In Memory of Sid Spies

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    • Photos – Earliest-1962
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    • Writings – 1963-1998
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Large Image of Sid

About This Site

This site is a Memorial to my dad, Sid Spies. Sid was born on August 28, 1926, and died on November 24, 2013. He was a much-loved physician, writer, hiker, partner to two wives (both of whom he outlived), father, and grandfather.

I've built this site to serve two purposes. First, it's a place where those of us who knew and loved Sid can share our memories of him and his life. Second, from his earliest days Sid was a prolific writer. In addition to the several books he wrote, Sid authored a number of magazine articles, as well as numerous informal pieces. Some of those will find a home here.

As well as reading about Sid, if you have memories to share, please do! You'll find more information about how to do so in the Recollections section.

The mountains in the background are the San Gabriels, just outside of Los Angeles. Sid spent many happy hours hiking there, both with Sierra Club groups and alone.

- Bob Spies

Photos

Photos of Sid over the years:

  • Earliest-1962
  • 1963-1998
  • 1999-2013

Recollections

Click here to view recollections and reminiscences about Sid, and add your own if you feel so inclined.

Writings

Some of Sid's writings:

  • Earliest-1962
  • 1963-1998
  • 1999-2013

Latest Posts

Bob’s Birth Announcement

Posted March 22, 2014 By Bob Spies

I found this while sorting through stuff prior to our recent move. In 1955, Dad announced the birth of his son as follows: [Read More…]

A Friendship That Made My Life a Better One

Posted March 1, 2014 By John Shirey

Dear Bob,

I apologize for the delay in writing this letter to you and request your understanding. Sid and I were as close as brothers.

We shared with each other a large part of our lives during medical school and to some extent afterward. [Read More…]

Recent Friendship

Posted January 7, 2014 By Pat Welsh

Dear Friends and Family of Sid Spies:

Sid and I became friends when he visited one of his oldest and dearest friends, John Shirey, MD (ret.) with whom he attended junior high, high school and medical school at the University of Chicago. Subsequently, Sid and I tried to talk our mutual friend, John, to move from his condo into a fine, oceanfront retirement place in La Jolla before loss of memory meant he would be locked up in a less-pleasant facility. Our attempt failed but resulted in an email friendship between Sid and me. I found him to be a warm and wonderful human being. News of his death came today as a shock.

[Read More…]

Sid and the UCB-UCSF Joint Medical Program

Posted December 28, 2013 By Guy Micco

I am so sorry I could not attend Sid’s memorial today. I did get to watch the video, which came through pretty well. The stories and memories you and others shared were moving and sweet. I remember your father as a kind and generous person. He was so good with, and to, our medical students in the UCB-UCSF Joint Medical Program; I know he loved his work with them (though he didn’t see it as “work”). I and they will miss him very much.

How to Tell a Hooker

Posted December 28, 2013 By Susan Dashe

Your dad was a wonderful man.  He was funny and smart and I loved his “aw shucks” naivete.  I remember once when your mom and dad and Alfred and I went to Hollywood to see a play.  Alfred and I were trying to explain to tell your dad about the hookers standing on the street corners.  He wanted to know how you could tell if a person was a hooker. [Read More…]

Recent Comments

  • Susan Golden on Death and Dying With Dignity
  • Nomi Roth on Sid and Rita 35th Anniversary Celebration
  • Bob Spies on Long Time Friend
  • Harold Sweet on Reunion in the Caribbean
  • Lynn Hill on Sid and Rita 35th Anniversary Celebration

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