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We sadly announce
the passing of Victor E. Ziegler, the Brandywine Health Foundation's
first board president, on September 30, 2007 at the age of
77. Vic, as he was known to his many friends and colleagues,
had served on the board since he led the effort to create the
foundation from the sale of Brandywine Hospital in 2001.
In his previous role as Chairman of the hospital, Vic was
responsible for leading the hospital's staff and volunteer
leadership through the process of first affiliating with Lancaster
General Hospital, and then its purchase by Community Health
Systems. His sense of responsibility and commitment to the
community were unparalleled.
Born in Niles, Ohio, Vic graduated from Springfield College
and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean conflict.
He worked at West Pharmaceutical Services for over 36 years,
rising through the ranks from supervisor to corporate executive
vice president of Global Headquarters in Lionville. Despite
his increasing job responsibilities and a young family, Vic
joined the Brandywine Hospital board as well.
Fellow hospital board members Mary Ann Rossi and Jim Friedman
remember Vic throughout the hospital sale process in 2000-2001
as completely focused, bottom-line oriented, and always with
the best interests of the community in mind. During this stressful
time, Vic's first wife, Stella, passed away unexpectedly. |
Jim said he loved
working under Vic's leadership because he kept
things moving, cut to the chase, and didn't hesitate to say "let's
vote"
to keep a complicated process moving forward. Mary Ann recalled
his even
tempered personality and, while he certainly had strong opinions,
he
also listened and could change his mind. She noted that Vic
was never
mean and he never lost his temper.
We all know, though, that Vic did love to have a good time.
The
foundation's board president Anne Hearn remembers the twinkle
in his
eye, his wry smile, and that he could be quite the tease. He
had a gift
for seeing the humor in the situation, which would really lighten
the
mood of a meeting.
Nothing made him happier than a game of golf with good buddies
like Fred Travaglini, relaxing with his many friends at the
Whitford
Country Club, and of course being with his family.
Vic leaves behind his second wife, Marjorie Looker Ziegler,
his
son Chris Ziegler, daughter-in-law Amy, and grandchildren,
Tristan,
Jonah and Ella, of whom he was tremendously proud, stepdaughter
Nicole
Poindexter, and niece Marcy Stawinski, who lived with and cared
for him
after first wife Stella's death.
A sweet man who was tough enough to lead during difficult
times,
Victor Ziegler's efforts will benefit the community for years
to come.
He will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be
made
to the foundation. If
you wish to make a memorial gift, click here. If
you would like an opportunity to write your own memorial comments
to be
included on our site, please
click here. |
