"Dear Lyn. We are so sorry to know about Peter's passing. You, truly, have been so faithful in his life and in his care. He was a special man, who cared for so many. It was a highlight in our lives to know him. Take care."
In loving memory of
Peter Erskine
May 22, 1947 - December 13, 2016
Erskine MD, C. Peter
C Peter Erskine, MD (Peter) ended more than a decade long descent into the darkness of young onset Alzheimer's and is now released from the ravages of this dreaded disease. He can walk, talk, read, write, think, paint, and remember again.
Peter was born May 22, 1947 in Silver Springs, Md to John C and Ferne (Striffler) Erskine, the 2nd of 5 children. He grew up in Bethesda, Md., attending Cathedral Latin High School. He completed his undergraduate degree at Georgetown University and received his BA in Liberal Arts. He then attended Medical School at the University of Maryland. During this time, he spent two summers in Alaska participating in moose research. In 1976 he came to University of Wisconsin to complete his Residency in Pediatrics at the old Children's Hospital and later became Board Certified in Pediatrics. He moonlighted at Oconomowoc Hospital Emergency Room for several years which precipitated his modifying his medical focus to the new specialty area of Emergency Medicine. In 1984 he joined a group of local physicians who formed one of the 1st emergency medicine groups in Wisconsin - named Madison Emergency Physicians (MEP)- providing emergency medical services at St. Mary's Hospital ER. Peter helped the group attain departmental status and was considered one of MEP's most skillful administrators serving long terms as department chairman and medical director. He was so well thought of that he was voted Chief of Staff for St. Mary's by his medical peers in the early 90's becoming the 1st Emergency Medicine physician bestowed with that honor. He also attained Board certification in Emergency Medicine. He retired from MEP and working in St Mary's ER in 2004.
Peter became interested in art at a very early age painting his 1st still life as an 8 year old . While living in Baltimore during medical school, he also studied sculpture with Malcolm S Harlow, Jr, a renowned stone carver. After honing his clay & metal skills, he created several portrait sculptures of friends. He did take some art classes, but was primarily self taught. Over the years he sketched, sculpted, and, using different mediums, painted scenes from the many places he visited. He also often, to the delight of his partners, sketched details of a patient's injuries in his medical charts. After his retirement he painted regularly and then had an art show at St Mary's in 2007. As his diagnosis of young onset Alzheimer progressed, his enthusiasm for painting continued, but his style changed to more abstract painting of his 'feelings' which helped him process the frustration of living with this difficult disease. These paintings were displayed during his 2nd art show in 2012 at the Middleton Library. In 2014 he lost his ability to hold an art brush or pencil, sadly ending his artistic endeavors.
Peter is survived by his children Megan (Todd) Apfel Douglas, Colin (Laurel) Erskine, and Mackenzie (Randy) Erskine Vivian; granddaughters Kya, Sabrina, and Livia Vivian; siblings John M (Jean) Erskine, Yusuf Quddus (David Taff) Erskine, Patty (Gary) Smith, and Terri (John) Celmer, 6 nieces and nephews, and friend Lyn Opelt. He was preceded in death by parents.
'Team Peter' was created six years ago to provide the support and caregiving for Peter as he progressed from home care to residential memory care. The family thanks the many many people who were involved and special thanks to Kellie, Robyn, and Karin; to Agrace Hospice (Jalissa and Jim); to Heritage Middleton (especially Lynn C who has been with him his entire stay); and to Midwest Home Care - 1st caregiver Hilary, followed by Christie, Jake, Danielle, Joseph, Ross, Scott & others, and last caregiver Joe. Also, a big shout-out to brother Yusuf and sister Patty, who spent hours and hours coordinating care while living out of state.
Peter's motto was "live in the moment for that is all we have". He lived a full and active life as a father, artist, and physician and enjoying hobbies such as rowing, juggling, scuba diving, and squash. When he was no longer able to be physically active, he experienced his "moments" with Livia, who was born 6 weeks before he moved to memory care. She visited him almost every week and was the light of his life. Even as his memory and abilities faded, she helped him live in the moment by laughing, singing, making animal sounds and simply being with him.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Public Radio.
There will be a celebration of Peter's life at 11:00 am on May 20, 2017 at Cress Center, 6021 University Ave. , Madison, WI 53705. Family and friends will gather from 9:30 am until the time of service at the funeral home.
Please share your memories.
Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406
Tributes
"Thinking of the family and friends of Dr. Peter Erskine. So sorry for your great loss. Peter had a great passion for living. It was a privilege to know him and family and friends whom he loved very much! I celebrate his life. Karin Lanser "
"I caught up with the news of Peter's death through the Georgetown University Magazine. Peter and I had been roommates for two years at Georgetown and I knew him as a smart, multi-talented and highly principled classmate. Regrettably, we lost track of each other for at least the past 15 years, so I never know about his health situation. I wish now that I hadn't lost track. To his family, rest assured that he was a first class man. Joe Duckett"
"I am very sorry for your family's loss. It is heartbreaking to lose a loved one in death. May you find some comfort in Isaiah 25:8 which states that there will be a time in the future when death will be swallowed up forever."
"I had the privilege of working with Peter in the Oconomowoc ER as well as at St. Mary's in Madison. He was a skilled and supportive colleague as well as an excellent teacher and artist. His graphic depiction of a patient's problem not only made it easier to understand but also to appreciate the focus of the treatment. He will be missed. RIP Peter. Maureen Van DInter"
"Megan, Colin, Kenzie and Lyn, you have been in my thoughts frequently over this past week with the news of Peter's death. It's been a long, hard journey over these many years of his illness and you have been his faithful and loving companions. Love and peace to you all - Deb Cohn"