Methodist mourns the death of Dr. J. Mario Gonzalez
August 23, 2009 – 7:15 pmThe Methodist Hospital family mourns the death of Dr. Dr. J. Mario Gonzalez.
Dr. Gonzalez, Secretary of the Medical Staff, has been a pulmonary medicine leader at Methodist and across the Medical Center for decades. We will miss him terribly, both as a friend and as an outstanding clinician and researcher.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family during this tragedy.
12 Responses to “Methodist mourns the death of Dr. J. Mario Gonzalez”
Dr. Gonzalez will be missed.
By Sam on Aug 23, 2009
I am so sadden to hear of such a tradic loss. Dr. Gonzales was loved by all the staff and he truely cared and loved his patients. God bless him and his family and I will continue to pray for them.
By Shelley Vanover McDonald on Aug 24, 2009
Thank you, Dr. Gonzales. I only met you once during rounds while your team was caring for my mother, but your kindness and knowledge were always with us through your staff and the facilities of the Methodist MICU.
By Bruce Tankleff on Aug 24, 2009
It is hard for me to understand why this happened to such a wonderful man. If it wasn’t for Dr. Gonzalez I probably would not be alive today. I will miss him so much and I know others will miss him also. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and staff.
By Becky on Aug 24, 2009
I remember Dr. Gonzalez with admiration for his free spirit and approachable personality. I was a student when I first met him. I was rotating through the ALS clinic at the Methodist Neurological Institute when Dr. Gonzalez took me in and tried convincing me to go into pulmonology. His efforts were futile, but I appreciated that a man of his stature would “kick back” and chat with me about my future.
Later I met him in a crosswalk where I saw him round-house kick the metal plate (button) to cause a door to open. He smiled and said, “you know you’re in trouble when you see an attending do that.”
I have few but great memories of Dr. Gonzalez; he will surely be missed.
By Rey Gonzalez, Jr., M.D. on Aug 24, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to read of the tragic death of Dr. Gonzalez on CNN today. Dr. Gonzalez was a physician to my husband. My 43 year old husband was on life support in 2006 for a month at Methodist. We are from the Seattle area and had been seeking cancer treatment for Dan at Methodist.
I have such warm memories of Dr. Gonzalez. He had a sense of humor and was a very compassionate man. He embodied optimism and during the difficult days of watching my husband slowly worsen, he was always the voice of hope. We tried so many things to save my husband. He knew we had two young kids under 5 and his goal was to get Dan better enough so he could go home and see his kids one more time. Ultimately, it was Dr. Gonzalez’s counsel which helped me make the decision to take my dear husband off life support. He was compassionate, intelligent and had a larger than life personality. I used to wait for Dr. Gonzalez to do rounds every day because he was a bright spot in my life then.
He touched our lives profoundly and I know he will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and all his coworkers. I can’t imagine how difficult it is. His death is so senseless. What a loss!
God bless Dr. Gonzalez and his loved ones.
Kris Coalman
Gig Harbor, WA
By Kristen Coalman on Aug 24, 2009
As a cardiology fellow I saw you Mario several times in our Coronary Unit at Methodist. Your big heart and smile will be greatly missed. You and your family are in our prayers. God bless you friend, and may He grant you Eternal peace.
By Oscar Paniagua, M.D. on Aug 24, 2009
Your special ways with both patients and colleagues will not be forgotten. Methodist will not be the same without your expertise and commitment to your profession. Thank you to your family for sharing all your time and talents with us, and so sorry for their terrible loss.
By Allison Fox on Aug 25, 2009
Dr. Gonzalez was a wonderful doctor. I was a patient at Methodist and he treated me for complications after my heart valve replacement. The first time I met him and his crew, I knew I was in expert hands. He just exuded confidence and compassion and I instantly felt safe and comfortable. I could not have asked for a better situation. His death is a huge loss for the medical community, as well as all of his patients.
By Lisa Hays on Aug 26, 2009
I am shock and sadden to hear of the tragic death of Dr. Gonzalez. I was employed at The Methodist Hospital as a respiratory therapist. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Gonzalez on many occasions. Dr. Gonzalez was my favorite pulmonary physician. He was a very kind and compassionate person. He was alway pleasant and treated everyone with respect regardless of their position. I will keep his family in my thoughts and in my prayers.
By Ursula Chester on Aug 26, 2009
A wonderful and gifted surgeon. Unselfishly gave of himself to treat his pt.and save lives and increase quality of life. He was kind to his patients, coworkers and nurses. Always with a smile on his face, Worked tireless to go above and beyound which is The Methodist core values. He genuinely cared about his patients and his co-workers.
By Allison Stephens,RN on Aug 27, 2009
Dr Mario Gonzalez was such a sweet,humble,and respectable man. I had an opportunity to talk to him and although it was only for a short period of time, he left a lasting impression on me. I will remember him for the compassionate man he was. My prayers are with his wife, kids, brother and the rest of his family and friends. This is a great loss and he will be missed deeply.
By Iliana Claveria on Aug 28, 2009