"Rungson Sittipongse is a beloved friend to his classmate Chula.15 and loved by people whom he contacted, for his achievement humor and kindness have touch people surrounding him. During the time at Mayo clinic he had create the uncountable connection for the younger generation of doctors from Thailand to have the opportunity to be trained in the elite institution such as Mayo Clinic. His lost has the profound effect to people in Thailand who knew him, whom he had help them , along with his classmate, they have arrange the Budhist monks to perform merits in the memory of Rungson at his medical school King Chulalongkorn University Hospital on 27 August 2020 .May he rests in peace, with love from his friends. Classmate Med. Chula. 15"
In loving memory of
Rungson Sittipong
July 16, 1941 - August 21, 2020
Rungson Sittipong was born in 1941 in the northern province of Chiang Mai, Thailand. As a young man, he and his family moved to Bangkok where he was educated at the Christian School as a young boy, and ultimately earned his medical degree at the young age of 22. He graduated number one in his medical school class and received his diploma directly from His Majesty, The King of Thailand.
In 1966, Dr. Sittipong traveled to the opposite side of the world, arriving in Duluth, Minnesota, where he planned to spend one year of medical study. During that year, he was invited to Rochester and became acquainted with many of the tenured doctors at the Mayo Clinic. His knowledge and dedication impressed those at Mayo so much that he was invited to spend an additional year in Rochester. That year of study was the genesis of a 53-year career at Mayo in the Department of Anesthesia, where he was awarded the high honor of being named "Teacher of the Year" multiple times.
Dr. Sittipong enjoyed trips to northern Minnesota to fish and enjoy the weekends with friends and colleagues. He loved games of chance and casino gambling (a carryover taught to him by his grandmother). He enjoyed international travel, circling the globe some 61 times.
Dr. Sittipong was revered by his students, his broad circle of friends, and remained responsible for maintaining a close connection with thousands of Thai students (over the years) who come to Mayo every year for their medical training. Dr. Sittipong is survived by a "family" of friends that stretch around the world, one Godson - Maxwell A. Shapiro, and was beloved by his neighbors and the staff at The Charter House where he lived for the last 20 years.
A memorial service and celebration of Dr. Sittipong's life will be held on Tuesday evening, September 1, 2020, with a visitation scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, followed by a brief program. Services will be held at the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, located at 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.
Tributes
"In loving memory of Dr. Rungson Sittipong, Department of Anesthesia, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; a true teacher, father of all medical researcher, visiting doctors from Thailand. We will miss you always. I will never forget you and your kindness during my training period in 2008-2010. Neither time nor distance can fade a beautiful spirit. Thinking of you always. Sincerely yours. Sombat Treeprasertsuk, M.D.,Ph.D. Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok "
"Remembering his kindness will forever remain in our hearts. May he Rest In Peace. Roongruedee"
"Dr Rungson was one of the greatest doctors we have met. What he did for Thailand's and international healthcare will be forever in everyone's memories. With our deepest condolences Dr Pongpat - Somthawin Patanavanich"
"May dearest teacher Dr Rungson go to heaven with condolences he is a person who is loving and kind to all his student and look after regularly With great love and respect Dr itti chansirikanjaa from Mahachai group hospital"
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"Nopporn Anukulkarnkusol I had met him at Mayo Clinic. He was very kind and friendly to everyone even it was first visit. Rest In Peace, Nopporn Anukulkarnkusol"
"I remember he would answer a room light and say, ?John, What happen?? A joy to work with, a wealth of knowledge he was ready to share ( on the white board), great sense of humor, and loved the practical jokes!! Peace be with you Rungson! John Ahle"
"In Memory of Dr.Rangsan Sitthipong Dr Rangsan Sitthipong was born on July 16, 1941 in Chiangmai, Thailand He was a son of Dr.Charan and Mrs.Choomsiri Sitthipong, with one younger sister Miss Suriya Sitthipong( deceased ) He studied at Bangkok Christian College from primary school to Senior High School and continued his education at Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University I am the cousin of Rangsan as my mother was his aunt, we were only 5 months apart which made us become very close friend. We always got together every time he visited his home in Thailand during the past 50 years. There was once when I was 35 years old, Rangsan asked me to join him to U.S.A. We stopped by Hawaii for 5 days and then travelled to San Francisco and Minneapolis with a visit to Mayo Clinic. This trip was such a lifelong memory as Rangsan somehow came up with a funny idea by discretely putting the black volcanic lava rock into my shirt pocket without my knowledge. Later I learned that the Hawaiians will not bring the volcanic lava rock outside Hawaii as they believe that this will bring bad luck and misfortune. Many hotels in Hawaii will put the box in the lobby containing the black lava rocks returned from those who brought them outside Hawaii. During my return trip to Minneapolis and stopped by Washington D.C. to visit a friend, there was a heavy snow while I was driving a big size Mercedes benz, the car was out of control and spinning around due to the slippery road and hit the other few cars on the road. Fortunately, I was not injured and the car was covered by insurance. However, we were stopped by the police for investigation. When Rangsan found out, he gave me a big laugh and said he just wanted to proof the belief about the lava rock. There were more stories about Ransan?s playing tricks on me, he was very pleasant, funny with excellent memory on Thai literatures and poetries from his school years. Rangsan also enjoyed giving lectures and sharing his medical experiences on Anesthesia to the medical students at King Mongkut Memorial Hospital as well as Chulalongkorn Hospital. He always brought some snacks and desserts for the students, he was very well loved by the students and the medical staff of the hospitals We always enjoyed our trips together every time he came back to Thailand, the last time was in September 2017, Rangsan stayed three days at the Dusit Thani Hotel. Recently, I learned that Rangsan was admitted twice to the Hospital Emergency Room due to leg injury with heavy bleeding. He tried to call me but as he could not see well he had asked his friend to call me instead I finally called him back and got a chance to talk to him about his saddening health condition. The last Line message before Rangsan?s passing about a month ago, he asked me to look after the living expense of one of his acquaintances at his home in Bangkok. My cousin Rangsan is a very good person, always very helpful and got a great sense of humor. One of his classmate wrote about him saying that ? Make someone smile everyday but never forget that you are someone too ? Always on my mind & thoughts? Gen.Seri Phukkamarn "
"Rungson my dear friend I got to know Rungson through Chulalongkorn (CU) MD Class 15 of which he was a graduate. I graduated from Leeds, England at the same year as CUMD Class 15 in 1965 and came back to work as a Gastroenterologist at CU Medical School in 1971. I met met Rungson from time to time when he came home to Thailand. I sent three colleagues from the GICU Unit for further training at the Mayo, Rochester where they enjoyed their time learning many things. The first was Sombat Triprasertsuk, now a full Professor, for 2 years doing NAFLD, Nash etc. The Second was Rungruedee now an Associated Professor who spent 5 years in live disease, cholangiocarcinoma and also obtained PhD there. Last, only recently, Stimai, now also Asso. Professor, who studied IBD for 2 years. They all enjoyed Rungson kind, helpful hospitality very much. Six years ago I myself had the honour and privilege to visit Mayo for the first time as I took a group of doctors for Mahachai Group of hospitals to visit Mayo through my connection with Professor Nicholas LaRusso who very kindly organized things for our group Nicholas also kindly accepted Sombat et al to study there. Rungson kindly met us all and looked after us so wonderfully well. We are all still grateful for his kindness and hospitality. Rungson was a good person, a great friend and an excellent ambassador of Chulalongkorn University and Thailand. Even though latterly he was not well he still kind heartedly helped all the Thai and, I am sure ,all his students wherever they were from and everyone who met him.Rest well my dear Rungson you have earned your rest and we are all grateful for your help and your friendship. Pinit Kullavanijaya "
"Doctor Rungson was my dearest teacher. He was not only a teacher he was also help my a lot in my carrer like my dad. He was a great man not only for me but also for everyone especially Thai doctor who had a chance to visit Mayo Clinic. Rochester. With his passaway. We will miss him a lot . He will be in the best place . We all will never forget him. Suneerat Kongsayreepong"
"Lee Nauss on Aug. 26, 2020 Rungson used to have a fish tank. One of his fish was a Piranha. He used to roll hamburger up in a ball and feed it to the Piranha. If Rungson were in a hurry he would just put the meat in the tank for the fish. But if he had time to play around with the fish, he would put a hamburger ball on the end of his finger and the fish would eat the meat while Rungson rubbed it?s back. The fish never bit his finger. Only Rungson would have a Piranha for a friend!! Goodbye my friend, you will be missed! "
"Our lives have become ? spotty like leopard? without you. Thank you for your grace, generosity and genius. See you In our reincarnation. Gary V"
"I worked with Rungson for many years and greatly appreciated his brilliant mind and great sense of humor. He encouraged our middle son Matthew to begin collecting stamps, contributing many and daughter Julie's interest in foreign currency and the history of. After retirement, when we met he always remembered the names of my 4 children and their interests. What a privilege to have know and worked with this fine man. A great asset for MAYO and Humanity. Jack and Gloria Hostak"
"Privilege to know you as friend and colleague for over fifty years. Thank you. Will miss our visits. Rest in peace. Joe Messick"
"As the top of our medical school class, Rungson was very well liked by all his classmates, including myself and my late husband, Yuthana. Rungson was endlessly funny, cheerful, humble, optimistic, intelligent and was lovingly kind to all. He and my husband were very close friends. My son was born in 1968 and Yuthana named him Rungson (his nickname is Junior). It wasn't until 22 years later in 1990 that I learned the reason why. That year, Yuthana passed away and Rungson wrote a memoriam to him. In it, he describes how he and my husband promised to name one of their sons after each other. Rungson never married and had no sons. Dr. Rungson Sittipong will always be very special to our family. Sleep well and rest in peace, our dear friend. Dr. Thanasri Samroengraja "
"Somchai viengteerawat on Aug 26,2020 Arjarn Rungson, Let me express my sincere gratitude for all your helps. You are so kind and generous. I really appreciate you taking care many things for me, also with others Thai doctor who came studying at Mayo, Rochester more than 50 years. Remembering your wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in my hearts.? Somchai viengteerawat"
"Rungson was truly special, a good friend with humor and an excellent teacher for us residents! Petter Andreas Steen"
"Dear Ajarn Rungson, You are a special person, I remember our first met in 2006, you always support us and all Thai doctors in Rochester. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our respectful teacher ?Ajarn Rungson? Your love, joy, kindness and generosity will be Remembered to all of us. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, words cannot begin to express the sadness we are feeling. Rest in peace. Rung, Kung, Looktao, and Khaotung"
"Rungson was a special person and a true friend. He gave Tricia her epidural for Brett's delivery. He got Brett interested in coin collecting, and he taught me a lot of anesthesia. My first time on call he answered my call light as my senior resident and said, "Situation hopeless, but not serious." His sense of humor and interest in others gave a contagious good feeling. We will all miss him and remember him very fondly. Roy Cucchiara "
"Dear Ajarn Rangson, Without you, we wouldn?t be successful in our fellowships at Mayo Clinic. You are known for a talented teacher and your kindness helps so many of Thai doctors to have a wonderful time while they are studying abroad. It?s heartbroken on August 21st, 2020 for your loss. You will always be remembered no matter what. Your presence, love and kindness will forever be with us. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Rest in peace, Annop and Ann"
"Ajarn Rungson I am heart breaking to know that Ajarn Rungson passed away. I remembered his kindness and humor he gave to our family when we lived in Rochester 10 years ago. Rest In Peace Ajarn Rungson. You will live in my heart forever ??"
"Ajarn Rungson I am saddened to hear the news about Ajarn Rangsan's passing. Even though many years have passed, all of us who have lived at Mayo Clinic still remember his kindness, full of kindness and humor. Ajarn Rungson looks after my family and all the Thai students who come to live in a different cultural new house. The impressive memory of Ajarn Rungson remains in all of our hearts eternally. My family pray that Master's soul is in peace forever. Love and Respect Kung, Kaew, Kant & Klerey "
"Ajarn Rungson
I am saddened to hear the news about Ajarn Rangsan's passing. Even though many years have passed, all of us who have lived at Mayo Clinic still remember his kindness, full of kindness and humor. Ajarn Rungson looks after my family and all the Thai students who come to live in a different cultural new house. The impressive memory of Ajarn Rungson remains in all of our hearts eternally. My family pray that His soul is in peace forever.
Love and Respect
Kung, Kaew, Kant & Klerey "
"Dear Ajarn Rungson, I remember our first met in Rochester in 2017 . Your kindness made me feel welcomed. Your love and caring throughtout two years meant the world to me. On August 21st 2020, my heart ache with his loss. My thoughts are filled with gratitude for his great long life of kindness, love and caring. Ajarn Rungson will live in my heart eternally. Satimai Aniwan"
"Ajarn Rungsan It?s heart breaking that you had left us. But you will always be close to us all. The love, the kindness, the joy you had generously given, not only to us but to all those around you, will live forever in our memories. With respect and love, Wichai, Jook, Nicky and Nat Prayoonwiwat "
"Goodbye dear friend. Humanitarian, kind, brilliant and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and fun - your memory will be treasured by all that knew you. Rest in peace. Peter Southorn"
"In Thailand, we have the old poet. ?People may die, The body decomposes, However their goodness remains last long.? Dr. Rungson or our Ajarn Rungson?s kindness and hospitality to all Thai residents and fellows at Mayo Clinic will last for forever. Thank you wholeheartedly. Please rest in peace Ajarn. Rungson. "
"Dr. Rungson Sittipong passed away. He will be missed by so many friends, past residents and fellows that he has trained; so many doctors from Thailand that he helped to come to Mayo and living in Rochester. Rest In Peace Ajarn Rungson. ?? ?Gone but never forgotten. ?"
"My husband, Vichai, and I were Rungson's classmates in Chulalongkorn Medical School, Thailand (the 15th class). We graduated in 1965. I remembered Rungson as a kind, funny guy. He liked to tell stories and jokes. He loved literature and could recite many Thai classic novels. One of his hobbies was searching for rare and highly sought after Buddha amulets. Rungson was a brilliant student, well liked by everyone, teachers and classmates. We came to US in 1966, Rungson to Rochester, for us it was Cleveland, Ohio. We kept in touch, spoke on phone occasionally as time permitted. Last time we saw Rungson was during our 50th reunion in Pattaya, Thailand. He was not in perfect health but you would never know he had problem because he was cheerful and funny as always. I called him from time to time to inquire about his health. Last time was on Aug 5 at Skilled Nursing Care. He told me about spicy chicken Michael Shapiro brought him for lunch. We spent good amount of time trying to figure out why buffalo wings were called buffalo wings when buffalo had no wing. That's Rungson. Vichai and I got married in May, one month before coming to US. Among things we were able to bring with us was a set of silver soup spoons Rungson gave us as a wedding gift. We use them often. We were glad to have brought them here with us to remind us of our beloved friend, Rungson Sittipon Patrawadee Duangjak"
"Dr.Rungson Sittipong, or our Ajahn Rungson, was well known for his kindness and generosity not only to Thai doctors in training at Mayo Clinic, but also to everyone around him. He always made his apartment ?home? to every Thai in Rochester with his cooking skill. He was a true giver who never wanted any thing in return. Thank you so much krub Ajahn Rungson. You will always be remembered with my gratitude. Pirapat Mokarapong, MD."
"Rungson and my mom, Joyce were great friends. They met playing bingo. He rode along on many trips to the casino with my mom and dad. I can still remember many of the stories that he would tell. They couldn?t have been more opposite but he was a special friend to my parents. Mom just passed away on May 14. I hope they are reunited again and continuing their friendship in heaven. Renee and Brenda"
""What going on?" That was Dr. Sittipong's greeting. I use it today and always think of him fondly. He was also known to tell nurse anesthesia students(or staff)that they should "go home". That used to drive the supervisors wild. He was one of the very best of a kind. "
"We all remember Rungson for his kindness, wonderful hospitality, devotion to Mayo as a gifted teacher and mentor to many! He left Mayo once to care for his ailing parents, and returned to work many years with his anesthesia colleagues, even after recovering from a stroke. He has shared with us a wonderful life of giving. Bill and Heidi Bardsley"