Dr. Robert S. Crumrine

Dr. Robert Stein Crumrine died peacefully on August 8, 2023.

Robert was born October 15, 1935 in Akron, Ohio to Dr. Robert and Pauline Crumrine.

Robert earned an AB degree from Dartmouth College and a MD degree from The University of Rochester. He was one of the first fifty pediatric anesthesiologists in the country; and, a pioneering anesthesiologist who changed the way babies and children are treated in the operating room with the creation of endotracheal tubes specifically for babies and child-friendly pre-op and post-op patient care, including murals down the hallways and the introduction of flavored anesthesia for children.

Robert was a Lieutenant in the US Navy Medical Corps serving as Dispensary Chief at Little Creek, Virginia.

He served as Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester (1969), at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1970) and at the University of Tennessee for the Health Sciences (1979); where, in 1982, he became Chairman of Anesthesiology and also was Associate Dean of Student Affairs and liaison to the University of Tanta in Egypt.

Dr. Crumrine moved to Augusta in 1985 to become Professor and Chairman of Anesthesiology at the Medical College of Georgia, where he served until he retired in 1999 as Chair Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology, Assistant Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, and Professor Emeritus of Nursing, having aided in the founding of the Nurse Anesthetist Program. He was a member of the State of Georgia Composite Board.

During his tenure as the third chair of anesthesiology at the Medical College of Georgia, he participated in planning the building and construction of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia and also helped to establish the certified registered nurse anesthetist program.

Beyond the walls of MCG, he served on the Board of Trustees of the Crawford W. Long Museum, as Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Youth Service USA-Augusta, and as President of the Georgia Society of Anesthesiologists. Dr. Crumrine advanced the GSA from a strictly volunteer status to a paid professional staff with enhanced outreach to members and affiliated organizations. In 2007, he received the Crawford W. Long Memorial Award, the highest honor which the Society can bestow on a member.
In addition to being a member of the Association of University Anesthesiologists, he was a Fellow of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Anesthesiologists. He also served a term as Vice-President /Program Chair for the American Society of Anesthesiology. An award named in his honor is given each year to a first-year MCG anesthesia resident who best exemplifies the characteristics of an anesthesiologist.

Robert was an active Episcopalian and served on the Vestry of three churches. He was a member of Saint Paul's Church and especially enjoyed the years he sang in the choir. He served on the Diocese of Georgia Commission on Ministry and was the Diocesan representative on the Board of Trustees of the University of the South.

He was a retired member of Rotary International and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Robert earned minor degrees in botany and religion, two interests that continued throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening, reading and photography. He traveled much of the world including professional trips to Yugoslavia, Egypt and Italy. He especially loved watercolor painting. Many family members and friends were recipients of his artistry.

Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia England Crumrine; daughter Rebecca Crumrine Rieder (Douglas); son Andrew John Crumrine (Jennifer); grandsons James Hughes and Robert McNeil Crumrine; daughter-in-law Lori Crumrine Southern; godchildren Lawrence Duvall, Michael Stephens, Christopher Yodlowski and Adam Veale. He was predeceased by son James Robert Crumrine and brother John Crumrine. Also surviving are his sister, Leita Crumrine Stephens, sister-in-law, Cheryl Crumrine and two generations of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Robert's life will be Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Paul's Church followed by burial in the Churchyard. The family will receive friends at Tyler Hall following his interment.

Memorials may be sent to Saint Paul's Church Endowment Fund, 601 Reynolds St., Augusta, GA 30901 or Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home Resident Benefits Fund, 1101 Fifteenth St., Augusta, GA 30901.