STUART L. COHN

Stu was a generous, open-hearted, intelligent man who jumped into life with both feet. Raised in the Northeast, he served in the Signal Corps in the Pacific theatre in World War II, where he helped restore telephone service in the Philippines. After discharge he changed his career plans to medicine. He met Carola at the University of Illinois. They married in 1949 while he was a medical student in Chicago. Stu took an extra year of residency at Cook County Hospital to prepare for the small-town practice he sought.

Stu joined the Medical Arts Clinic in Alpena, Mich. He and Carola chose the small town, close-to-nature atmosphere as optimal for raising their children, and it must’ve worked because their daughters continue to enjoy similar surroundings wherever they reside.

Realizing that many of his patients had mental health issues beyond his training and expertise, Stu organized local resources to take advantage of newly-created funding to bring mental health services to Northeast Michigan. His concern for people with developmental disabilities prompted him to assist in the founding of NEMROC.

Stu was an exceptional diagnostician. His active mind and high ethical standards impelled him to stay current on the latest medical advances. He was an early and proud diplomate of the American Academy of Family Medicine and served on the editorial board of Patient Care magazine.

Even though Stu maintained a “Type A” work schedule during an era when the family doc was on rotating emergency room call, he always found time for his hobbies and interests. Some, like stamp collecting, trout fishing, intellectual discussions, and classical music, were lifelong. Others, such as tropical fish and bowling, rolled in like a tsunami and then slowly ebbed away. He followed NBA basketball and the NFL. Win or lose, his trademark comment following any football game was, “I didn’t like the play calling.”

Family was important. He and Carola kept up with friends and extended family, making and receiving weekly phone calls when anyone needed their support. Their circle of love and friendship was constantly expanding. Growing up Jewish during the 1930s, Stu often felt the sting of prejudice. He supported equality and Jewish organizations throughout his life.

When Carola and Stu moved to Henderson County in 1985 they continued their community and volunteer efforts. Stu shared his love of fishing with fellow Trout Unlimited members by hosting “Kids Fishing Days” at his pond in Zirconia.

He participated in several area discussion groups and supported the Hendersonville Chamber Music series, the Green River Community Association, Pisgah Legal Services, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Conserving Carolina, and many others. He became a philanthropist, contributing to various endeavors while insisting on financial accountability. Late in life Stu added “film producer” to his resume when he sponsored documentaries produced by the Center for Cultural Preservation.

Though Stu sometimes enjoyed being in the limelight, he lived the maxim, “You can get a lot done if you don’t care who gets the credit.” He was especially proud of facilitating sustainable processes when working with non-profit boards.

The family sends special thanks and gratitude to Claudia Wolff of Elder Care for her compassionate help, sharp wit, and loving presence in the lives of our parents.

Please remember Stu by trout fishing, listening to classical music, and above all, loving one another. If you choose to make a memorial, please donate to NEMROC (North Eastern Michigan Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center), www.nemroc.com, 800 Bolton St., Alpena, MI 49707.