Robert Silver Galen, MD Obituary (1922 - 2024)

Brunswick- Dr. Robert Silver Galen died peacefully on the 14th of November, 2024. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on the 9th of November, 1922, to Dr. Robert Ross and Rose Finesilver Galen. He pursued life to its fullest and was inspired for 57 years by the girl of his dreams, Marie Fisk Galen. Together with love, they raised five strong children of uncompromising integrity. During his academic career, he won a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, attended MIT, and received B.S. and M.D. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He continued his education with seven years of postgraduate training, first in Internal Medicine and then Radiology. He reflected his generation’s pride of country by volunteering for active duty in the Second World War and Korean War. He was certified by the Naval Damage Control Center as an Instructor in Radiological Defense and earned Flight Surgeon’s Wings after graduating from the flight program and Naval Medical School in Pensacola, FL. Upon returning to civilian life, he continued his military service, begun in 1942, as a Ready Reservist until retirement in 1973 with a date of rank of CAPT USNR from May 1, 1966. His private internal medical practice in Provo, Utah began in partnership with G. Cloyd Krebs M.D., a lasting friend from residency days. They affiliated with the Utah Valley Hospital where he became Chief of the Outpatient Department. Eventually, he took a residency appointment in radiology at the University of Utah. Upon completion, the family moved to Portland, Maine where he joined a radiology group serving the Mercy Hospital, the Bath/Brunswick hospitals, and a private office. Subsequently, he moved to Brunswick to fill a growing need and became the founder of the present radiology group. Athletics and the outdoors were very important to him and his family. He earned a letter in college tennis, was a lifeguard, sailed and raced with his children as crew, cycled in several foreign countries, played golf, skied Nordic and Alpine, paddled Maine’s white waters, and climbed her mountains. He also was one of the originators of the Small Woodland Owners of Maine, the Brunswick High School Boosters Club, and the Ray Belanger Memorial Scholarship Fund. He was a member and chairman of the Brunswick Parks and Recreation Commission and a Trustee on the Boards of the Bath and Mid Coast Hospitals. Parkview Memorial Hospital elected him to its honorary staff. At the time of his death, at age 102, he was the oldest surviving member and permanent secretary of the Mere Pointers Investment Club. After retirement, he spent many years assisting fourth graders at the Fisher Mitchell Elementary School and 17 years (1993-2011) delivering Meals on Wheels. He called his visits “house calls” as a nod to the history of doctors making home visits. He also volunteered at the Oasis Free Clinic. The loss of Marie in 2009 was the abiding sorrow of his life. He is also predeceased by his two younger brothers, Ralph and Laurence. He is survived by his loving family: Robert Galen (Laura), Timur Galen (Linda), Jan Bishop (Richard), Derrick Galen (Barbara), and Melissa Bennie (Alexander); eight grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. There will be no local services. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Stetson's Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 12 Federal Street, Brunswick, ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Stetson's Funeral Home website www.StetsonsFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers please consider a donation; the following were a few of his favorites: Doctors Without Borders, Mid Coast Literacy Volunteers, The Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum, Oasis Free Clinics, and The Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Programs.