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September 26, 2014 OHA Director's messages on the web
To: All OHA employees
From: Suzanne Hoffman, Interim Director
Remembering Dr. Steven Fritz
“The thing that guided Steve was kindness. When someone would call him, the thing he would think first is, 'How can I be kind?' That's the guy I knew." - Dr. Michael Duran, Oregon State Hospital

Many of you have shared your sadness this week about the accident that took the life of Dr. Steven Fritz, a longtime psychiatrist at Oregon State Hospital who touched the lives of so many at the hospital and beyond. I wanted to make sure you have information about the public celebration of his life planned in Portland this Sunday. I have included that information, and other information about how you can honor Dr. Fritz’s memory if you so choose, below.

In addition, the Spiritual Care department at Oregon State Hospital is planning a memorial service to be held at the hospital. I will share more information about that when it is available.

Cary Fairchild, who is a mental health specialist at the hospital, was seriously injured in the crash. I know our thoughts and prayers are also with Cary and her family at this time.

Times like these remind us how quickly our lives can be changed forever. May our memories of Dr. Fritz remind us to seize the day with humor and kindness.

Please hold your loved ones close, and have safe weekend.

-Suzanne

Memory Jar
The Oregon State Hospital is coordinating a “memory jar” to be given to Dr. Fritz’s family at the hospital memorial. If you would like to contribute a favorite memory, please send an email to Karren Maldonaldo at karren.s.maldonaldo@state.or.us.

Dr. Steven Fritz Celebration of Life
Everyone is welcome to attend the public Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 28 at 5 p.m. in Terry Schrunk Plaza, SW 3rd and Jefferson, Portland. Participants are encouraged to bring a candle, and to have fun dressing in whatever you feel is appropriate to honor him and/or amuse yourself and others. A private family service will be held on Saturday, by invitation.  

The family suggests donations to honor Dr. Fritz in lieu of flowers and cards be made to:

Doctors Without Borders

Little Kids Rock

New Oregon Arts & Letters (Checks may be sent to New Oregon Arts & Letters, P.O. Box 2863, Portland, OR 97208)

The Salvation Army, Portland Tabernacle Corps or West Women’s Shelter

OHA on the web