Dr. John Litvak
Dr. John Litvak, a neurosurgeon and lifelong Denver resident, passed away Aug. 6, 2016, in Denver. Rabbi Bruce Dollin and Cantor Martin Goldstein officiated at the Aug. 10 graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Dr. Litvak was a pioneer in establishing neurosurgery as a surgical specialty in Colorado, long before sophisticated diagnostic and surgical equipment were available.
Colleague Dr. John Nichols said he had a strong commitment to trauma spanning many decades, and to St. Anthony Hospital. As a result, “many lives were saved and families reunited.”
Caring for patients at a Level 1 trauma center regularly demanded long nights, weekends and holidays, Nichols added. “Today, the citizens of Colorado are better off because of his life-long dedication.”
Dr. Litvak was born Oct. 5, 1927, in Denver. A graduate of North High School, he served in the US Navy from 1944-1946.
He earned his undergraduate degree from DU, a graduate degree from McGill University in Montreal, and did his residency in neurological surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York.
Dr. Litvak married the former Adrienne Kirshenbaum on Dec. 7, 1947.
Mrs. Litvak passed away on March 18, 2007.
An advocate for Flight for Life, St. Anthony’s helicopter ambulance service, Dr. Litvak helped bring advanced technology and techniques such as microsurgery, CAT scanners and MRI equipment to the hospital.
He also provided in-service training for the nursing staff on neuro-traumatic issues.
Dr. Litvak hosted regular meetings on medical treatment topics until shortly before his death.
He belonged to the American Board of Neurosurgery, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Litvak is survived by his children Stacy (Susan) Litvak of Tucson, Ariz., David Litvak of Manitou Springs, Jacqueline Litvak of Solana Beach, Calif., and Jeffrey (Elana) Litvak of Sammamish, Wash.; and grandchildren Nora, James and Max Litvak.
Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News
