Peter Gwilt, Ph.D., a longtime faculty member at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, died July 27 at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 67.
Dr. Gwilt, who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1978, served on the UNMC College of Pharmacy faculty from 1989 to his retirement in 2008. He was associate professor in the department of pharmaceutical sciences at the time of his retirement.
A native of London, England, Dr. Gwilt served on the UNMC Faculty Senate from 1995 to 2007, serving on the Executive Committee from 1997-2007 and as vice president-elect in 2005-2006. He also chaired the Honorary Degrees & Award Committee for the Faculty Senate.
His research involved clinical, animal, and theoretical studies on the disposition and activity of anticancer drugs. He taught both professional and graduate students. Though he hadn't been on faculty in recent years, his name remained familiar at the college through the Peter Gwilt Pharmaceutical Sciences Travelship.
Several College of Pharmacy staff members recognized Dr. Gwilt for his contributions to the college.
“Peter was an expert in pharmacokinetics (the branch of pharmacology dedicated to determining the fate of substances administered to a living organism),” said Jonathan Vennerstrom, Ph.D., professor. “He was part of the soul of the College of Pharmacy. His gentle manner, sharp wit, and impish grin endeared him to students and faculty alike."
Said Timothy McGuire, Pharm.D., associate professor of pharmacy practice: "A more humble and gentle soul would be hard to find."
Elaine Payne, a longtime fixture in the College of Pharmacy, remembers Dr. Gwilt as a joy to work with and called him an "English gentleman."
Dennis Robinson, Ph.D., emeritus professor and chair of pharmaceutical sciences, and Dr. Gwilt's chair for most of his UNMC career, agreed. "Peter Gwilt personified the word 'gentleman,'" Dr. Robinson said. "A truly valued dear friend, who was greatly respected by all who knew him."
Dr. Vennerstrom said he can still hear Dr. Gwilt whistling a favorite hymn as he made his way down the hallway to the coffee pot.
Payne loved swapping stories with him about their respective dogs.
"Peter was a true friend and teaching colleague. He possessed the unique ability to put things in perspective with his wit and sense of humor," Clarence Ueda, Pharm.D., Ph.D., dean emeritus of the College of Pharmacy, and his wife, Judy, wrote in the online guestbook.
Jasmine Davda, Ph.D., now associate director of clinical pharmacology at Pfizer, was Dr. Gwilt's last graduate student at UNMC, graduating in 2007. When contacted, she gave permission to share what she had posted on Dr. Gwilt's online guestbook:
"My heart broke when I heard of Dr. Gwilt's passing," she said. "A mentor, a father figure, a great teacher, a beloved friend, he was all of those to me. His kindness, his intellect, and his sense of humor touched and inspired the lives of many students, including mine."
Dr. Gwilt is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol, four children and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held today at Harvest Community Church, 3903 Cuming St. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, 11711 Arbor St., No. 110, Omaha, NE 68144.
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