Dr. L. George Upton
Dr. L. George Upton, a faculty member with the School of Dentistry’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry for 40 years, died of lymphoma June 24. He was 69.
Upton was regarded by his family, friends and colleagues as not only a skilled surgeon and academician, but also a caring and compassionate human being. He was an avid outdoorsman, often dividing his leisure time among the Michigan woods, rivers and tennis courts.
Photo courtesy
School of Dentistry.
Born in Detroit on July 30, 1940, he attended Denby High School, Michigan State University and the U-M School of Dentistry, where he earned his dental degree in 1966. He received his master’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1970. That same year, Upton began his teaching career at U-M as an assistant professor of dentistry and an assistant professor of surgery. He was promoted to associate professor of dentistry in 1973, associate professor of surgery in 1976 and professor of dentistry in 1978.
Upton was a recognized expert on the management of temporomandibular disorders and TMJ conditions, participated in symposia and published articles in numerous journals. At a graduation banquet for residents 12 days before he died, Dr. Joseph Helman, chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, told members of Upton’s family, faculty, residents and department staff that, “Dr. Upton has been an individual we admire, someone we look up to for advice and words of wisdom, and a role model for all of us. He’s a pillar of our profession, a leader, and an honest and loyal friend.”
During the banquet, Helman presented the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors Distinguished Service Award to Upton for his contributions to the profession. “There’s nothing we can do to thank George for everything he has done, the image he has conveyed, and for being a role model for everyone.” After receiving the award, Upton received a standing ovation.
“It was a very moving experience,” says Gloria Sdao, medical secretary, who worked with Upton for 10 years. “Everyone in the department formed a line and he hugged and kissed everyone and said farewell to all. There was not a dry eye the entire night.” Sdao says Upton “left his mark on me, both personally and professionally through his abundant compassion, profound mentorship and unassuming nature.”
Last July the Board of Regents named Upton professor emeritus of dentistry and associate professor emeritus of oral surgery. They lauded his achievements emphasizing that he “played a major role in orthognathic surgical corrections of facial bone deformities at the University of Michigan Health System for over 25 years.” Regents also noted Upton’s service as surgical director of the TMD Orofacial Pain Clinic, chief of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Section at the Ann Arbor Veteran Affairs Medical Center, and co-director of the cleft palate team and the dentofacial program.
Upton is survived by his wife, Deborah Upton; son and daughter, Steven and Susan Upton; his stepson and stepdaughter, Robert and Vanessa Sly; and his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Neal VanPoperin.
— Submitted by Jerry Mastey, School of Dentistry
Dawn Coy
Dawn Coy, senior administrative assistant for the Business and Finance Office at the College of Pharmacy, died July 3. She was 47.
Coy was born Oct. 8, 1962, in Ann Arbor. She graduated from Ann Arbor High School and attended Washtenaw Community College. Coy married Brad Coy on Feb. 6, 1988.
Friends and family say she loved camping at Post 46 Hunt and Fish Club, and she enjoyed fishing, boating, playing cards and sitting around a camp fire.
Coy worked at U-M for 25 years.
“Dawn was a very dedicated employee who went out of her way to help faculty, staff and students,” says Robert Carver, business manager at the College of Pharmacy and Coy’s supervisor for more than 15 years. “She had a remarkable capacity for finding efficient solutions, and for guiding her fellow employees through complex university systems. We have lost a respected colleague and friend. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.”
Survivors include her husband, Brad; son, Dylan; sisters Mary Maxwell of Stockbridge and Shawn Berkley of Milan; brothers Russell Bush of White Lake and Jonathan Luckhardt of Ann Arbor; parents, Pat and LaMar Luckhardt of Dexter and Reuben Bush of Belleville; and many nieces and nephews. A son, Joseph Ashley, preceded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dylan Coy College Fund, c/o Brad Coy. Arrangements entrusted to the Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel.
— Submitted by Dennis Gilbert, College of Pharmacy
