Ned Allan Kuivinen

May 19, 1936 - October 4, 2024

Dr. Ned Allan Kuivinen, 88, passed away October 4, 2024. Ned was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio in 1936 to the late Thomas & Pauline Kuivinen. Graduating from MTVHS in 1954, he attended the Ohio State University, both in undergraduate and medical school (M.D. ’62). A surgical internship and surgical residency followed at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center from 1962-1964, switching his specialty to pathology with a residency at UCSF where he met his wife, Deborah. After his third year of residency, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, serving at the U.S. Naval Hospitals in Guam and Camp Pendleton, CA from 1966-1968, discharged as Lieutenant Commander. He returned to UCSF, completing his residency in 1969.

Ned then moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1969 to join Pathology Associates on the medical staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, remaining with the group until his retirement in 1998. In 1970 he was asked to set up the Clinical Laboratory at the new W.O. Boswell Memorial Hospital, witnessing the admission of its first two patients in 1970, and serving as Medical Director of the Clinical Laboratory until his retirement. In 1988 he was asked to set up the Clinical Laboratory at the new Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital, serving as its initial Medical Director. Ned was a member of the Maricopa County Medical Society, Arizona Medical Association, American Medical Association, College of American Pathologists, American Society of Clinical Pathology and the Arizona Society of Pathologists, serving as its president from 1993-1995.

Ned loved alpine skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, but his favorite activity was playing jazz piano and writing arrangements for the several bands in which he played. He loved all animals, especially cats. He was an avid Phoenix Suns fan, sharing season tickets for 37 years. Ned was a fanatic fan of OSU football and a proud four-year member of the OSU Marching Band, one of the highlights of his life, and marching in the Rose Bowl Parades and Games in 1955 & 1958.

Ned is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah; sons David (Anna); and Matthew (Rachael); sister Judith Vallery; and his grandchildren Ayla, Ian, Emily and Jane.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial or Arizona Humane Society at https://www.azhumane.org

Ned was a member of the marching band from 1954 through 1957. He played Alto Horn in C-Row, F-Row, and S-Row.