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Dr. Don Fitch, age 77, of Ford River (Portage Point), passed away Monday afternoon, August 8, 2011, at the St. Francis Hospital, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Don was born June 8, 1934, in Lansing, the son of Clinton B. and Beatrice (Nelson) Fitch. He was raised in Lansing and graduated from Lansing Sexton High School. Following high school, Don continued his education at the University of Michigan where he completed his undergraduate degree and medical school studies. On August 25, 1957, Don was united in marriage to the former Patricia Ann "Paddy" Cooper. Don graduated from medical school in 1959, going on to complete his internship at Minneapolis General Hospital. Throughout the years at U of M, Don was a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity.

Dr. Fitch served two years in the U.S. Public Health Service, Division of Indian Health, in Montana and South Dakota. Don and Paddy moved to Escanaba in 1962 where Dr. Fitch continued to make extraordinary achievements as a physician. Dr. Fitch's medical practice initially began as Fitch & Hockstad before transitioning into Dr's Park Family Physicians, and most recently under Marquette General Hospital.

Dr. Fitch was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a charter member of First Bells since 1983. He was also a Session member. He was a member of the Delta County Medical Society, past President and previous delegate to the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), Life member of the Michigan State Medical Society, American Medical Association, Michigan Academy of Family Practice, and American Academy of Family Practice. His professional awards include: Superior Health Partners Leader Among Peers in 2009, Frederick and Besse Moulton Plessner Memorial Award from MSMS in 2011, and the Michigan Academy of Family Practice "Family Physician of the Year" in 2011.

Dr. Fitch was Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice since 1972. He also served on OSF Medical Staff where he was past Chief of Staff.

Don was active in the Boy Scouts of America since 1970 and served as a Scoutmaster from 1975 to 2009. He participated in four expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Woodbadge training in 1983, served on the course staff four times and as Course Director in 2000. Don oversaw graduation of 41 Eagle Scouts and received many Scouting awards which include: Red Buck District Award of Merit in 1981, Hiawathaland Council Silver Beaver Award in 1985, Winthrop Rockefeller Award in 2009, and Hall of Leadership National Award in 2010.

Dr. Fitch served for the Delta County United Way, past chairman of the professional division, Board Member of the Medical Access Coalition of Delta Menominee Counties, member and past Commodore of the Escanaba Yacht Club, Board of Directors for Rampart EMS, and Board of Directors and Program Committee of Bay Sages. He was a former member of the Escanaba Jaycees.

Don was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed skiing, biking, camping, backpacking and sailing. He was proud of his four 1st place finishes in the AAFP Fun Run. He also enjoyed playing trumpet in the Attic Brass and Bay Jazz Band and listening to classical music.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Paddy, survivors include: Sister: Nancy Lutey (Dick) of Marquette, MI Sons: Bob (Gloria) of Arlington, TX, Russ (Darcy) of Hanover, ND, Gordy (Kathy) of Traverse City, MI Grandchildren: Andrew, Cassidy, Emily, Cali, Lily, Amanda and Isabella

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John.

Dr. Fitch's family will receive friends on Monday August 29, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba. Memorial services celebrating the life of Dr. Don Fitch will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Scott White officiating. Luncheon will follow in the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Don may be directed to the Paddy and Donald N. Fitch, M.D. Family Medicine Scholarship, at the University of Michigan, Department of Family Medicine, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104, Attn: Amy St. Amour, or to a charity of your choice. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Fitch family. Please visit www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes. com where you can express your sympathy to the Fitch family, or to leave a memory tribute about Dr. Fitch.