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Dear friends,
The MLD community has lost a pioneer, a great friend, and a tireless advocate seeking a cure for MLD. He died December 8, 2005, at age 80.
Dr. Krivit was a pioneer in bone marrow transplants, and one of the founding doctors of the University of Minnesota's Pediatric Blood & Marrow Transplant Program in 1974.
He was honored in April 2003 with a "Distinguished Career Award" by the American Society of Pediatric Hemotology/Oncology, an organization that he helped to found in 1977. He was further honored with the 2004 WORLD Organization for Lysosomal Storage Disease Outstanding Achievement award.
A memorial celebration of his life and career was held Saturday January 21st, 2006 at the Campus Club at the University of Minnesota's Coffman Union. The room was packed with family, friends, associates, patients, and past students of Dr. Krivit. We learned there that his professional life mirrored his relationship with his family - both full of passion, compassion, commitment, impact and memories.
His obituary in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune was published 12/11/05. There is also an on-line guest book there that you may wish to sign. The Star-Tribune also published this article on December 14th, 2005.
Dr. Krivit was a special friend, encourager and advocate for MLD research. While often outspoken, he was a gentle and very well respected man by both his patients and the medical community. He challenged his peers to research thoroughly and with a passion that reflected his care for every person suffering with MLD. He worked tirelessly to solve therapy and disease problems.
He was also a catalyst in the formation of MLD Foundation and a strong advocate of our efforts, methods, goals, and directions. He was honored by MLD Foundation in 2002 at the MLD Family™ conference held after the foundation was formally launched. He was a doctor, advocate, and friend of many MLD affected families.
Doctor Krivit was a participant on MLD Foundation's MLD Family Discussion List™ where he was part medical expert, part family member, and always an encourager.
Bill was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1925. His premed studies were at Duke University. Dr. Krivit received his M.D. Degree from Tulane University in 1948 and his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1958 where he has been on staff since 1951. He is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. He chaired the department from 1979 to 1985. During his 49 years of service to the University, followed in 1999 by 6 years of "active" retirement as professor emeritus, Dr. Krivit trained over 75 fellows representing some of the most influential people in their fields. He has also published over 400 manuscripts.
The scientific community and those suffering from genetic metabolic conditions are better because of his incessant commitment to people and his work.
The Minnesota Medical Foundation William Krivit Lectureship Series was starte din his honor.
We miss him tremendously – both personally and professionally, but are continually inspired by his passion and commitment.
He was blessed by his wife of 54 years, Chyrrel, who we were touched to meet at our first MLD Family conference in 1999.
--
Dean Suhr
President
MLD Foundation
West Linn, OR USA
December, 2005