L. George Veasy

1923 ~ 2021

L. George Veasy, M.D., age 97, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021 of natural causes.

Born March 20, 1923 in Rexburg, Idaho, he was the son of George Baxter Veasy and Hazel Lloyd Veasy. Following high school, George moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah, where he obtained both his bachelor and medical degrees. He would go on to fulfill an internship at Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. In 1948 and newly married to Elaine Seal, they moved to Minnesota for George to complete a residency at the University of Minnesota Hospital, where he was awarded a fellowship in pediatric cardiology.

In 1951 and staying in the Upper Midwest, George enlisted in the Army and moved the family to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. Never seeing combat in the Korean War, he was, however, asked to take charge of the military families and nearby civilians during the heavy polio outbreak. Returning to Salt Lake City following the end of the Korean War, George worked both at the county hospital and as a faculty member of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He left in 1959 to join the Rumel Chest Clinic. It would be the beginning of what became a dedicated career as the first board certified pediatric cardiologist in the Intermountain West, ultimately leading to his life-long association with Primary Children's Medical Center beginning in 1967. George focused his work on the care of children born with heart defects, the care of children who developed rheumatic fever and the prevention of the disease.

George was selected in 1975 to spearhead a new direction for Primary Children's as physician-in-chief, where he firmly believed, "Children needed a hospital geared to their special needs, one that concentrated solely on children." Further, he was instrumental in pursuing an affiliation between Primary Children's and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, in order to attract world class physicians for the children's hospital staff. Often known as "Uncle George" to many of the children and always wearing his Snoopy pin on the lapel of his starched, white physician's coat, George wanted to be a doctor as far back as he could remember. Until retiring in 1990 from patient care and in 2000 from rheumatic fever research, he was genuinely recognized by colleagues as a man dedicated to the service of others.

George was a member of the University of Utah School of Medicine faculty and the American Board of Pediatrics. Among other awards, he was the recipient of the American Heart Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, the University of Utah Distinguished Alumni Award, named Doctor of the Year in 1996 by the Utah Medical Association and was the recipient of a Presidential Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology by the University of Utah School of Medicine.

A fan of a funny joke or telling many a pun, George had a wonderful sense of humor and infectious smile. His favorite way to spend leisure time was at "the Condo" in Sun Valley, Idaho, skiing with family on Baldy Mountain or in the summer playing golf. He also appreciated his golfing friendships at The Country Club in Salt Lake City. Evenings were enjoyed "drying off a couple of ice cubes" and sipping a gin & tonic. "Cheers" to a wonderful life!

George is survived by Elaine, his wife of 72 years. Together they raised three children: George D. Veasy (Danielle) Aberdeen, N.C., Ann V. Maak, Seattle, WA., and Paul D. Veasy (Stephanie). He leaves six grandchildren George M. Veasy (Jessica ), Elizabeth V. Halaufia (Brandon), Carley Maak (Dane Brandon), Jamie Maak (Joe Dennis), P. Carter Veasy (Jessica), and Patrick F. Veasy (Courtney), and six great-grandchildren.

The family would especially like to thank Liliane Haverstock, Lenira Chalegre, Magaly Gudino, and Rocky Mountain Care for their loving care of George in his final years.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private family graveside service is being held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Primary Children's Medical Center, Primary Children's Dept. #2672223, P.O. Box 26722, SLC, UT 84126, or a charity of your choice.


Guestbook/Condolences

I can not say all of the wonderful things we feel for Dr. Veasey. He was a great doctor to our son. We loved him for all of the work and advice he gave us. He was always calm regardless if the news was bad or good. He had a way to deliver it that was very reassuring. We haven’t seen him for a very long time but we think of him almost daily. He will be sorely missed by this family.


- Dennis & Linda DeGraw

I cannot express how much Uncle George meant to me. I am so very sorry for the family's loss. Uncle George always made me feel safe and not scared as a child with a congenital heart defect, he was able to help me understand what was happening and going to happen during surgery. Thanks to him I'm alive today. Thank you Uncle George from the bottom of my heart. Annie.


- Angela Barsballe (Annie Blomeley)

I don't really know why I started thinking of Dr. Veasy this morning, but I decided to try and look him up, and was saddened when I saw that he had passed.

He was a phenomenal doctor, and an even more remarkable human being. I had a congenital heart defect at age 3. Dr. Veasy was my doctor from age 3 to age 18. I will never forget how awesome he was. He would always bring in several interns in to listen to my heart, and would always make my smile and laugh.

RIP Dr. Veasy. I hope you know the positive impact you had on me. My sincerest condolences to the Veasy family.


- Michael Wells