Dr. Michael Peter Kaye

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Kaye, Dr. Michael Peter Surgeon, teacher, researcher, patriot and devout family man, died at the age of 82 on December 17, 2017. Born to Lithuanian immigrants, Mike was born and raised on Chicago's south side. Growing up with a strong interest in science, he studied chemistry at St. Louis University and went on to receive his medical degree from Loyola University's Strich School of Medicine. During his residency at the U of M, he met Mary, his wife of 57 years, with whom he raised 5 children. Affectionately known to the family as Harley, he shared his love of medicine, the outdoors, horses and the color gray with his children and grandchildren. The family spent more than 10 years in Rochester where Dr. Kaye taught and conducted research related to heart transplantation at Mayo Medical School. Dr. Kaye went on to serve as a professor at the University of Minnesota and UC-San Diego, and was a key team member launching heart and lung transplantation programs at both institutions. He also was a founding member of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, where he established a transplant registry and was editor of the society's journal. During his 40-year career, Dr. Kaye was committed to furthering the practice of medicine through teaching and research. A pioneer in heart and lung transplantation, he also led global efforts related to the collection, analysis and reporting of heart transplantation. In addition to his transplant practice, Dr. Kaye also proudly served his country at the USA Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Dr. Kaye continues to teach in death. He donated his body to the Mayo Medical school where he will continue his studies with first-year medical students, as well as residents and fellows continuing their education. Kaye is survived by wife, Mary, and his five children, Michael Jr (Deb), Robert, Christopher (Andrea), Dory (Kirk) Anderson and Eric (Shawn) and his 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To recognize Dr. Kaye's dedication to medical education, the family requests donations be made to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to support cardiovascular research.

Published on December 20, 2017