Dr. Robert Morris Ludewig of Bethesda, Md., passed away at home with family at his side on August 8, 2018.

Bob was born St. Patrick’s Day, 1940 in Rochester, Minnesota to Victor and Jean Ludewig. He was the beloved husband of Mary Kathleen O’Farrell for 25 years. He was loving father to their daughter, Anna Kathleen Ludewig and daughters, Holly Kennedy Ludewig Johnson and Tenley Reed Ludewig of his previous marriage to Nancy Garnett. He was predeceased by his son, Hunter Stafford Ludewig.

Bob performed his surgical residency at the University of Virginia and went on to private practice in general surgery with privileges at Sibley Memorial Hospital. During his 27 years as a surgeon, he worked on numerous medical oversight committees and was elected President of the Medical Staff. In that role, he endeavored to increase representation for the medical staff when facing all kinds of regulations and administrative challenges. The Sibley medical staff then created a new position for him as Vice President of Medical Affairs in 2000. Being mediator and moderator between two organizations traditionally at odds proved quite challenging.

Bob retired in 2008 to spend more time with his family and to focus on his favorite pastimes, including boating, fishing, golfing, gardening (tomatoes!), traveling, and learning how to play the guitar and watercolor. Throughout his career at Sibley and until the end of his life, Mary was the anchor of Bob’s life. She helped stabilize his professional career and was the base around which his family and social life revolved. Their mutual love and respect created a positive lens through which Bob experienced life’s ups and downs. Mary’s continued support and devotion made his decline in health more tolerable.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation or the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society