Stewart Ephraim Pursel ’52

Pete died Sep. 18, 2003, of lung cancer, in Royal Oak, Mich.

He graduated from Mercersburg Academy. At Princeton, he majored in biology, was a member of Tower Club and the Daily Princetonian staff, and played varsity golf. From Princeton he went on to Yale Medical School and a distinguished career as a surgeon, professor, and volunteer. After service as an Air Force captain, he worked as clinical assistant professor of surgery at Wayne State U. School of Medicine from 1970 until his death; as a chief of thoracic surgery and a cardiovascular surgeon at four metropolitan Detroit hospitals; and as a founding doctor in a free clinic for the homeless.

Pete's skill and accomplishments earned him many honors, including Yale's Winchester Fellowship in Thoracic Surgery, the presidency of the Detroit Academy of Medicine, and special recognition from the United Way and Lutheran Social Services.

Ever gentle and compassionate, Pete was an avid golfer and member of the Detroit Golf Club, and also an elder at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church. Above all, he was a devoted friend and loving family man.

To his cherished wife of 50 years, Mary Louise; his son, Thomas; his daughter, Linda; his sister; and his six grandchildren, the class extends deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1952