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Note: <b>Douglas M. Black M.D. </b>Douglas M. Black, M.D., beloved husband, father and friend, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday, March 2, 2017. He was 86.
He was a first generation American, born in Barre, Vt. to Scottish parents. He graduated from the University of Vermont Medical School and followed that up with two years in the Air Force. After three years at Women's Hospital in New York City to complete his training, he started an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice in Concord, in 1963. He finally retired at age 80.
He always felt blessed to have found his calling in life, and he was proud to have often cared for several generations of women within the same family. Dr. Black actively participated in the local community through various organizations, including St. Paul's Church, Dartmouth Medical School, the State Board of Medicine, Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, the Concord City Council, the local YMCA, the Capitol Center for the Arts, the Concord Community Music School, the Feminist Health Center, and the New Hampshire Highland Games.
He kept fit over the years as an avid squash player and marathon runner-turned-walker in his later years. He broke his left foot while working as a young man in the granite quarry in his hometown of Barre, Vt. This gave him a distinctive gait that made him recognizable from afar, as did his characteristic broad smile and his trademark bowtie. He had a huge appetite for learning, loved to read and he always had a kind word or joke to share.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Leggett Black of Concord; son, Stephen and partner, Gigi Mederos of San Marcos, Texas; daughter, Rebecca and husband, Douglas Ingersoll of Concord and their four children, Tristan, Myles, Camden and Flannery; daughter, Susan and partner, Carmelo Morales and their son, Samuel of Segovia, Spain; son, James and husband, Michael Ballard of Worcester, Mass.; son, Thomas and wife, Meilanie of San Diego; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Black of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; brother and sister-in-law, John and Ellin Leggett of Arlington, Va.; plus numerous nieces, nephews and their children. He is predeceased by his four brothers, Albert, Harold, William and his fraternal twin Donald.
A memorial service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, April 8, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Church in Concord.
There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul's Church. Published in The Concord Monitor on Mar. 10, 2017 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/concordmonitor/obituary.aspx?n=douglas-m-black&pid=184419990#sthash.SCZMIVkq.dpuf
<i>March 09, 2017
</i>I had the pleasure to spend time and care for Dr Black, the mornings will never be the same as we always got to enjoy him singing while waiting for Liz to join him at breakfast.Dr Black will be greatly missed and a honor to have meet a wonderful caring man.
~
Melissa Acres,
Concord, New Hampshire
<i>March 09, 2017
</i>Dr. Black delivered my youngest child in 1965. He was always a favorite with me. He was a mentor for my son,Terry Trow, MD in OBGYN when he was at Dartmouth Med. School.
The world has lost a bright star.
~
Evanell Trow,
Concord, New Hampshire
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/concordmonitor/douglas-m-black-condolences/184419990?cid=full#sthash.w3uCBn9O.dpuf
<b>Douglas Mitchell Black
</b><i>This Guest Book has been kept online until 4/1/2018 by Bennett Funeral Home.
</i>Wednesday, March 08, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to the family and loved ones of Dr. Black in this time of loss and mourning. Dr. Black was a wonderful, great man who truly touched the lives of so many. Take solace in knowing that he lived a wonderful life and brought so much joy, and the gift of life,to so very many. J. Carvalho
~
Jeffrey Carvalho,
<i>SAN DIEGO, California
</i>Friday, March 03, 2017
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise at 1Thessalonians 4:14 will bring you comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be reassuring.
~
S. Hill,
<i>Maryland
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
</i><b>Much-loved doctor delivered thousands, including multiple generations
</b>Dr. Doug Black holds day-old Damon Hadley on Dec. 30, 1989.
GEOFF FORESTER Monitor file
By RAY DUCKLER
Monitor staff
Monday, March 20, 2017
If you believe in reincarnation or fairy tales, perhaps Dr. Douglas Black will return as a stork.
He lived his life that way, as a deliverer of babies, carrying them into people’s lives. He told me he delivered“a couple of thousand” babies when I wrote about him six years ago.
That was his retirement column. Sadly, this is his obituary column. The good doctor left us earlier this month.He was 86.
Writing about Black is easy,because his life included such clear and distinctive paths, about riveting,human material. His father died from lung disease when Black was 3, turning his mother into a role model who was forced to raise her five sons alone.
And the baby angle, of course, is irresistible. Perhaps Black delivered one of your babies. Or all of them.Perhaps he delivered your mother’s babies, and her mother’s babies. Perhaps he delivered you.
It’s possible, because Black began his OB/GYN practice in Concord in 1963. He worked until he was 80 and, as colleague Dr. Oge Young of Concord told me, “He worked the hardest, and he was the oldest. An exhausting night for
us was a night he would describe as exciting.”
This time, I found other angles,fresh angles, those I had not discovered when first meeting Black in 2011. I found Rita Portalupe of Bow. She and Black graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, Vt., in 1948. They didn’t hang in the same circles back then.
But a couple of decades later,after Portalupe and husband Joseph had moved to this area, her life intersected with Black’s in a big way. In fact, he changed her life, because in those days women played only a minor role in the medical field.
Black had other ideas.Progressive ideas. That’s why he sent Portalupe to Alabama for more education.He promised her a job when she got back, and he kept his promise.
“He gave me the opportunity to become the very first nurse practitioner in Concord, which I’ll always be grateful to him for,” Portalupe said. “He was kind and considerate to his employees and to his patients, and his patients loved him, because they knew he really cared for them.”
I found other fascinating tidbits. Black was a Republican, yet he was pro-choice after experiencing the horror of illegal abortions while he worked in New York City.
“I’d ask him, ‘How can you support the Republican Party when they want to outlaw abortion,’ ” Young said.“He’d say, ‘I’m not a one-issue person.’ ”
Elsewhere, Young told me Black introduced natural childbirth to Concord’s medical community and fathers to Concord’s delivery rooms. He told me women who lived south of here would bypass hospitals in Manchester to have their babies in Concord.
And, as we know, Black loved delivering babies. He and wife Elizabeth had five of their own. At work, Black and Young and three others delivered 1,850 babies per year, compared to the 1,200 delivered today by 20 area obstetricians, according to Young.
“His work was his everything,”said Black’s daughter, Becky Black, who works for the Community Action Program.“He made it look easy. He’d come to work and every day was a beautiful sunset. Every sunset was the most beautiful sunset ever. He loved life.”
And his patients loved his love of life. He calmed them, comforted them, no matter how many hours he’d worked,no matter how high his stress level happened to be at the time.
“His basic trait and the reason why people had positive feelings was he was open and friendly, understanding and a good listener,” said Becky Black’s husband, Doug Ingersoll. “He handled pressure like a routine occurrence that could be handled by anyone, and people reacted to that. Under pressure, his personality was a real bonus.”
Black felt pressure early. He grew up during the Depression in Barre, Vt., known as the Granite Capital of the World. His father and others who worked the quarries often suffered from dust-related silicosis. That led to tuberculosis. That led to death.
His 43-year-old father died when Black was 3. Joseph Portalupe, Rita’s husband, also grew up there, graduating from high school the year before they did, in 1947. He said Black had more to worry about than school.
“He was as active in high school as possible, because he was in that situation where his mother was widowed and he had to help at home,” Joseph told me. “He always had a part-time job. He knew responsibility at a very young age.”
Concord benefited from this sense of responsibility, this work ethic, this vision. In recent years, friends noticed that Black was slowing down. His memory wasn’t the same. He died from dementia-related illness on March 2, and a memorial service is scheduled for April 8 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church.
Robin Broadbent’s youngest son,Harry, was delivered by Black. She wonders if St. Paul’s can fit all the expected mourners.
“Oh my goodness gracious, we’re already asking what are we going to do?” Broadbent said. “There’s upstairs,there’s downstairs, but he was so well-loved, and so many babies. They’re everywhere.”
They are, indeed. Thousands of them. They began their lives in good hands.
“He was a role model of kindness,” Becky said.
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http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/douglas-black-obituary?pid=1000000184419990&view=guestbook&page=10
March 30, 2017
“To the family of Dr. Black:
I have known Dr. Black for 40 years and have always had a great respect and admiration for him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine how wonderful it was for you to have such a gentle man be part of your lives. I hate annual checkups but always looked forward to seeing him each year and bringing him homemade treats. He was very caring; always asked about the family and was sincerely interested in what was going on with our business and my son and his business.He delivered my son some 37+ years ago and I remember that night and his joking to this day. I am sure I will still be looking for him walking around Concord or seeing a show at the Capital Center for the Arts as was a familiar sight for many years. He always had time to stop and say hello and ask "how are you".
My condolences to all of you. Hold to the wonderful memories.
God Bless You My Friend and I will always have fond memories of you and a smile when I think of you. Rest in Peace.
Georgie
<b>Jeffrey Heavey
</b>March 24, 2017 | San Diego, CA
“We wanted to extend our condolences to the Black Family. Dr. Black was an amazing man and gave so much love to the community and to his family. He will be missed.
<b>Sue Locke
</b>March 24, 2017 | Tampa, FL
“My prayers to the Black family as they grieve the love of such a kind, wonderful man. I would see him at the hospital and he always had a smile and kind word for you. We'd talk of the Lund Home in Burlington, Vt.which held memories for us both.
<b>Ellen Eberhart
</b>March 22, 2017 | Contoocook, NH
“With love and gratitude for this incredible man and all his many contributions to the community. I feel blessed to have knowhim and been in his care. He will be deeply missed.
<b>Andrea Silver
</b>March 21, 2017 | Philadelphia, PA
“Doug was my father-in-law for a few years and I adored him. We took walks together, skiied together, and dared to discuss and debate politics and religion. I even went to church with him. One Sunday, he pushed me into the aisle where people were in line to receive communion. I said,"Doug, I can't do this!" And he said "Why not?" And I said,"Because I'm a Jew." To which he replied, "So what...afraid you're going to get zapped?" And then he stood behind me, put his arms on my shoulders and pushed me to the front of the line.
Sending love and light to all of the members of the Black family. Peace be with you.
March 21, 2017
“Dr. Black was a one of a kind doctor always made you feel at ease. He delivered my two boys. May you rest in peace and may your family be proud of you as you were truly a one of a kind. Sincere condolences to the Black Family.
Carol Nolin Turcotte, Englewood, Florida
<b>Mary Edith Kovach-Heise
</b>March 20, 2017 | Campton, NH
“Liz, I am so very sorry for your loss.
<b>Joyce Watts
</b>March 16, 2017 | Concord, NH
With deepest sympathy to Mrs. Black and the entire family. Dr. Black was an extraordinary physician and person! Dr. Black delivered our first daughter. One evening during pregnancy number three I began to hemorage heavily. My husband was attending a city meeting, and since this was before cell phones, I could not get in touch with him. I called Dr. Black's office and he called me right back.I suggested I call an ambulance but he would not hear of it! He came to my house, I grabbed many towels to protect his car, and he calmly drove me to the hospital where he tended to me as I had a miscarriage. I looked up and my husband was standing there! Dr. Black had gotten the police to interrupt the meeting to have my husband get to the hospital ASAP. What a wonderful man the world has lost! Thank you Dr. Black!
March 16, 2017
“May the powerful and encouraging words written in the bible be able to sooth the pain of your broken heart having loss your dear loved one. Matthew 5:4 reads.. "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted." Sincerely, I offer my deepest condolences during this time of sadness and grief, and may the Father of our Lord Jesus continue to comfort you. ~with christian love, agape.
<b>Ira Migdal
</b>March 16, 2017 | Contoocook, NH
“Dr. Black probably delivered half of Concord and I say that without exaggeration. One of the finest men I had the pleasureto know. Dr. Black was a rarity; a Dr. with a heart. He was caring,compassionate and kind, traits lost today on many Physicians today. Rest in Peace Doc, heaven awaits.
March 15, 2017
“Dr. Black was an exceptional man who showed how much he cared about his patients every day. I missed him so much when he retired.
<b>Marianne Isaacs
</b>March 15, 2017 | Gilbert, AZ
“Dr Black delivered two of our three boys. He was a kind and gentle person, he will truly be missed.
<b>Marcia Hudson Scarponi
</b>March 15, 2017 | St Petersburg, FL
“RIP, Dr. Black. You have left a true legacy for so many.
<b>Roy Culberson
</b>March 14, 2017 | MARCO ISLAND, FL
March 13, 2017
“Dr b
Dr Black was my Dr for 40+ years.A wonderful,caring man.Who always had the time to listen.He will be greatly missed. Priscilla Wester
<b>Sharon Bradford
</b>March 13, 2017 | Clifton, ME
“Dr Black was my Dr for many years.I was with him when he first started practicing.He always knew what to say at sad timesand make you laugh during an exam.He was a special star on this earth.Rest in peace you have earned it.
<b>Roberta Gilman
</b>March 12, 2017 | Nottingham, NH
“Dr. Black was so kind to me when I was very young and backed into his car on South Rd. in Concord. Even though I did some damage to his vehicle, he told me not to worry about it. I was so relieved not to have to face my parents! I will never forget his kindness.
My sincere condolences to his family.
<b>Lori Nerbonne
</b>March 12, 2017 | Bow, NH
“There will never be another like him! I worked with him in Maternity, and although he didn't deliver my 3 he would pop his head in my labor room every time and say 'how's it going in here...need any help?!' with that big smile & bow tie. He was a smart, compassionate,women's advocate. He let birthing moms reach down and deliver their own baby to their chest, because he knew how empowering it was. May he RIP
<b>Michael Mcgonigle
</b>March 12, 2017 | Kittery, ME
“Very difficult to articulate what an amazing person Dr. Black has always been. He was the first person that I ever met inthis world and went on to deliver my brothers and provided care for my mother for many years. I was fortunate to have befriended Tom so that I continued to know Dr. Black throughout his life. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who had a bigger impact on the community than Dr. Black. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers from my family to all of Dr. Blacks family.
<b>Gina Cannon
</b>March 12, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Doug was a tremendously calm and reassuring presence when I almost miscarried our daughter. I will never forget his gentle support. He was as also a great
presence at St. Paul's - you could see he lived his faith. Concord has lost a treasure. My condolences to his family.
<b>Gyme Hardy
</b>March 12, 2017
“Sincere condolences to Dr. Black's family,friends, and colleagues. It was a privilege to have served with him on a community task force several years ago. His reputation of excellence and kindness preceded him.
<b>Victoria Layfield
</b>March 11, 2017 | Sheffield, AL
“Prayers for his family and friends, Dr. Black delivery 3 of my children the oldest ls a midwife in Oregon. My he rest in peace.
<b>Judith Sullivan
</b>March 11, 2017 | Keene, NH
“Dr. Black was my doctor when both of my daughters were born, and he was an outstanding support for me at that time. Iam so sad to hear that he has passed away. His skill and compassion were unmatched.
<b>judy sharpe
</b>March 11, 2017 | Barnsdall, OK
“Dr. Black lived his faith. He was an inspiration.
<b>The Rev. John J. Reinheimer
</b>March 11, 2017 | Port Clinton, OH
“Condolences to The family. Dr. Black was both a true servant both of God and his fellow man. He and I often worked together at Midnight Mass at St. Paul's for several years. My prayers are with the family in their mourning and grief and with Douglas as he makes his transition from this life to the eternal life with Christ.
March 11, 2017
“What a wonderful, caring, dedicated man and physician. He delivered my youngest on Friday the 13th 27 years ago this April.We always had fun with that fact - delivered on Friday the 13th by Dr. Black. I treasured his compassion, skill, and tenderness. Prayers and thoughts to his family from mine.
<b>Meg Bieniek
</b>March 11, 2017 | Durham, NH
“Thank you Dr. Black. I am lucky to have received your excellent medical care and benefited from your knowledge and good sense.But what I will never forget is that you made me laugh when I was in labor.
Meg Bieniek
<b>Alice Head
</b>March 11, 2017 | Ashland, NH
“my sincere prayers for Elizabeth and the Black family.he was truly one of the best.he will be missed.
<b>A. Guinard
</b>March 11, 2017
“Dr. Black brought me into this world and stayed late into the night to bring my son into this world. He was an amazing man, acaring doctor, and a friend to many. My deepest condolences to his family and to the entire Concord Ob-gyn practice. May he rest well.
<b>Dianne Dewitt
</b>March 11, 2017 | Bow, NH
“Dr.Black will be missed, yet not forgotten. My prays and thoughts go out to Liz and family. Doc. shall be watching now from a distance Liz, and loving you and your family with his open arms to embrace you all each day. God Bless!
Lovely, Dianne D.
<b>Priscilla Soukas
</b>March 11, 2017 | Henniker, NH
“Dr. Black was a wonderful doctor and an inspirational human being. In 1966 he performed an emergency Caesarean on me and saved my son, with literally one minute to spare. When I tried to thank him, he simply said, "Thank the Man Up There." I sent my son's birthday pictures to the doctor for years, and they met when Eric was 16-and I was performing with Liz Black, in Concord Chorale. Much love to the entire family,including Camden, Myles, and Tristan, whom I taught at Kimball School. Priscilla (Mrs. P.) Soukas
<b>Carol Leonard
</b>March 11, 2017 | Ellsworth, ME
“Godspeed you on your journey Doug Black.
<b>Lorraine Aucoin
</b>March 11, 2017 | Henniker, NH
“My condolences to the Black family. Dr. Black was a member of the OB/GYN team for my 3 children. He was compassionate and made you feel like you were his only patient. He delivered my first child, a son, which was a difficult delivery, but he kept me focused. He also delivered my first granddaughter! Rest in peace, Dr. Black!
<b>Sandra Ackerman
</b>March 11, 2017 | Madbury, NH
“My deepest condolences. I worked with and knew Dr. Black through the Feminist Health Center and will always remember his integrity, kindness and courage to do the right thing. His life is an example for us all and his legacy stays with us. An amazing man, doctor, activist,father, husband and Episcopalian!
<b>Mike Vlacich
</b>March 11, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Dr. Black helped deliver our first daughter and was a Concord institution. My family extends our condolences and gratitude toDr. Black's family.
<b>Jeanne Dube
</b>March 11, 2017 | Concord, NH
“I am fortunate to have worked for Dr. Black,and I cannot sing his praises enough. One thing I will never forget is that every morning when he came to work, Dr. Black would, without fail, mention what a "beautiful day" it was, regardless of whether the sun was shining or a storm was raging! His positive outlook on life is something that I always admired and will strive for.
<b>Nikki Guyette
</b>March 10, 2017 | Pembroke
“RIP! You will be missed!
<b>Heather Cameron
</b>March 10, 2017 | Keene, NH
“I had Dr. Black when I was pregnant with my oldest son. I was a teen mom, but he made me feel like a normal person. He wassuch a caring man, and had amazing bed side manner as a physician. Sending my condolences to his family. Thank you for all of your amazing work, and of rbeing such a great doctor!
<b>Nikki Guyette
</b>March 10, 2017 | Pembroke, NH
“You will be missed by so many! Fly high.
<b>Bonnie (Riley) Gott
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“I know I speak for hundreds (thousands?) of Concord-area women when I express the respect and fondness that I had for this fine doctor and human being. He will be sadly missed. Concord was fortunate to have him for so many years. My sincere condolences to his lovely wife and the rest of his family.
<b>Kathy Beliveau
</b>March 10, 2017 | Newbury, NH
“I remember him as a good and compassionate doctor. I am sorry for the family's loss and pray they find peace.
<b>Tracy Bourbeau
</b>March 10, 2017 | Chichester, NH
“I was fortunate to have Dr Black care for me after a car accident while I was 6 months pregnant. He was so very kind andsoothing. He put my panic stricken mind at ease. He spoke to me with such compassion. What a wonderful man! He will be missed deeply.
March 10, 2017
“It was an honor to work with you. K. Drown RN
<b>Joanne Bates
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“I will forever be grateful to Dr Black for delivering my son 24 years ago and trusting me to put off the C-Section. Idelivered a healthy boy on my own. They do not make Dr's like this anymore.
<b>Linda Sims
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Thoughts and prayers to the Black family on the loss of this wonderful man. As a student nurse he was the physician in the delivery room as I watched my first birth. Something I will never forget. Dr.Black was a caring, gifted man.
<b>Sarah Nyhan
</b>March 10, 2017
“He will be missed. He always had a kind word for me and was such a vibrant part of our church and community.
<b>Michelle Fischer
</b>March 10, 2017 | Henniker, NH
“So sorry to hear of Dr. Black's passing.
My heart goes out to Liz and all of the family. Dr.Black was always so appreciative of the care I gave to the property, especially loved the flowers that were planted year after year.
<b>Sandra Perry
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Dr Black was a good and kind man. He was a great Dr and a great friend. He truly cared about his patients. He cared about people in general, as well as the community he lived in. He loved talking about seeing his children and Grandchildren. He wore the best socks!! Some of us who worked with him would take notice of the different patterns and themes and it seemed to please him that we did and he would tell the story behind each pair!I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to work with him off and on for many years. For at least a few years after we were no longer working together he would call every month or two to check in on me to ask how I was doing. That's the way he was. My condolences go out to his wife Liz,their children, and the rest of his family. He is and will be missed.
<b>Lisa Hall
</b>March 10, 2017 | Henniker, NH
“Rest in Peace, Doug. Your positive contributions to women and families in the Concord community and beyond is immeasurable. I was blessed to have had the honor to work with you. You were asocial justice warrior. You will not be forgotten.
My sincere condolences to Mrs Black and family. Lisa Hall
<b>Carole Milliken
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Sending condolences to the Black family; so sorry for your loss! Dr. Black was an incredibly fine person and it was a privilege to know him.
March 10, 2017
“Thinking of Mrs. Black and family. Dr. Black was the most wonderful man I have ever known. I worked for Dr. Black and Concord OB for 24 years. The absolute best 24 years of my life. I will always be thankful to have had him in my life. Love you always, Pam Mullin
<b>Rose Marie Lanier
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Many years ago Dr. Black was my doctor. He was a special person who respected everyone. I felt that he saw me as an individual person. My deepest condolences.
<b>Judy Oleary
</b>March 10, 2017 | Twin Mountain, NH
“Dr. Black was a fine man always kind to everyone. As a nurse I worked with him at Concord Hospital. Remember himsitting in the rocking chair waiting for his patient to deliver. The world has lost an angel.
March 10, 2017
“he delivered my son and was a great dr will be greatly missed Rita Easler
<b>Jerry and Holly Tepe
</b>March 10, 2017 | Hopkinton, NH
“Rest in peace Doug and many thanks for all your support and guidance. Blessing to Liz and the family.
<b>Kris Mooney
</b>March 10, 2017 | Chichester, NH
“Dr Black was such a great doc, he delivered me and was part of the obgyn team while I was pregnant. He was very handsome and very honest. I remember him telling me, that basically I was getting to fat for the amount of weeks I was pregnant. I remember I left his office crying. But he was right I was gaining too much weight. I loved his personality and his character. Rest in peace doc.
<b>Mark & Tracy Pace
</b>March 10, 2017 | Knoxville, TN
“Liz and Doug were so kind to us when we moved to Concord---taking us in when our furniture was in transit. They also came to each and everyone of our son's violin recitals as he was growing up, acting as surrogate grandparents. The world has lost a truly kind man. Rest in peace.
<b>Carole Winnen(Mrs.Morin'sDaughter)
</b>March 10, 2017 | The Villages, FL
“My thoughts and prayers are with all the Black family at this time. So sorry to read this on line. Please know I am thinking of you all
<b>Jemi Broussard
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Dr. Black always will be remembered in my family for the great kindness he showed my Mother, comforting her before her ovarian cancer surgery--she's one of the rare survivors of such an advanced case, due to his detection, surgery and oversight of her care-- and has lived to see her first great grandchild! And he delivered one of my three children while still at Concord OBGYN. The entire Concord arts community (music--esp.opera, film, dance, performing arts also has lost a true friend, who will be missed greatly!
<b>Diane A
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Douglas Black was an extraordinary person that gave so much of himself to his family, friends and patients. He delivered my three daughters. It was always a pleasure seeing him and Liz at the Scottish festival. He will be missed by the entire community.
RIP Dr. Black
My deepest sympathy to Liz and his family.
<b>Julie Beth Bissell
</b>March 10, 2017 | Northfield, NH
“Dr. Black helped me through several miscarriages and helped me through 2 live births. His knowledge is vast and he put his heart ❤ in each case. He is an amazing person, physician and friend. The Concord area will miss him greatly.Our condolences to his family!
<b>Jessie & Richard Osborne
</b>March 10, 2017 | Ann Arbor,, MI
“Dr. Black delivered 2 of our 4 children. He was a great human being and the community will miss him. Our youngest son is now a MD and did a clinical with him when he was at Dartmouth. He was a good neighbor.
Our thoughts are with his family.
<b>Bridgette Workman
</b>March 10, 2017 | Bow, NH
“ What a wonderful doctor, friend, and man. To the Black family, may you find peace in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have so many fond memories of Dr. Black and all he did for women. He truly made the world a better place. Dr Black, you will be missed ...
<b>Patrick Fagan
</b>March 10, 2017 | Carbondale, CO
“With gratitude to the whole Black family for sharing the warmth and humor of your home so many years ago, you gave me many fond memories, please accept my condolences.
March 10, 2017
“Very sorry to hear of Doug's death.He accomplished a great deal over his lifetime. For me, I especially enjoyed his quiet way and his wonderful boys. Jim and Steve. My sincere condonolences to all the Black family. Bob and Nancy Kantar, Lyndonville, VT
<b>Tina Clark-Piaseczny
</b>March 10, 2017 | New Hampshire
“Dr Black will certainly be missed!!
I believe he delivered almost all of my mother's 8 children. He had a great memory, remembering mom every time she'd go to an appointment with me....Even knew her first name!
Thoughts and prayers to the family. No one has to tell you what a great man he was
<b>Jean Bartlett
</b>March 10, 2017 | Canaan, NH
“Rest in Peace Dr. Black. you were a wonderful man and physician. I had the opportunity to be your patient for several years then you retired for treatment of infertility unfortunately I did not have a successful pregnancy while in your care but eventually did the old fashioned surprise way in 1996. My condolences to your family.
<b>Debbie Reeves
</b>March 10, 2017 | Pembroke, NH
“My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Black.I had the honor of working with him for a short time and not only did he deliver me but he also delivered my daughter. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.
<b>Audrey Blodgett
</b>March 10, 2017 | Concord, NH
“My fondest memories are from our 4-H years. My condolences to the Black family from a member of the MacGregor family.
<b>Debbie Sawyer
</b>March 10, 2017 | Strafford, NH
“I was blessed and honored to work with and for this extraordinary man for 40 years. He delivered my 2 babies. So kind. So caring. He will be soulfully missed.
<b>Janice Page
</b>March 10, 2017 | Henniker, NH
“He is leaving a memorable legacy in the Concord Hospital and Concord area community.
<b>Roberta (Robbie) Terrill
</b>March 10, 2017 | Whispering Pines, NC
“I was a student nurse when I first met Doug Black. Still remember the time he and Liz came to our apartment to meet our English Springer and we found that she had destroyed a bag our flour and spread it all over! They were non-pluses.
He delivered two of our four children.
He supported my decision to go to Philly and become a Nurse Practitioner.
I thank him for his dedication to women's rights and I shall miss him.
<b>Peter Mcdonald
</b>March 10, 2017 | Florida
“A squash partner and locker mate of many years at the Y. A class act. He will be missed
<b>Jacqueline Rockwell(Griffith)
</b>March 10, 2017 | Spencerport, NY
“An incredible man and doctor!
<b>Judy George
</b>March 10, 2017
“My deepest sympathy to Dr. Black's family. My Mom, Gail George, worked for him as private scrub in the OR for years. She loved him and a loving friendship blossomed. He was my Dr for a long time and I just adored him. God Bless you Dr. Black and thank you for all you did for my Mom and others.
<b>Melissa Acres
</b>March 09, 2017 | Concord, NH
“I had the pleasure to spend time and care for Dr Black, the mornings will never be the same as we always got to enjoy him singing while waiting for Liz to join him at breakfast. Dr Black will be greatly missed and a honor to have meet a wonderful caring man.
<b>Evanell Trow
</b>March 09, 2017 | Concord, NH
“Dr. Black delivered my youngest child in 1965.He was always a favorite with me. He was a mentor for my son,Terry Trow, MD in OBGYN when he was at Dartmouth Med. School.
The world has lost a bright star.
<b>Jeffrey Carvalho
</b>March 08, 2017 | SAN DIEGO, CA
“My heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to the family and loved ones of Dr. Black in this time of loss and mourning. Dr.Black was a wonderful, great man who truly touched the lives of so many. Take solace in knowing that he lived a wonderful life and brought so much joy, and the gift of life,to so very many. J. Carvalho
<b>S. Hill
</b>March 03, 2017 | Maryland
“Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise at 1Thessalonians 4:14 will bring you comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be reassuring.
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Remembering Doug Black April 2017
Good afternoon. Many of you know I had the privilege and the joy to work with Doug Black for 30 years. Thank you, Liz, and family for inviting me to share some thoughts about Doug as we celebrate his life today.
I remember vividly meeting him for the first time. It was fall, an early Saturday morning. Pam and I had driven from Burlington, Vt. with our sons looking for a job. I was in my last year of training. His red Chevy Chevette with a several dings and dents moved slowly across the old Concord Coach Motel parking lot where we were staying. He got out of his car. We shook hands and I introduced him to Pam and my three boys. He said he was happy to see that I needed a job so badly!
He moved his hot, sweaty squash gear, which was steaming up his windows, from the front seat to the back and then asked me to“hop in.” My one sport coat had just been cleaned and pressed for the visit, but I had no option. He then told me that if I joined his practice I might be able afford a second car. And, when my children were his kids age, my red Chevette might look like his. I was not impressed by his car, but I was impressed by him. Little did I know what fortune had struck me that morning.
As I stand here, I cannot help but feel his presence. He was so much a part of this church, and this church was so much a part of him. After the tragic fire which destroyed this sacred place in the early 1980's, Doug devoted countless hours and a good part of his savings to rebuild this church. It was a time when our practice was incredibly busy with long nights of call. But,looking back, he had a goal in mind. Soon after completion, many of us remember Doug walking Becky down the aisle of this bright sanctuary in his kilt on her wedding day. He was gushing with pride. He always seemed happy, but that had to be one of most joyful moments in his life.
Doug had a very quick wit. He was not a teller of jokes nor even a storyteller. But he often had a timely remark, a short sharp quip, which made us laugh hard, often at ourselves. Years ago, I was walking up the stairs to the second floor of our office where Doug and I worked. An elderly woman was coming down holding the railing with tears in her eyes. When she smiled, I was relieved to know her tears were of joy, not of sadness. As we met, I said,“You must have just seen Dr. Black.” She emphatically responded, “Yes l did, and don't you ever try to say the things he tells his patients. You won’t get away with it!” I never learned what he had said.
With t hat twinkle in his eye, he once told a laboring patient, who had been pushing for three hours, that Lizzy had dinner waiting for him at home, so it was time for her to start pushing like a man! Even she laughed. His respect for women was never in doubt. He used to say often, “It is tough to be a woman. I’m just glad women are tough.”
His love and deep respect for women, I suspect, started with his mother. His parents had emigrated from Aberdeen, Scotland to Barre, Vt. Doug was the fifth of five boys. At age forty-three, his mom had a surprise pregnancy. She was told by her doctor that she was finally having a daughter, a very large baby girl. Instead, she had two more sons-Doug was the second of twin boys.
Doug’s father died when he was three. He told me first graders in Barre, Vt. were often without fathers because men died young with silicosis, a lung disease they developed while working in the granite quarries. It was often complicated by tuberculosis. Doug shared that when he lost his dad, his mom “bought a broom and rode it hard.”
During high school, he worked in a pharmacy. Before starting college, he secured a job for a year in the granite quarries to save some money. That year a large rock fell on his foot. He suffered multiple fractures which healed poorly. This was the injury that gave him his distinctive walk we all recognized from afar. When I asked him about his misfortune, he said he was just grateful that the stone had not fallen on his head. He figured a mangled foot was a lot better than a “mangled” brain.
Doug attended the University of Vermont on a full scholarship where he lived for free at the Episcopal Diocese in Burlington. He had planned to be a pharmacist, but instead he was invited to enroll in the school of medicine after only three years of college. His attraction to strong, bright women did not stop with his mom. He met Liz when he was a third year medical student on his Ob/Gyn rotation. Their first encounter came when he unknowingly contaminated a whole tray of sterile glass syringes. Liz and the other nurses who had waited all morning for those syringes were not happy and Liz let him know it.
That night he called Liz. Her roommate answered. Covering the receiver, she told Liz that it was that dumb medical student who had contaminated their syringes. He wanted to take Liz to the movies. Fortunately, for all of us, Liz accepted. One of my partners once said, you could only be mad at Doug until you saw him again. That was so true!
After graduation from medical school, Doug interned at the Indianapolis General Hospital. He and Liz married that year. Following his internship, they spent the next two years in northern Maine at Loring Air Force Base. According to Doug, the medical officers at the base asked him if he wanted to be a pediatrician or an obstetrician while he was there. He said he preferred screaming women to screaming children. And, so it was at Loring Air Force Base, he found his future in medicine.
He trained four years as an Ob/Gyn resident at Women's Hospital in NYC. He saw many young women die of sepsis (an overwhelming infection) after illegal abortions. It was then he decided that he never wanted to see a young woman die having an abortion again. Throughout his career,he strongly defended a woman’s right to choose when she would have her family.
He also felt strongly that women should be able to choose how they have their babies. Long before it had a name, he and Charlie Macomber and Ken McKinney provided “natural childbirth” at Concord Hospital. When I joined their practice, many women were driving north from Manchester for obstetrical care because Concord Hospital offered labor room deliveries. Fathers were encouraged to be present for the birth of their children. There was little intervention and our C-section rates were the lowest in the state.
Working with Doug was difficult because he had such extraordinary endurance. There was no room for complaining. Long nights we would call exhausting, he would call exhilarating. He would be up all night and have no problem seeing an office full of women the next day). He was an excellent surgeon. His surgery schedule was always full. Women felt comfortable in his hands.
As Doug got older, I was astounded at how he kept going,like an “Ever-ready battery.” He would often whisper in my ear, “it just keeps getting better.” Amazingly, he practiced for 48 years. Doug claimed he would recharge by going home. One of his greatest joys was living next to grandchildren. He loved having the opportunity to watch you grow up. He was thrilled to have breakfast with you and then standby your side at the morning bus stop. Those were experiences he had never had with his own children .
I learned many things from Doug. Most important, I learned to remain thankful. He would say to me, “we get ourselves into big trouble when we stop feeling grateful.” Most of us find our glasses half full or half empty depending on the day. Doug's glass seemed to be forever overflowing! He said often, “I am a very lucky man.”
He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved us his partners, his other colleagues and the nurses with whom he worked. He especially loved his patients. And, we loved him. He truly enjoyed Dartmouth medical students and because of him, they have been part of our practice for over 40 years. Two of those medical students became our partners. He surely loved this church and our Concord community. He became a city councillor when he stopped night call, asking for the votes of those in our city whom he had delivered. He would pinch himself daily for the life God had given him.
It is not for any of us to know how long we have on this earth. It is not for us to know God’s plan. But, it is for us to live every day with purpose, and with joy, and with love. Doug used each day to show those closest to him how much he cared about them, and he treated others with kindness and respect. He made this world a better place. His fleeting presence on this earth has had a lasting impact on the lives of others. He surely was one of God’s great shepherds.
May the light of his love shine in our hearts today. And, may we rejoice and be thankful that he was a part of our lives. Amen .
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