Dr. Robert (Bob) Winfield, the University of Michigan’s chief health officer and executive director of University Health Service, died Friday, surrounded by family at his home in Ann Arbor.
Born in Winnetka, Illinois, Winfield came to Ann Arbor to attend U-M in 1964 and graduated from the Medical School in 1972. Subsequently, he joined UHS in 1981 as a staff physician and became the medical director in 1982.
In 1999 he became executive director of UHS, where he devoted his career to the well-being of students, faculty and staff. His gentle bedside manner impacted thousands of patients at UHS over the years.
Winfield served as UHS executive director, chief health officer and medical director for MHealthy at U-M until his death. He was a caring and compassionate physician, a thoughtful leader, and a mentor to many. Forever a teacher, Winfield’s penchant for learning was matched only by his commitment to helping others.
Winfield was known for his kindness, generosity, integrity and unwavering commitment to his family and friends. His advice and guidance were unparalleled, as were his enthusiasm for bow ties and passion for sailing. He lived life fully and with purpose, inspiring others to do the same.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynn Chandler, and his parents, Victor E. Winfield and Evalyn J. Winfield. He will be deeply missed by his children, Julia Winfield and Daniel Winfield; dear friend, Eleanor Barron; sister, Marilyn (Ed) Winfield; cousin, Steve (Bobbie) Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Lauren (Jon) Costello and Carol (Andrew) Marks; and nieces and nephew, Sharon Laudadio, Amanda Marks and Sean Costello.
Visitation with the family will take place from 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at the U-M Museum of Art. Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Nie Funeral Home, Liberty Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, followed by interment at Forest Hill Cemetery Memorial.
In lieu of flowers, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center Leukemia Research Fund or the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Checks for the UMCCC Leukemia Fund may be made to “University of Michigan” and sent to Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Donors also may call 734-764-6777 to make a gift.
— Submitted by Nie Funeral Home
Alex Abdun-Nabi
I’m so sad to hear Dr. Winfield passed away. He was a tremendous asset to the University of Michigan community and a great ally for those working to keep campus safe, happy, and healthy. He will be sorely missed.
sofia merajver
A friend and a great doctor: we will miss him always
Bryan Baker
Bob will be sorely missed by me and many others. He always had a way of bringing a unique perspective into conversations and ideas, a quality that many leaders strive to hold.
G.S. Suri
From the brief time I had known Doctor Winfield, it was immediately discernible his passion for student success and the well being of others. His leadership and guidance will be dearly missed.
Mary Phillips Badalamenti
Upon meeting Dr. Winfield for the first time when he interviewed me for Secretary in his office he said to me, “Call me Bob.” He put people at ease, always had an open door for all who came to his office. The eight years I worked with him showed him to be a much loved and respected doctor to his patients. Wonderful man to work alongside. In my many years of working life, Bob was the BEST boss I ever had. So wise. So thoughtful and considerate. We who knew him are indeed blessed.
Natalie Kellogg
Thanks Mary for adding to our praises and appreciation for our great boss and leader, Bob
Natalie Kellogg
Thanks Mary for adding to our praises and appreciation for our great boss and leader, Bob
Jennifer Holmes
Bob will be greatly missed. As director for the UMHS Emergency Department, our paths crossed frequently to plan or discuss health care issues that impacted our students and faculty and the University at large. He was always a voice of reason and concern, leading the team with a gentle hand and clear purpose.
Bill Cross
Since 1979 he was my physician, mentor and dearest of friends. No one I have known can match his gentle wisdom and well reasoned counseling which added direction, hope and joy to my life.
James Toy
I echo and repeat Bill Cross’s message.
Thank you, Bob !
joan burgins
I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Please contact me joanburgins@gmail.com. Thank you Joan
joan burgins
I am sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Please contact me joanburgins@gmail.com. Thank you Joan
Rees Midgley
I was exceptionally fortunate to have Bob as my physician for decades. I cannot imagine a more considerate, caring, and kind person. He loved to think deeply and reason the why behind a puzzle. I vividly recall the day I saw him with a shoulder problem. He turned and pulled out a huge book on human anatomy with more markup in different colors than I had ever witnessed. He then reasoned with me as to why I had to have a tear in a particular ligament. And more often than not, he would give me a reprint to read about a problem. A compasionate and brilliant thinker. My wife and I will miss him deeply.
Daniel Eisenberg
Thank you, Bob, for your tireless advocacy and leadership for the health and wellbeing of the UM community. We will miss you greatly.
John Hagen
Bob was my undergraduate student in the mid-sixties. He served as a teaching assistant for a course in which students worked with children in a residential institution. This opportunity influenced in part his decision to become a physician. We stayed in touch over the years. He was a highly talented professional and compassionate in all aspects of his life. Bob you will be missed.
Chris Godwin
Dr. Winfield was one of the kindest, gentle men I’ve ever known, and a fine physician. I’m certain I’m not the only one who is heartbroken by this news and who mourns his passing. Peace.
Joyce French
Dr. Winfield was a great doctor and a better man. I first met him as a student and later he became my PCP. Through all the years, he was kind and patient. I will miss him and am heartbroken at this news.
UM Employee
One of the great perks of working for the U-M is the UHS. He is to be remembered…
Yousef Rabhi
I knew Dr. Winfield since I was in pre-school and grew up with Julia and Daniel. So sad and shocked to hear of his passing. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him and did great work for the University and broader community. He will be remembered!
Feyza Sayman
We are so sorry to hear this very sad news.
My husband and I were very fortunate to have Dr. Winfield as our primary care physician for more than two decades. We will miss him deeply.
John and Margaret Faulkner
Bob was a dear friend as well as a valuable colleague. We had spent many hours together over the years both at the University and socially. He will be sorely missed.
Gorm Brendstrup
You were a very kind aupair host for my daughter and have ment a Lotte for Susanne sinde her stay with your family
Thank you so much
James Allen
As another to whom Bob was a PCP for many years, I echo the thoughts of others, with adjectives like brilliant, caring, wise, kind, gentle. I would add “generous, compassionate.” He steered me through colon cancer with uplifting and steady guidance, always going the extra mile to offer help when I needed it. The world is made less by his passing.
Sondra Gunn
As my physician for many years he was absolutely wonderful. It has all been said. We will all miss his wonderful presence.
Mar Nadrowski
Bobs passion for his patients, and their advocacy was a hallmark of his service to the University. I will miss his friendship, and counsel.
Martin Nadrowski
Bobs passion for his patients, and their advocacy was a hallmark of his service to the University. I will miss his friendship, and counsel.
Lara Trocchio
He was a very important friend and physician to my father, and I will always think of him with fondness and thankfulness. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
Charles Garvin
Dr Winfield was my personal physician for many years. He was always kind, caring and committed to quality care. Even after he stopped seeing patients whenever I was in the UHS and saw him, he was always warm, friendly, and caring. I shall greatly miss him. he was also my wife’s physician.
Charles & Janet Garvin