A week after we moved to Fort Wayne in April 1991, Abby was due for baby shots. I called a physician referral line at the hospital and Dr. Munoz was recommended. We've been taking the kids there ever since. Dr. Munoz was an interesting man. Born in the Phillipines to a Spaniard father and a Chinese mother, he was tiny, but full of spirit. He used to tell Ellen she was so beautifully tall, not short like him because he grew up eating rice. All the kids loved him and I dreaded the day he retired and we had to find another pediatrician. His wife assured me he would keep working until he was no longer able. Ellen turned 18. Roberta (his wife, nurse and office manager) said she could come until she was 21. Ellen turned 21. Roberta told her the doctor would see her until she got married. A visit to Dr. Munoz was like a visit to an old friend.
A couple of years ago he injured his knee skiing and never fully recovered. He also got pneumonia. He limped in for a year, then started using a cane. When Ellen went to see him after her mission he was using a walker. She said she thought he didn't have much longer and we began to speculate as to whether or not something else was going on.
Last Thursday (9/8) we received a letter stating that due to declining health he was retiring effective, August 31. Three days later, at the age of 79, he passed away.
Abby and I went to the viewing last night. We got there 10 minutes after it started and had to wait an hour until we were able to see Roberta. She said she had no idea it would be like this. Patients that she hadn't seen in 30 years came. He was a much loved man and we will miss him.
The kids don't have much interest in finding another pediatrician. Neither do I, for that matter, but we'll figure out something.
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