Dr. H. David Hibbard   

1937 – 2021

 

David Hibbard died peacefully at home on 7 April, surrounded by his loving wife, Chris, and their beloved children and grandchildren. David lived gracefully over the last 14 years with Parkinson’s and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He lived a life of service, from being in the very first Peace Corps group in Nigeria and a Peace Corps doctor in India, to practicing family and hospice medicine.  David was inspired as a young man by JFK and embodied the spirit of ‘’Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’’

He graduated from Oberlin College, Case Western Reserve Medical School and University of North Carolina where he earned his Public Health degree, and then received a Ford Foundation grant to work at Chogoria Hospital in Kenya. David and his wife Chris were married in 1980 and together founded the Family Medical Center in Louisville. Dr. Hibbard’s patients have thousands of stories of his kindness, competence, compassion and unrelenting service. He also created Advanced Medical Directive forms that are used nationwide, was faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School and served on the Boulder Community Hospital Integrated Health task force to bring forth new healing methods.

In 2005, David and Chris co-founded the Malaria and Health Care Project at Kisiizi Hospital in Uganda. Several years for a month he worked on the wards, brought CU medical students to Uganda for six-week internships and raised money for all aspects of the hospital.

David played collegiate lacrosse and was inducted into the Oberlin Hall of Fame; he also founded the Boulder Valley Lacrosse Foundation bringing the sport to students from elementary to high school. He served on numerous Boards, including The National Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Board and the ISSSEEM Medicine Board and The Denver Native American Health Care Service, in recognition of his cross-cultural sensitivity.

He loved mountain biking, river rafting and skiing in the Rocky Mountains, and being with family and friends. David is survived by his wife, Chris, his son Ryan and daughter-in law Meghan, his daughter Devin and son-in-law Mark and two grandsons, Nile and Japhy, all of Boulder, and his daughter Shannon of Washington, DC, as well as many dear friends.

He will be deeply missed and long remembered. In lieu of flowers, gifts to Kisiizi Hospital (Kisiizihospital.org.ug) will provide lifesaving care in David’s name. A memorial service will be held in July or August.

3 thoughts on “Dr. H. David Hibbard   ”

  1. My deepest condolences to the Hibbard family. I had the honor being a part of the Family Medical Center family from 1989 to 1999. The 10 years I spent at the clinic was my greatest joy. I had the pleasure spending time with the Hibbard family, and will always treasure the memories of Christmas holidays, summer pool parties, and even house sitting for the family. Most importantly, I was inspired by Dr. Hibbard’s passion, giving back to people in need. I took a piece of that with me, and have dedicated my career giving back to health care, serving American Indians in improving health as the executive director at Denver Indian Health and Family Services. Dr. Hibbard served on the board there in the early 90s and had a great passion for the native community. He was instrumental at donating medications, blankets, and equipment to the clinic for many years. I remember he was always so interested in my tribal heritage, and I appreciate it so much. I will always remember his passion, and glad he was one of my greatest mentors. The last time I saw him was 3 years ago, at the open house at our new clinic. I was honored that he came. I will miss him always.

  2. Dr Hibbard was the best family doctor ever. My family started seeing him in 1984. As a young mom he always made me feel so comfortable with my decisions I made with our children. Our family loved him. He had the most beautiful blue eyes. RIP great man ♥️

  3. The kindest man I ever met. I started seeing him in 1980 and even when I moved to Colorado Springs continued to see him. I loved him dearly 💞 .

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