Deceased January 1, 2018
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In Memory
Bernard Wakefield, known to one and all by his middle name, Dick, died Jan. 1 after a heart seizure followed by a fall, while visiting family in Hartford, Conn. Dick lived in his last years in Tonawanda, N.Y., outside Buffalo.
Dick was one of seven members of our class who prepared for Amherst at Nichols School in Buffalo. On campus, he was house manager for Phi Delta Theta and a member of the band.
Dick completed studies at the University at Buffalo Medical School in 1957 and served his internship and residency at Buffalo’s Millard Fillmore Hospital. He conducted a private practice in nearby Amherst, N.Y., for 18 years, while also serving as an adjunct professor at UB, a doctor at the school’s health service clinic and a co-director of Millard Fillmore’s outpatient services.
He went on to serve as assistant director of family practice residency at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital and medical director of skilled nursing at Millard Fillmore. He was a consultant and medical director at several Niagara Falls industries and retired in 1997 after a stint with the Health Care Regulations Division of the New York State Office of Health Systems Management.
In retirement, Dick used his hands-on talents working for Habitat for Humanity for 15 years and on the massive renovation of Buffalo’s classic movie house, Shea’s Theater, for 14 years.
Dick and his longtime partner, Cecelia Kohlmeier, traveled extensively. “We traveled all over the world. Dick loved to travel,” she recalled. Survivors also include two sons, Brian and Keith; two daughters, Tracy Cross and Shelly; and three grandchildren.
Dick was a good guy and good friend. He will be missed.
George Gates ’53