Loren Fritz Taylor M.D., J.D.
8/13/1928 - 6/9/2011
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Fritz died peacefully at home in Tucson on June 9, 2011. He was a modest man of few words and many accomplishments. He entered the U.S. Navy at 17 and served as a Medic. After receiving his M.D. degree from Indiana University, Fritz practiced in Martinsville, IN until moving to Tucson in 1961. In 1967, Fritz obtained his J.D. degree from the University of Arizona and was subsequently appointed to the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Secretary's Commission on Medical Malpractice in Washington, D.C., While on the anesthesia faculty at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1971, Fritz wrote the first Statutory Definition of Death. His love of the Southwest brought him back to Tucson in 1975 where he was a founding member of Old Pueblo Anesthesia and spent the remainder of his professional years. Fritz had many passions. In the 1950's and 60's he was an accomplished race-car driver with many winning trophies. He also loved weight lifting, playing tennis, hiking, skiing and well as an avidly reading. Fritz would have turned 83 yesterday, but lost the battle to acute leukemia. Even in death his dedication to medicine remains: Fritz donated his body to medical research. He is greatly missed but not forgotten. Those of us who knew this unique man are better for it. He is survived by his son, Kurt E. Taylor of Hampton, VA.; Vera L. Bare and Augusta K. Britt of Tucson. Arrangements through LIFE LEGACY. There will be now service.