Kenneth Lee Vosti
Sept. 15, 1928-April 26, 2017
Stanford, CA
Submitted by LeeAnne McDermott
Dr. Kenneth Lee Vosti passed away peacefully at home on April 26 after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 15, 1928, in Modesto, to Henry and Lois Vosti, Ken grew up on a ranch in Salida, and later in Modesto. Along with his parents and two brothers (Gordon and Don), Ken shared a love of the outdoors and spent every summer camping, backpacking, fishing and hunting in his favorite wilderness areas in the Sierra mountains, along the Klamath River in Northern California, and at Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite. His love of wilderness and outdoor activities continued throughout his life.
After graduating from Modesto Junior College, Ken finished his undergraduate degree at Stanford University, and then graduated from Stanford Medical School in 1954. Upon completion of his internship and residency, he specialized in infectious diseases at the University of Illinois R.E. Hospital and the VA Medical Center in Chicago. Ken joined the army and was assigned to the Walter Reed Medical Biomedical Research Unit at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. After two years in the army, Captain Vosti was recruited by Stanford to return to the Division of Infectious Diseases at Stanford’s new medical school in Stanford. Stanford was searching for doctors who could focus on research, treating patients and teaching medical students. Ken’s 65-year affiliation with the University spanned service in all three of these areas. As a Professor of Medicine at Stanford, Ken conducted research, published over 70 papers and taught generations of students at Stanford’s Medical School. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as acting chief of Stanford’s Infectious Disease Division, Director of Stanford’s Clinical Microbiology lab and as a mentor to students and staff as Associate Dean of Students and Associate Ombudsperson at Stanford’s Medical School.
Although Ken distinguished himself as a teacher, a researcher and a clinician, what he loved most was simply talking with students. His ability to listen non-judgmentally, empathize and offer just the right support and advice were his greatest gifts. Not only generations of Stanford students, but family, friends and everyone who came into contact with Ken, will always remember his warmth, his kindness, his patience, his wisdom and his caring guidance. Ken’s most prized tribute was the RISE Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Stanford Medicine and the alumni community through acts of leadership, volunteerism, mentoring and teaching. Ken was the first recipient of the RISE Award in 2013.
Ken’s long association with Stanford extended to his passionate support for Stanford sports. He faithfully rooted for every Stanford football, basketball and baseball team and over the course of 65 years, almost never missed a game. Watching games with him was a joy as he was the ultimate fan!
Family was everything to Ken and his greatest joy. Ken met and married his beloved wife Anne in 1959, while he was serving at Fort Detrick. Their devoted 57-year partnership was an inspiration to all. Together, they raised four daughters (LeeAnne McDermott, Laura Tauscher, Caroline Kohn and Aimee Lehr) who were the light of Ken’s life. Ken and Anne are blessed with eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild and “Grandpa” was a dedicated friend, mentor and champion for each of them. He is also survived by his much-loved brother, Dr. Gordon Vosti. Ken, husband, father, grandfather and brother, will be greatly missed, but the values he exemplified will guide us every day of our lives. The family wishes to especially extend its gratitude to Mission Hospice for their loving and tender care of Ken and support of Anne during the past year.
Tags: veteran, teacher/educator
