Robert S. Levine

Grand Rapids, Michigan - Robert S. Levine, M.D. died peacefully on June 21, 2022 after a lifetime as a devoted husband, father, and medical professional.

Bob was predeceased by his brother Sydney Marvin Levine. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margaret L. Levine; his children Sally L. Levine-Romero (Richard), Robert R. Levine (Susan); niece Marcia A. Lovell (Robert), nephew Lt. Colonel Mark R. Levine (Cameron); grandchildren Elizabeth A. Levine and Laura J. Levine.

Bob was born in Chicago, IL on July 20, 1929 to Rivka (Rae) Einstein and George (Gershin) Levine. He attended Hyde Park High School in Chicago, and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1948. In 1949 he entered the University of Chicago Medical School where he had the opportunity to study under Dr. Joseph B. Kirsner, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology, and Lester R. Dragstedt, Professor of Surgery and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago. In 1953, Bob married Margaret L. Johnson, daughter of Warren C. and Florence (Campbell) Johnson. After graduating from medical school in 1953, Bob served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force.

In 1963, Bob and Margy moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where Bob became a partner in a private surgical practice. In addition to serving the medical needs of people in the greater Grand Rapids area, Bob worked with some of his closest medical associates to develop what would become the surgical team of St. Mary’s Renal Transplant Program in the mid 1970s. Doctors Jack C. Peirce, M.D., Larry J. Robson, M.D., David J. Horning, M.D., and James K. Watkins, M.D. all contributed to the early and sustained success of the kidney transplant program in Western Michigan. Bob took great pride in this endeavor, and considered it among his greatest accomplishments as a physician. Following his time in private practice, Bob moved to Scottsdale, AZ to become a Medical Director for the CIGNA health plan. In this capacity, Bob had the opportunity to pursue his surgical interests in a managed care setting which had long been of keen interest to him.

After retiring from surgery, Bob maintained his interest in improving and supporting the health care system. He became well versed in single payer health care systems around the world, and became an advocate for senior citizens in the health care environment. Much of Bob’s time in retirement was spent at the family cottage in the Okaiyoka Colony, which was founded in the early 1930s by Warren C. Johnson and a number of his associates from the University of Chicago. It was in this environment that Bob was able to pursue his interests in tennis, woodworking, cooking, reading, and fishing. In addition to fishing for salmon in the Grand Traverse Bay area and Lake Michigan, Bob’s favorite place for trout was Lees Ferry on the Colorado River with his long-time friend Ham Wright.

There will be a private celebration of life to honor Bob at the family cottage later this summer.

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