Dr. Don Fitch, age 77, of Ford River (Portage Point), passed away Monday afternoon, August 8, 2011, at the St. Francis Hospital, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Don was born June 8, 1934, in Lansing, the son of Clinton B. and Beatrice (Nelson) Fitch. He was raised in Lansing and graduated from Lansing Sexton High School. Following high school, Don continued his education at the University of Michigan where he completed his undergraduate degree and medical school studies. On August 25, 1957, Don was united in marriage to the former Patricia Ann
Anonymous
As a teenager growing up as a neighbor of the Fitch family throughout the 1970s on Portage Point, our deepest sympathy go out to Paddy and the entire family. My Dad, Robert E. Benson, was a pharmaceutical salesman and always had the highest praise for Dr. Fitch as a doctor and a person. When we were kids growing up, Dr. Fitch was kind enough to let us use his tennis and basketball courts. He was quite the athlete himself and was a terrific tennis player. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill & Milena Benson
Sussex WI
I am proud to have worked with Dr. Fitch at DPFP for 5 years. He was a man that always took time to enjoy the simple things in life. He was a wonerful practioner, an amazing person and a true friend. I will always remember and treasure the moments that Patt, Dr. Fitch & I shared a few years ago enjoying the Eagle Nest Cam! He will be missed.
Kelly Niskanen Wyckoff
Escanaba MI
Paddy I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
Mae Gould
I once worked for Dr. Fitch as his nurse from 2001-2004. He was a person I had imense respect and admiration for. My deepest sympathies go out to Paddy and the Fitch family. I’m sure Don has left a great void…I felt it all the way to South Carolina when my wife gave me the news. God bless Dr. Fitch you will be sorely missed at this unexpected time.
Michael Mitsch
Columbia SC
Paddy and Boys –
My heart broke when I heard this news. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the kindness Dr. Fitch showed me my whole life…literally as he helped bring me into it! My wish for you at this time is peace in your hearts and minds. Enjoy the wonderful memories you have and share them often!! God Bless – Rachel
Rachel DeHaan
Twin Cities MN
Paddy and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how sad we feel for you and your family. You are all in our prayers. Steve and Barbara
Barbara Kleikamp
Bark River MI
Doc will be missed by many in the area, especially those Scouting family members and the youth he worked with at Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp. He was respected by Scouts and leaders alike, especially my son Joe. We will all miss seeing his smiling face.
Cathy and Joseph Tomassoni
Iron Mountain MI
Paddy,
Cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear Don had died. He (and you) were such a wonderful part of our lives. I have great memories of all the times we spent with you two through scouting. Please know that Don is in a better place, and will be there to greet us all. My prayers are with you. Love you,
Cathy Smith
Pacific Grove CA
As a boy scout, Doc Fitch was a huge part of my life growing up. He and Paddy were always there for us. I have so many fond memories that I can’t share just one. I was so surprised when I got an email saying he had passed and I immediately thought of all the lives he touched and the impact he had on not only Troop 411, but on Red Buck District. He was a great man, and he will be missed.
Stephen Smith
Brooklyn NY
Dear Mrs. Fitch,
I was so sad to hear of your husband’s death. He was my favorite doctor when I was a child. I always dreaded getting the other guy and so if I got Dr. Fitch I was always happier. He stitched up my index finger one time with 13 big black stitches. He probably wouldn’t be happy that the scar is still very evident after almost 50 years but it reminds me of him so I kinda like it. He was gentle and kind to a little kid and that is a good memory. I will be praying for you and your boys.
Love,
Holly Semmens Wilson
Calgary Canada
Jackson and I want to express our sincerest condolences to the entire Fitch family for the loss of “Doc”. He was an inspiration to my son as a Boy Scout leader and I don’t remember ever seeing him without a big smile on his face. He will be missed by so many.
Monique & Jackson Ciofu
Escanaba MI
Dear Paddy and family, Howard and I are so sad to learn of Don’s passing. What a vibrant, good-hearted, intelligent, energetic, caring, servant he was in this world. He will be hugely missed by all of us, you, his patients, his community. He left us too soon yet with all good deeds and works as his legacy and his wonderful family.
With all our love, Anne and Howard
Anne and Howard Cooper
Ann Arbor MI
Dr. Fitch was my family Dr. not only was he a doctor,he was also someone that I could talk to about anything and no matter what it was he would try to help me figure out a solution to my problem.He was a great man and a great Dr. he will be sadly missed. My heart and my prayers go out to his family. I am so sorry for your loss!
Ramona Ballinger
Escanaba MI
Dear Paddy and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I believe that Dr. Fitch inspired all of us to be a little better. Our community has lost one of its finest members.
God bless you all.
Brady Nelson
Escanaba MI
To a Terrific doctor’s family: Dr. Fitch was new in the Escanaba community and delivered my third baby, Lana. As all have expressed, he had heard the ‘call’ to seek medicine as his career path. He departed our presence much too early. My condolences and prayers to all of you.
LeVonne Yelland
Loves Park IL
Dear Paddy and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I truely enjoyed working with Dr Fitch. We had a different relationship than most of the nurses in the building….he was my patient. It was hard for me to get into that role of me instructing him! He took things with a twinkle in his eye so I knew he was listening but knew more than I had to tell him. He was an AMAZING man and I will forever be grateful for the talks we had in the chemo room. Doctors Park just will not be the same without him in the halls. May he be out of pain and at rest now.
Yvonne
Escanaba MI
Dear Paddy,
We were shocked and saddened when we read of Don’s passing. We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We pray that God will comfort you in this time and in the days to come. Sincerely, Carl and Marilyn Olson
Dr. Carl and Marilyn Olson
Clearwater FL
Doc Fitch will be greatly missed. He touch so many hearts in the UP.
Laura Vandermissen
Wilson MI
Dr. Fitch played an important role in the hands-on treatment of the sick and injured of Delta County. During his time at Doctor’s Park he saw many physicians come and go, but he could be counted upon to stay, no matter the circumstances.
Bless you and rest in peace.
Thomas R. McGovern
Escanaba MI
The whole of the Upper Peninsula has lost someone who sought to improve the lives of many. Dr. Fitch was a quiet, humble man who made a great difference in the lives of many through his work with the Hiawatha land Council of the Boy Scouts of the America. The commitment he and his family made to Troop 411 and the council is unsurpassed and can never be forgotten. Those of us who were in Troop 411 owe him thanks that goes beyond mere words. Both he and Paddy (or as we all said “Ms. Fitch”)looked after all of us and occasionally sutured a few wounds next to a camp fire. Paddy, Bob, Russ, and Gordy, you have my prayers.
John Prokos
Rock Springs WY
My thoughts and prayers are with you Paddy in this difficult time. Dr. Fitch was a wonderful man and was a wonderful leader in the boy scout program when my sons (Jon, Bob and Tony Bartczak)were younger. He will be missed.
Debbie Emond
Florence WI
We certainly lost a wonderful, caring and compassionate person in Dr. Don Fitch, who touched so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will be sorely, sorely missed.
Jim LaJoie
Negaunee MI
I was sad to hear of Dr. Fitch’s passing He will be sadly missed by all of the Escanaba community. His work as a great Physician,Scout Leader,Parent and Husband. I remember most of all that I admired Dr. Don and Patty Fitch’s Smile they always carried, no matter what they may be doing you would see the joy they expressed and that is priceless
William La Rose
Marquette MI
Paddy & family…Very sorry to read of Don’s death
may Peace be with you all…
Jack & Caroline Banfield
Murrells Inlet SC
I use to work at DPFP with Dr Fitch and he just made u feel welcom. very old fashion worried about his patients and not the numbers and the clock. He will be greatly missed by the town of Escanaba he was not just there for his patients/staff but the whole community. Love and miss u doctor Fitch and prayers to Paddy and the rest of your Large family 🙂
Ann Ekstrom
Cooks MI
So sorry to hear about Dr. Fitch. He was a very special person to our family and we will never forget how he helped us thru a very difficult time in our lives. Our prayers to the entire Fitch family. May God Bless you all.
Tina Godin
Antioch IL
To Paddy and all of the friends and relatives;
Sorry for your loss and the whole town of Escanaba’s Loss…..Dr Fitch was very instrumental in me getting into Medicine..I am have now been a PA for 30 yrs…he was a friend and an Educator…because of his dedication to Medicine, hundreds of thousands of patient have had their lives impacted by his knowledge and caring to help them through their illnesses….God has another Doctor on his staff now…God bless you always and in all ways…
Gary R Moersch PAC
Mesa AZ
Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. he was my Doctor and always enjoyed conversing with him during my visits. My wife and I chair the pasty sales at Immanuel, sorry to hear you missed our last order, we were home on vacation. We are now living in Fl. Dr. will be missed by many,he was a gentleman. Sympathy to you and your family.
Terry Anderson
Fort Walton Beach FL
Anonymous
As a teenager growing up as a neighbor of the Fitch family throughout the 1970s on Portage Point, our deepest sympathy go out to Paddy and the entire family. My Dad, Robert E. Benson, was a pharmaceutical salesman and always had the highest praise for Dr. Fitch as a doctor and a person. When we were kids growing up, Dr. Fitch was kind enough to let us use his tennis and basketball courts. He was quite the athlete himself and was a terrific tennis player. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill & Milena Benson
Sussex WI
I am proud to have worked with Dr. Fitch at DPFP for 5 years. He was a man that always took time to enjoy the simple things in life. He was a wonerful practioner, an amazing person and a true friend. I will always remember and treasure the moments that Patt, Dr. Fitch & I shared a few years ago enjoying the Eagle Nest Cam! He will be missed.
Kelly Niskanen Wyckoff
Escanaba MI
Paddy I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
Mae Gould
I once worked for Dr. Fitch as his nurse from 2001-2004. He was a person I had imense respect and admiration for. My deepest sympathies go out to Paddy and the Fitch family. I’m sure Don has left a great void…I felt it all the way to South Carolina when my wife gave me the news. God bless Dr. Fitch you will be sorely missed at this unexpected time.
Michael Mitsch
Columbia SC
Paddy and Boys –
My heart broke when I heard this news. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the kindness Dr. Fitch showed me my whole life…literally as he helped bring me into it! My wish for you at this time is peace in your hearts and minds. Enjoy the wonderful memories you have and share them often!! God Bless – Rachel
Rachel DeHaan
Twin Cities MN
Paddy and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how sad we feel for you and your family. You are all in our prayers. Steve and Barbara
Barbara Kleikamp
Bark River MI
Doc will be missed by many in the area, especially those Scouting family members and the youth he worked with at Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp. He was respected by Scouts and leaders alike, especially my son Joe. We will all miss seeing his smiling face.
Cathy and Joseph Tomassoni
Iron Mountain MI
Paddy,
Cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear Don had died. He (and you) were such a wonderful part of our lives. I have great memories of all the times we spent with you two through scouting. Please know that Don is in a better place, and will be there to greet us all. My prayers are with you.
Love you,
Cathy Smith
Pacific Grove CA
As a boy scout, Doc Fitch was a huge part of my life growing up. He and Paddy were always there for us. I have so many fond memories that I can’t share just one. I was so surprised when I got an email saying he had passed and I immediately thought of all the lives he touched and the impact he had on not only Troop 411, but on Red Buck District. He was a great man, and he will be missed.
Stephen Smith
Brooklyn NY
Dear Mrs. Fitch,
I was so sad to hear of your husband’s death. He was my favorite doctor when I was a child. I always dreaded getting the other guy and so if I got Dr. Fitch I was always happier. He stitched up my index finger one time with 13 big black stitches. He probably wouldn’t be happy that the scar is still very evident after almost 50 years but it reminds me of him so I kinda like it. He was gentle and kind to a little kid and that is a good memory. I will be praying for you and your boys.
Love,
Holly Semmens Wilson
Calgary Canada
Jackson and I want to express our sincerest condolences to the entire Fitch family for the loss of “Doc”. He was an inspiration to my son as a Boy Scout leader and I don’t remember ever seeing him without a big smile on his face. He will be missed by so many.
Monique & Jackson Ciofu
Escanaba MI
Dear Paddy and family, Howard and I are so sad to learn of Don’s passing. What a vibrant, good-hearted, intelligent, energetic, caring, servant he was in this world. He will be hugely missed by all of us, you, his patients, his community. He left us too soon yet with all good deeds and works as his legacy and his wonderful family.
With all our love, Anne and Howard
Anne and Howard Cooper
Ann Arbor MI
Dr. Fitch was my family Dr. not only was he a doctor,he was also someone that I could talk to about anything and no matter what it was he would try to help me figure out a solution to my problem.He was a great man and a great Dr. he will be sadly missed. My heart and my prayers go out to his family. I am so sorry for your loss!
Ramona Ballinger
Escanaba MI
Dear Paddy and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I believe that Dr. Fitch inspired all of us to be a little better. Our community has lost one of its finest members.
God bless you all.
Brady Nelson
Escanaba MI
To a Terrific doctor’s family: Dr. Fitch was new in the Escanaba community and delivered my third baby, Lana. As all have expressed, he had heard the ‘call’ to seek medicine as his career path. He departed our presence much too early. My condolences and prayers to all of you.
LeVonne Yelland
Loves Park IL
Dear Paddy and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I truely enjoyed working with Dr Fitch. We had a different relationship than most of the nurses in the building….he was my patient. It was hard for me to get into that role of me instructing him! He took things with a twinkle in his eye so I knew he was listening but knew more than I had to tell him. He was an AMAZING man and I will forever be grateful for the talks we had in the chemo room. Doctors Park just will not be the same without him in the halls. May he be out of pain and at rest now.
Yvonne
Escanaba MI
Dear Paddy,
We were shocked and saddened when we read of Don’s passing. We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We pray that God will comfort you in this time and in the days to come.
Sincerely,
Carl and Marilyn Olson
Dr. Carl and Marilyn Olson
Clearwater FL
Doc Fitch will be greatly missed. He touch so many hearts in the UP.
Laura Vandermissen
Wilson MI
Dr. Fitch played an important role in the hands-on treatment of the sick and injured of Delta County. During his time at Doctor’s Park he saw many physicians come and go, but he could be counted upon to stay, no matter the circumstances.
Bless you and rest in peace.
Thomas R. McGovern
Escanaba MI
The whole of the Upper Peninsula has lost someone who sought to improve the lives of many. Dr. Fitch was a quiet, humble man who made a great difference in the lives of many through his work with the Hiawathaland Council of the Boy Scouts of the America. The commitment he and his family made to Troop 411 and the council is unsurpassed and can never be forgotten. Those of us who were in Troop 411 owe him thanks that goes beyond mere words. Both he and Paddy (or as we all said “Ms. Fitch”)looked after all of us and occasionally sutured a few wounds next to a camp fire. Paddy, Bob, Russ, and Gordy, you have my prayers.
John Prokos
Rock Springs WY
My thoughts and prayers are with you Paddy in this difficult time. Dr. Fitch was a wonderful man and was a wonderful leader in the boy scout program when my sons (Jon, Bob and Tony Bartczak)were younger. He will be missed.
Debbie Emond
Florence WI
We certainly lost a wonderful, caring and compassionate person in Dr. Don Fitch, who touched so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will be sorely, sorely missed.
Jim LaJoie
Negaunee MI
I was sad to hear of Dr. Fitch’s passing He will be sadly missed by all of the Escanaba community. His work as a great Physician,Scout Leader,Parent and Husband. I remember most of all that I admired Dr. Don and Patty Fitch’s Smile they always carried, no matter what they may be doing you would see the joy they expressed and that is priceless
William La Rose
Marquette MI
Paddy & family…Very sorry to read of Don’s death
may Peace be with you all…
Jack & Caroline Banfield
Murrells Inlet SC
I use to work at DPFP with Dr Fitch and he just made u feel welcom. very old fashion worried about his patients and not the numbers and the clock. He will be greatly missed by the town of Escanaba he was not just there for his patients/staff but the whole community. Love and miss u doctor Fitch and prayers to Paddy and the rest of ur Large family 🙂
Ann Ekstrom
Cooks MI
So sorry to hear about Dr. Fitch. He was a very special person to our family and we will never forget how he helped us thru a very difficult time in our lives. Our prayers to the entire Fitch family. May God Bless you all.
Tina Godin
Antioch IL
To Paddy and all of the friends and relatives;
Sorry for your loss and the whole town of Escanaba’s Loss…..Dr Fitch was very instrumental in me getting into Medicine..I am have now been a PA for 30 yrs…he was a friend and an Educator…because of his dedication to Medicine, hundreds of thousands of patient have had their lives impacted by his knowledge and caring to help them through their illnesses….God has another Doctor on his staff now…God bless you always and in all ways…
Gary R Moersch PAC
Mesa AZ
Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. he was my Doctor and always enjoyed conversing with him during my visits. My wife and I chair the pasty sales at Immanuel, sorry to hear you missed our last order, we were home on vacation. We are now living in Fl. Dr. will be missed by many,he was a gentleman. Sympathy to you and your family.
Terry Anderson
Fort Walton Beach FL