Claude Ian's Obituary
Claude Ian Hood, born in Purley in the London Borough of Croydon, England, on January 25, 1925, passed away on August 17, 2022, in Gainesville, Florida.
Ian graduated from the University of Liverpool School of Medicine, Liverpool, England, where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree—the equivalent of an MD in the United States—and was a Member of the Royal College of Surgery of England.
In 1950, he became a resident in pathology at what is now the Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City, where he met his future wife, Helen Hlobil. He joined the faculty of the College of Medicine at the University of Florida when it opened in 1956 and retired in 1991 as Professor of Pathology—at which time he was named Professor Emeritus. Ian was the Consultant of Pathology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Gainesville from 1967 to 1978, then was Chief of Laboratory Service from 1978 to 1988. He also served as Assistant Medical Examiner for Alachua County from 1960 to 1980.
Ian was an avid traveler and outdoorsman. He enjoyed gardening, was an accomplished jewelry maker, woodworker, and creator of baskets. He had a passion for exploring the quirkiness of the English language and was a voracious reader.
Ian was pre-deceased in 2009 by his wife of 57 years, Helen Hlobil Hood; and he is survived by his daughter, Sarah Hood (Ron Takahashi) of Grass Valley, California, and son, Colin Hood (John Bender) of Washington, District of Columbia. The family plans a private celebration of Ian’s life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen and Ian Hood Memorial Fund, c/o Alachua Conservation Trust, 7204 Co Rd 234, Gainesville, FL 32641, www.alachuaconservationtrust.org .
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