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Dr. Donald “Doc” R. Barbachym passed away peacefully at Heather Hills on August 30, 2017 in Grand Rapids at the age of 84, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.
Donald was born on November 4, 1931 in Grand Rapids, MI. Doc graduated from Catholic Central. He attended Ferris State and received a degree in pharmacy in 1955. His love for medicine took him to Medical school at Chicago Midwestern School of Medicine. There he received his D.O. in 1959 with a concentration in Internal Medicine. His Post-Graduate was in Internal/Pulmonary Medicine in Boston, MA. In 1960 Donald joined as a staff member at Metropolitan Osteopathic Hospital in Grand Rapids. He then did a fellowship in Internal/Pulmonary Medicine.
With a passion for medicine and his curiosity for upgrading patient tools, it led him to find and own Airway Oxygen, giving people who needed oxygen to travel with a portable oxygen tank. Doc was also founder of Grand Rapids Osteopathic Chief Ventilation Dependent Unit. Believing that wellness is better than treating an illness, he was the Founder of Programs Wellness, he organized clinical teams to begin classes for corporations. His first Pioneer pilot program began at Steelcase.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Helen Biedrycki-Barbachym & Peter Barbachym. He is survived by his wife, Janice Marvin; friend and former wife, Jodi Barbachym; his children, Molly Barbachym, of Atlanta, GA, Amy Barbachym, of Cincinnati, OH and NIcholas Barbachym, of Grand Rapids, MI; as well as 10 step-children; and 16 grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at St. Robert of Newminister Parish, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E., Ada, where visitation will start at 10:30 a.m. and a luncheon will follow the service.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Donald’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.
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To the most special person in my life. You had my back and were there to laugh and cry. The journey was hard on you, but daily you woke up, grabbed my hand and said thank you for all you do to help me. He was always grateful. He had a will to live. Just last week he told me he had not given up and he would be able to hold me and wipe my tears. I had hoped, but…Good bye my friend and we will be together again.
Many trusted their lifes in his hands and he would return a healthy body.
Sincere condolences to “Uncle” Don’s family and friends. He will be kept alive by those who were touched by his kindness. See you at the table playing setback up there, Don!
Sending our deepest condolences to the family. Don was a great guy and a special colleague. He will be missed.
Doug and Christine Shumway
Farewell to the greatest physician I ever trained under or even knew. You never seemed to be stumped and was able to explain in detail what you found, what your plan was and then why you chose that plan, complete with detailed explanation. Every interaction I had with you was an enjoyable learning experience and I have the greatest admiration for you as the physician’s physician. Rest in peace and may your family find solace in the Lord.