RE Log - Fall 2020

FALL 2020 Ransom Everglades LOG 75 Suzie and Eugene Sayfie, M.D. The Good Doctor Sayfie family mourns the loss of its patriarch Some say no one is perfect, but the multitudes who knew Eugene J. Sayfie would argue otherwise. An old-fashioned doctor with a cutting-edge mind, Dr. Sayfie left every place he visited and every person he met better than he found them. He carried his doctor’s black bag with him everywhere and was rarely seen without a stethoscope around his neck. Every patient had his personal cell phone number and he never knew the meaning of “working hours” because he was always on call, for anyone in need, meeting each person on his path with enthusiasm, optimism and a readiness to help in any way he could. Dr. Sayfie measured life by two standards: the first – whether you enjoyed the journey, and the second – whether you made a difference to others along the way. Dr. Sayfie exceeded all measures on both. Everyone left his side feeling better about the world and themselves. His optimism and enthusiasm were infectious and will be an enormous part of his legacy. Dr. Sayfie’s greatest passions were his loving family, his practice of medicine, his de- voted faith, humanitarianism, excellence in education and philanthropy. Eugene J. Sayfie was born in Charleston, W.Va., to Lebanese immi- grant parents. At five years old, he start- ed working alongside his older brother selling newspapers. An exceptional student and avid athlete, he excelled in every endeavor throughout high school and college, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from West Virginia University. He was awarded a scholarship to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis where he graduated second in his class. His ascent in the medical field continued as he completed residencies in internal medicine at the Harvard Medical School Services at Boston City Hospital and at the University Hospital of Cleveland, followed by a cardiology fellowship at the latter institution. He often quoted Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet , “Work is love made visible,” and was renowned for his steadfast commitment to his patients and his incomparable work ethic. “My view has always been that we are here to serve the patient first and foremost,” said Dr. Sayfie at the dedication of The Eugene J. Sayfie, M.D., Pavilion for Excellence in Patient Care – a comprehensive care facility he founded that makes patients collaborative participants in their care – at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Sayfie received the inaugural Distinguished Master Clinician Award, which is presented by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to a clinician who exemplifies excellence in patient care. A man with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for sharing his findings in order to continue the importance of education and heal- ing with so many, Dr. Sayfie recently received the Inaugural Visionary Award from the Frost Museum of Science from Phil Frost. Gene and his wife Suzie were married for 51 years and all who know them consider their relationship a fairytale love story for the ages. They did everything together including raising their four daughters: Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard ’88, Nicole Sayfie Porcelli ’89, Lisa Sayfie ’91 and Amy Sayfie Zichella ’93 . Devoted parents Gene and Suzie attended every school event for their children together at Ransom Everglades School where Dr. Sayfie served on the Board of Trustees. They were regulars on campus and in the sports stands where Dr. Sayfie was the biggest fan for his girls and grandkids, even being quoted in the Miami Herald cheering “Spectacular!” in the RE gym. They were Chairs for the Opening Celebration of the Anderson Gymnasium and served as team parents for numer- ous RE sports teams over the years, and this year both Dr. Sayfie and Suzie were proud to serve as Grandparent Chairs at Ransom Everglades. They looked forward to the opening of the STEM center for their own grandchildren and all students attending RE who will be so fortunate to learn in this innovative and incredible facility. Dr. Sayfie was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Besides his wife and four daughters, he is survived by grandchil- dren Anders ’21, Jordan ’25, Austin ’26, Isabella ’26, Leo ’27, Sophia ’27 , Enzo, Abigail and Ava, sons-in-law Morten, Marcello and Eric.