Albert Loren Rhoton's Obituary
Albert Loren Rhoton, Jr. M.D. age 83, of Gainesville, FL passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016 at his home. He was born in 1932 in Parvin, Kentucky to Albert Loren and Hazel Van Cleve Rhoton.
He began in the poverty stricken Kentucky Appalachians. A life time of influential achievements in his field gained him respect of his peer’s worldwide. He was the R.D. Keene Family Professor of Neurosurgery; Dr. Rhoton had the honor of meeting two presidents, President Ronald Reagan and President Jimmy Carter.
His passion was Micro Neuro Surgical education, mentoring young Neuro Surgeons, exercise and family time.
Dr. Albert L. Rhoton, Jr. attended Washington University School of Medicine, graduating with the highest academic standing in the class of 1959. He completed his neurosurgical training at Washington University and joined the staff of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 1965. He became Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Florida in 1972. Dr. Rhoton has served as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society of Neurological Surgeons, the North American Skull Base Society, the International Interdisciplinary Congress on Craniofacial and Skull Base Surgery, the Florida Neurosurgical Society, and the International Society for Neurosurgical Technology and Instrument Invention. He served as the Honored Guest of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1993 and was awarded the Cushing Medal of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1998, the highest honor given by the two largest neurosurgical societies in the United States. In 2001, he was awarded the Medal of Honor of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. He has served as the Honored Guest or been elected to Honorary Membership in neurosurgical societies in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. He has published nearly 500 scientific papers. He has completed a text book, Cranial Anatomy and Surgical Approaches which has been published in English, Chinese, Portuguese and further translations are in progress. His definitive neurosurgical lectures are available free on ITunes University and at multiple internet sites. He has received an Alumni Achievement Award from Washington University School of Medicine and both a Distinguished Faculty Award and a lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Florida. In 1998, the University of Florida completed a Brain Institute which houses the activities of the neurosurgical group and the microsurgical laboratory.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce L Rhoton; four children, Dr. Eric Rhoton (Diane) of Asheville, NC, Dr. Albert Rhoton (Marya) of High Point, NC, Dr. Alice Rhoton–Vlasak (Richard) of Gainesville and Laurel Rhoton-Selner (Jim) of Gainesville; grandchildren, Shauna, Leah, Alayna, Eric Jr., Alexandra, Albert John, Madeline, Henry, Alexander, Abigail, Ashlynn, William; great grandchildren, Kalie, Braydon and Amelia; brother Dr. Richard Rhoton (Lois) of Findlay, OH and sister, Sue Johnson (Herb) Tustin, CA.
A Celebration of the incredible life of Dr. Rhoton will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church with Rev. John Glover officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street.
He was an awesome, kind, gentle man who changed neuro Surgery and his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1801 NW 5th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32606 or Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation@ www.nref.org
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