Lazarus J. LOEB

LOEB, Dr. Lazarus J. MD, FRCPC, FACP, FCCP, FAAAI, FACAAI Highly regarded and well loved Fort Worth allergist, died unexpectedly November 1, 2005 from complications after knee surgery. Dr. Loeb had practiced in Fort Worth since 1982. Described as the "Dean of Texas Allergy" by Texas Monthly Magazine, his credo was "Always listen to the patient." As a teaching professor he believed in only doing for the patient what you could justify to the student. As a dedicated physician for forty-six years, he was not above making house calls or meeting distressed patients at his office late at night. He avidly kept abreast of developments in medical practice and therapeutics. Dr. Loeb lived to practice medicine; he relished challenging medical problems and had a gift for diagnosis. Dr. Loeb's medical training began after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Bacteriology from McGill University in Montreal. He proceeded to the University of Western Ontario where he earned a Master of Science degree in Microbiology while he lectured medical classes in bacteriology. While a lecturer he earned his medical degree. He graduated cum laude earning five awards in addition to AOA Honor Medical Society. Fascinated by allergy, his post-graduate training was at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City under Dr. Robert A. Cooke, the father of modern allergy practice in North America. He returned to Ottawa, Canada, to found a five doctor allergy practice and became head of the Allergy Department at the University of Ottawa. He authored more than 60 journal articles on allergy, bacteriology and medical practice as well as chapters in medical texts. Always active in medical organizations, Dr. Loeb encouraged physicians to remain independent of government control and insurance limitations and to vigilantly maintain the quality of medical care. He was elected president of the Canadian Academy of Allergy in 1965 and in 1977 he was elected president of the Ontario Medical Association. He later served on the board of directors of the Canadian Medical Association. After immigrating to Texas in 1980, Dr. Loeb continued his involvement with medical organizations including the Tarrant County Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, Texas Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society, and the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee of Texas. Dr. Loeb was a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians - Canada and a fellow of both the American Accademy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. He trained numerous residents and fellows in allergy as a clinical professor at Southwestern University Medical Center in Dallas and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. In 1997 he received the Outstanding Teacher Award in Allergy and Immunology from UT Southwestern. Dr. Loeb's favorite hobby was flying. He obtained a commercial pilot's license early in his practice. Accompanied by Mrs. Loeb, also a pilot, he established flying doctor clinics in Northern Ontario. Laz was an incorrigible punster and could always provide a light-hearted observation. He loved food, the arts and studied broadly and would generously venture an opinion on science, politics, crosswords or anything. He felt his best investments were in people and he was well loved in return. His kindness and respect are well remembered by family and friends. Lazarus Jacob Loeb was born the youngest of six sons to Rose and Moses Loeb in Ottawa, Canada, on September 23, 1927. As the youngest in a competitive family, Lazarus was encouraged to study medicine. Three brothers, Bert, Jules and David Loeb remain in business in the United States and Canada. Dr. Lazarus Loeb is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline, of Fort Worth, Texas, children Alanna McGeough BScN and Joe McGeough CFP of Ottawa, Canada, Robert Loeb, MD of Houston, Texas, Lisa Loeb MBA and Gabe Lowenberg MBA of Ottawa, Canada, Leslie Thompson MFA, MBA of Toronto, Canada, Susan Ward MBA of Alanta, Georgia, Grant Thompson BSc and Debbie Thompson, MPH of Atlanta, Georgia, James Thompson, MS, MD of Marshfield, Wisconsin; grandchildren Alex, Shaun, Joshua, Brandon, Scott, Hannah, Katherine, Rachel, Caroline and many dear friends and patients. A funeral service will be held on November 6, 1:00 p.m., at the Jewish Memorial Chapel, 1771 Cuba Avenue, Ottawa. Interment will follow at the Jewish Community Cemetery, Osgoode. Shiva at 37 Claudet Cr., Ottawa, Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with evening services at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 11/6/2005