, a good listener, and an insightful observer. We loved his warm humor, which he managed to share even in the face of what must have been significant physical discomfort. We will miss him.
March 1, 2017
Kris Johnson
Donna, we are holding you close to our hearts. The lovely lunch we shared at this time last year is all the more poignant as we recall it now. You two have been a remarkable team and your devotion inspired us both. Please know that we are thinking of you and remembering Bob's kindness and his wit.
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