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| Warren Sanger, Ph.D. |
Warren Sanger, Ph.D., director of the Human Genetics Laboratory and director of clinical genetics at the Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), died Thursday at the age of 69. Dr. Sanger founded the genetics laboratory and also was a professor in the departments of pediatrics and pathology and microbiology. He was a founding Fellow of the American Board of Medical Genetics and author or co-author of almost 300 peer-reviewed publications. But colleagues remember him not only as a consummate professional, but a caring friend. "It's a big loss for this campus," said Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., director of MMI. "Warren was a wonderful colleague and friend. Through his work at UNMC, he built a nationally recognized laboratory known for the excellence of its services, research expertise and an educational program that continues to develop young leaders in laboratory as well as in clinical genetics." Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., associate director of MMI, called Dr. Sanger a remarkable professional and person.
Memorial services
A visitation will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, with a prayer service to follow at 5 p.m., at Heafey, Heafey Hoffman, Dworak and Cutler funeral home, 7805 West Center Road. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Rockbrook United Methodist Church, 9855 West Center Road. For more information or to sign the guest book, click here.
"His presence will be missed by all of us who worked with him," Dr. Stuberg said. "He cared deeply for his colleagues, was beloved and worked with a passion that is seldom seen." Ittner Professor and Vice Chairman of Pediatrics Peter Coccia, M.D., said Dr. Sanger was an incredible resource, not only at UNMC, but regionally and nationally as well, providing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses with one of the most recognized laboratory genetics programs in the country. "His license plate says a lot about Warren," Dr. Coccia said. "It reads 'O 2 B FSHN.'" In addition to being an avid walleye and deep-sea fisherman, Dr. Sanger was an innovator in a technique called fluorescent in situ hybridization — FISH — that is used nationally and internationally to categorize blood cancers and inherited disorders.
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| In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Sanger was known for his love of fishing. |
"Warren also was incredibly dedicated," Dr. Coccia said. "He was at work most Saturdays and Sundays and put in long days Monday through Friday, and he has recently recruited an outstanding staff of junior faculty members and investigators." Dr. Sanger served in the military at the University of Maryland, Far East Division (Seoul, Korea), as a counter-intelligence agent and an instructor in biology from January 1969 to December 1971. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1974 and joined UNMC in 1975. "He built genetics, he built trust, he built people and he promoted caring," said Bruce Buehler, M.D., former director of MMI. "He brought genetics to UNMC. He did it all." Please share memories of Dr. Sanger in the comments section below.
For someone with tremendous accomplishment, no trace of ego when you work with him. A true brilliant human being. He will be missed.
I've known Warren for nearly 20 years. He was quite simply one of the most amazing men I've had the pleasure of working with in medical education. Warren was by far one of the most curious individuals I've met, which made him a natural scientist. Add to that his mischievous nature, he and Dr. Buehler made departmental meetings worth attending for the slapstick that ensued. He will be sorely missed.
Warren was the most understated superstar on the UNMC campus. He was doing things in genetics that had never been done before but he would never blow his horn about his accomplishments. He was as nice a man as you could possibly find. He will be missed by all who knew him. A devastating loss.
The heart just got ripped out of the Human Genetics Laboratory.
Godspeed, Warren. We miss you.
In addition to his tremendous achievement, Dr. Sanger was also very personal. I was on the cytogenetic rotation last month and he had to cancel our meeting due to an unexpected long conference prior to it. When I went to say goodbye at the end of rotation, he asked the sectary to make some time for us to talk. I think that speaks of his personality. I am sure many peopleâs lives have been touched that way and he will be truly missed.
My Heart just broke…I worked for Warren and Dr. Buehler in the 80's and I have such fond memories of him. He taught me a lot about Genetics and was so dedicated to his work. I will for ever cherish the memories.
Warren was perhaps the most humble man I've know. Such a tremendous loss for our laboratory, UNMC, and for those who knew him personally. We will do our very best to carry on his 'patients first' mission. His are mighty big shoes to fill for sure, but maybe if we all hop in at once…
In my 16 years on campus I will say Warren was one of my favorite people. As others have said, he was understated and so humble – never one to toot his own horn. He always made time to chat and it was evident he truly cared about everyone he encountered. I will always remember his kindness and the twinkle in his eye.
I have worked for Warren for 35 years, he was a kind and caring man, an encouraging leader, and most of all a very good friend. Warren's dedication, focus, and drive was always on providing quality patient care. We all feel blessed to have had him in our lives. Michelle Hess
On top of all his many professional (and fishing-related) accomplishments, Warren was truly the consummate nice guy. He will be truly missed.
He was truly a blessing in my life that I am so grateful for. His daily presence here will be dearly missed, but his influence and example will live on.
Warren had the rare ability to identify talent in others, and provide the conditions under which it would flourish. He was unfailing in his support and, as others have said, always stepped back so that his proteges and colleagues could be recognized.
Warren, who did his PhD on Drosophila, let me keep fruit flies in the genetics lab when I was finishing my thesis work. Given the occasional escapee, the lab folks weren't thrilled with this. But they were gracious and accommodating — just like Warren. The culture he built at Genetics is unmatched.
Warren was one of the first people I met when I began covering Munroe-Meyer for the UNMC PR department 7 years ago. I'll never forget his patience as he explained genetics to me (time and time again)! And he was always so kind, stopping to say "Hi" in the hallway no matter how busy he was. Though gone too soon, he leaves behind an honorable legacy, both in work and in life. Thoughts and prayers are with the HGL Family đ
I first encountered Warren walking through the halls of MMI and I thought he was just an older gentleman passing out friendly greetings. I didn't realize he was the big 'fish' on campus and actually the director for the department for which I had an interview for. And often times when individuals from other labs would come visit the Human Genetics Lab they would be in awe that we worked for Warren and many times I heard that everyone across the country and even globally knew who he was and many people were jealous because they wanted to work for such a great guy. Those of just 2 examples of the type of person Warren was…a compassionate, caring, devoted and dedicated man. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on.
I have known Warren for the last few years during the development of DNA microarray technology as a clinical tool for more sensitive diagnosis of microdeletions/duplications. He was a very humble person besides an expert in clinical cytogenetics. We will all will miss him.
Warren was an extraordinary person. He was humble, sincere, caring, genuine, sympathetic, compassionate, understanding, generous, kind and cordial. He will be missed.
I remember Warren from my medical school days, and was so pleased to reconnect with him when I returned to Nebraska in 2012. He was a good man – a "Mensch", and the world is a poorer, sadder place without him. TJM
I will remember Dr. Sanger not only for his brilliance in the field of Genetics but also for his ability to make people feel appreciated no matter what position you held on campus. He would be so patient and kind when someone had a question. He never made you fell stupid for asking something. That is a rare ability. He will be missed.
We will miss Warren greatly. It was an honor and privilege to work for him. He was such a kind, caring,funny, gentle, smart and humble man. I was reminiscing on the drive in to work this morning, that I will miss seeing him almost every morning in his SUV with the license plate "O2BFishing". He loved his work as much as he loved to fish. And he loved his family even more. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
One of the nicest man I ever met. He was a true asset to UNMC-MMI. He will be truly missed by everyone.
Comment from Dr. Wayne Ryan, Warren, what a loss! I knew him for many years. In the last few years we were looking forward to working together more. My prayers go with him! We lost a great scientist and friend.
There are no words to adequately express the sadness and loss we are experiencing. Warren was a tremendous mentor and friend. The heart and passion he extended to his friends, family, colleagues, and, most importantly, the patients we serve is second to none. The hard work, sacrifice and compassion he modeled will be his legacy. I have been truly blessed to have Warren as a part of my life!
I had the honor to work for Warren in the laboratory. Though UNMC was a short part of my journey, it was a treasured one. Warren was hands down the best person I have worked for. He was so kind, gentle and encouraging to his staff. My heart goes out to his laboratory, family and friends.
I have known Warren for 40 years during my time as a medical and graduate student at UNMC in the mid 1970's and considered him not only a dear friend but also a mentor. He was a pioneer in the field of clinical cytogenetics particular in the area of FISH technology. His efforts were instrumental in the current advances of molecular cytogenetics in the study and characterization of malignancies and translational research and also in the discovery, delineation and characterization of rare microdeletion syndromes. He was truly a hard-working, dedicated gentleman and scholar. I am shocked and saddened by this news. He will be tremendously missed not only by his family and friends but by the medical genetics and cytogenetics community, locally, nationally and internationally. Rest in Peace, Warren..
Merlin G. Butler, MD, PhD
Director, Division of Research
Director, KUMC Genetics Clinic
Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral and Pediatrics
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas
To my coworkers over in Genetics: please know I am also most saddened by the sudden loss of Warren. He was gentle man and always had a smile and kind greeting. Ah, I will miss him too.
It is very difficult to put into words the type of person Warren was and how much he meant to so many people. He built the Human Genetics Lab from the ground up and was never satisfied with just being the director of a good lab. He made sure we had the most up-to-date technologies available in order for our patients to receive the best possible care. He also built good relationships with those he served, whether they were students, employees, referring physicians, nurses or other genetics labs across the country and around the world. He was so dedicated to our lab that he delayed his retirement so he could put strong leadership in place in order for the Human Genetics Lab to remain a successful lab for may years to come. Warren was quick to say that the employees made our lab a success, but I say this lab is what it is BECAUSE of Warren. Even though Warren is gone, his spirit will always remain.. I love you, and will miss you Warren!
Warren will truly be missed but I know he is up there trying to snag the big one (I mean fish). Good bye my boss, my friend.I miss you already.
I remember the old house where Warren started Human Genetics, and Bruce Buehler joined him before they moved to MMI in the early 80s. What a difference from the state-of-the art laboratory that exists now! Warren set the standard for cytogenetic and molecular genetic excellence nationwide, and was an essential contributor to genetic research at UNMC. He set a tone for caring in his work with families, referring doctors, and co-workers–always helpful, always treating people with respect–that carried through the Institute. A great sense of humor, too! We will all miss him very much and will cherish his memory.
Great guy. He always dropped by to see us in North Platte (often on the way to his favorite fishing holes)…essentially, Warren was the face of UNMC/NebraskaHealth in North Platte for decades. Always one phone call away to help his "frontier physician" colleagues. What are going to do now? Byron Barksdale Pathology Services PC North Platte
I truly hit the jackpot 27 years ago when I accepted a position in the Human Genetics Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Warren Sanger. I came from a research background and was hired to develop a ânew cytogenetic research techniqueâ called fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)âŚâŚ.the rest is history. We had a lot of fun with that acronym over the years. It has been a privilege and an honor to work for Warren and be a part of our great team here at the HGL. I will miss his presence in the lab, and will forever miss his friendship. Thank you Warren, for everything!
Richard Lutz MD
Warren was a gentleman, a scientist searching for the truth,a leader who inspired loyalty by treating people right. He led by example. He was a paradigm of the good people that are UNMC and Nebraska.
As Dr. Buehler so eloquently stated, Warren built people. With compassion and tenderness and gentle guidance, he built people into their best selves. I was fortunate enough to be one of those people. Now begins the work of carrying Warren's legacy of excellence long into the future. May we rise to the challenge with a compassion and humility that would make him proud.
I miss you dearly, my friend.
Jennifer Sanmann
I am literally in tears reading these comments for no less than the third time. I am so proud to have had the honor of having him as my hero, protector, best friend, and most of all, loving father. It's so heartwarming to see the overwhelming appreciation for my dad. Years ago I used to question how a man could love his work so much. But over the past several years I realized it was all of you that he really loved. You were all a part of him and what made him the best. You all gave him happiness and he always loved talking about how lucky he was to be a part of a great team. Thank you all so much for your kind words regarding my best buddy, my mentor, and my father
Even though I only know Dr Sanger briefly when I was attached to the Lab for one and a half months in year 2003. He took me as one of his staff, checking on whether I needed any help and I can always go to see him if there is any difficulties. Both Dr Sanger and Renee stood up for me when I asked to come at that time as it was the period of SARS. Thank you Dr Sanger and Godspeed.
I first met Warren through the Children's Oncology Group cytogenetics committee. One of the true perks of being on that committee was developing a friendship with him and being on the receiving end of his generous sharing of a seemingly endless wealth of information on cytogenetics and laboratory operations. He set the bar for all laboratory directors, on how to build a team with a combination of very hard work, compassion, and continuous forward thinking. Those lessons are indelible. I will miss him immensely, and extend my sincere condolences to his family and to his team.
I have tried to do this before and it just hurts too much. Walking towards his office, seeing his name on the service schedule, seeing his "I'm Out of the Office (but will be back tomorrow)" sign, already trying to think about what he would advise me to do instead of just being able to ask him…it all is so hard to accept. Like so many of you, Warren was my mentor and friend. His history of service to his country many years ago as well as his service to Nebraska characterizing disease is heroic. He prolonged and saved many lives.
While I am devastated that he is no longer with us, I am grateful for the 15 years I was able to learn from him. I am also grateful for the team of folks Bruce and Warren brought together and in addition to my patients is why I love my job so very much.
Thank you Dr Warren G Sanger!! (if you exchanged emails from Warren, you know what I'm talking about"!!"). We love you Warren and will always remember.
Our loss of Warren is overwhelming and difficult to put into words. Throughout my medical school, residency, fellowship and faculty years Warren was there: a generous, genuine, supportive mentor and friend. Along with Dr. Buehler, he launched many of us in our careers in genetics. He leaves a void that cannot be filled, although we will always remember his compassion and commitment, and strive to live up to the model he created. He was quick to attribute success to others and to âthe teamâ, but we know Warren was at the heart of it. We owe him so much.
Ann Haskins Olney, MD
I met Warren as a junior resident nearly ten years ago, on my first day on a cytogenetics rotation. I knew he was the boss and to be honest, I was a little nervous to meet him. That didnât last very long, but he did have to dissuade me from calling him âDr. Sangerâ a number of times. He was always incredibly supportive of learners at various levels and of junior faculty. I always felt that he believed in me even when I didnât believe in myself, and that is a debt I can never repay. I am a better physician for having the opportunity to work with Warren, a better person for having known him, and tremendously lucky to call him my friend. Thank you for everything, Warren. I am going to miss you and your wise counsel.
I first met Warren when I was a Ph.D. candidate in Larry Harshman's Lab at UNL. At this time, I also met and got to know Travis, who worked with Tony Zera at the time, and Dixie who was my sister's (Melissa Smith's) M.S. advisor. Warren was a graduate of Kearney State College and I graduated from UNK. We both had the same Genetics professor, Dr. Doug Lund. When we realized this, we became friends. When I worked at UNMC during my Post-doc, I would occasionally have lunch with Warren to catch up. Those were some awesome lunches! When I was offered the position at UNK to be the Geneticist in the Biology Department, I ran over and told Warren. Since returning to UNK, Warren had continued to be a wonderful friend, not only to me, but to the entire Biology Department. He helped us create the Dr. Doug Lund DNA day in honor of our Genetics professor. He visited often and I took my Human Genetics class to tour the center and meet him a number of times. In October, he came to visit my Genetics class, even while very ill. I will miss Warren very much. He was a great friend and inspiration to all of us, especially those of us at UNK. Kim Carlson, Ph.D.
I have always said that Warren Sanger is the best Boss ever. He will remain that to me. A person who let you learn, make mistakes and help you figure out how to never to that again. He always said that it was the Team who deserved the credit, not him. We knew though that he was the reason our Lab succeeded. We will continue to work hard to keep his Lab "state of the art" in clinical genetics. Thank you, Warren.
Alvin Lim, Singapore
Warren's field of influence reached far beyond the shores of the US. The Cytogenetics community in Singapore was so immensely blessed and privileged to learn at his footstool when he visited us in Jan 2007 as our HMDP Visiting Expert. He further generously welcomed us to his Human Genetics Lab to continue our learning experience. We will always remain indebted to Warren and his cutting-edge laboratory. He was a truly brilliant, humble and compassionate leader who had touched so many lives, especially mine. I am deeply comforted to know the good folks at HGL are committed to carry on his legacy. Missing you greatly, my dear friend Warren. Alvin.
Warren has been a cherished friend and mentor since I joined the Genetics team in 1979. His passion to serve and support colleagues, staff, students, patients and their families was constant. He was part of the majority of my personal and professional milestones in my adult life. He demonstrated and instilled the value of relationships, work ethic, and humility. His legacy has impacted countless lives. He will be missed.
I first met Dr. Sanger when he was invited to Singapore by our Ministry of Health in 2006 as a visiting expert to share his expertise in Medical Genetics. His dedication and passion has inspired many of us in this country. I was fortunate to meet him again in the fall of 2008, where I applied to learn Microarray in MMI. He was a true gentleman, unassuming and always there for you. My colleagues and I in Singapore are deeply saddened by the news. My sincere condolences go to his family and his team.
Min-Hwee Yong, Cytogenetics, KK Womenâs and Childrenâs Hospital, Singapore.
It is with the utmost shock and grief that I find myself commenting here. I knew Warren and his family on a personal level many years ago, and I can tell you that Warren's kindness, patience and generosity shone through in every aspect of his life. I had no idea of the magnitude of his accomplishments, but I agree with many others that his personality and warmth, the ease at which he put everyone in the midst of doing amazing things is part of his great legacy. UNMC and all its' patients have lost an incredible man. Travis and Dixie, my heart goes out to you for your loss…. ~ Cara Wendel Wurst
Miss you so much! Things will never be the same. What a privilege to know you and work with you!
It was my privilege to work with Warren for 30 years. As others have said, he was kind and smart and hardworking (and fun). He was a friend to all, regardless of their position or importance. He supported us as genetic counselors when we were a fledgling group in a new profession. He was in large part responsible for achieving our long term goal of becoming licensed in the state of Nebraska. Farewell Warren, honorary genetic counselor and all-time great boss.
I had the honor of meeting Warren at MMI when I spent a month there learning from his team. He was kind and encouraging, and always had something to impart without making one feel small. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Breana, Singapore
Russ and Becky Bierbaum
We just learned of Warren's passing. We are in shock! We knew he was ill but the last time we spoke to him (second week of December) it seemed that he was on the road to recovery. We first met Warren over 30 years ago. Warren was the Consulting Geneticist for Cryogenic Laboratories located in the Twin Cities of MN. We were a sperm bank and Warren also ran a sperm bank and was one of the early member of the American Association of Tissue Banks. Warren would review the medical history of our prospective sperm donors and offer invaluable advice regarding their acceptability. His knowledge of genetics was invaluable to our business. Later he also became the Consulting Geneticist for our company ReproTech, Ltd. and was a member of our Medical Advisory Board. I remember that nearly every conversation started with discussing the genetic history of our embryo donors and his advice about additional screening and/or questions. We never doubt Warren's suggestions – he was the master. However, the conversation always ended with sharing information about his son (he was so proud of his son) and his wife Trixie. We also almost always talked about fishing. I regret that we never were able to pull off the fishing trip to Canada that we talked about so often. It hurts to know that we cannot talk to Warren again. He was the best!
I'm another of thousands of grieving, grateful people who had the fortunate circumstance to have been influenced/uplifted by Warren and Dixie Sanger. I was a graduate student at Monroe-Meyer Institute in '76 -' 77 where my whole outlook was illuminated by the scientifically based human generosity that flowed effortlessly from Warren and Dixie.
Their example created a culture that fused together knowledge and kindness that was contagious throughout UNMC.
There will be plenty of plaques, statues & scholarships to Warren's memory, but most of all, I pray that all of us insist on the continuation and enhancement of this most precious & fragile culture of scientific knowledge and human kindness they defined for us.
Twenty years flew by since I first met Warren when I joined the Human Genetics Laboratory. Many things changed since then, but Warren remained same – an unassuming, compassionate, and inspiring mentor and a friend helping everyone to excel professionally and personally! Warren devoted himself to developing an outstanding genetics laboratory, providing exceptional services to patients, sharing knowledge and offering relentless support to his colleagues and team, and much more. Everyone admired him for his cheerful, kind and generous disposition. It was my honor and privilege to have him as a mentor and a friend; I will forever treasure this experience. Warren, you were the one who would always go âan extra mile with a smileâ. Thank you, for always being YOU! You will be sorely missed!!!