RPCV David Hibbard (Nigeria) has died
David Hibbard (Nigeria 1961-63) died peacefully at home on 7 April, surrounded byhis loving wife, Chris, and their beloved children and grandchildren. David lived gracefully for the last 14 years with Parkinson’s and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He lived a life of service, from being in the very first Peace Corps group in Nigeria, and as a Peace Corps doctor in India (1967-69), to practicing family and hospice medicine. David was inspired as a young man by JFK and embodied the spirit of ‘’Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’’
He graduated from Oberlin College, Case Western Reserve Medical School and the University of North Carolina where he earned his Public Health degree, and then received a Ford Foundation grant to work at Chogoria Hospital in Kenya.
David and his wife Chris were married in 1980 and together founded the Family Medical Center in Louisville. Dr. Hibbard’s patients have thousands of stories of his kindness, competence, compassion and unrelenting service. He also created Advanced Medical Directive forms that are used nationwide, was faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School, and served on the Boulder Community Hospital Integrated Health task force to bring forth new healing methods.
In 2005, David and Chris co-founded the Malaria and Health Care Project at Kisiizi Hospital in Uganda. For several years he worked for a month on the wards, brought CU medical students to Uganda for six-week internships, and raised money for all aspects of the hospital.
David played collegiate lacrosse and was inducted into the Oberlin Hall of Fame; he also founded the Boulder Valley Lacrosse Foundation bringing the sport to students from elementary to high school. He served on numerous boards, including The National Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Board and the ISSSEEM Medicine Board. The Denver Native American Health Care Service recognized him for his cross-cultural sensitivity.
He loved mountain biking, river rafting and skiing in the Rocky Mountains, and being with family and friends. David is survived by his wife, Chris, his son Ryan and daughter-in-law Meghan, his daughter Devin and son-in-law Mark and two grandsons, Nile and Japhy, all of Boulder, and his daughter Shannon of Washington, DC, as well as many dear friends.
He will be deeply missed and long remembered. In lieu of flowers, gifts to Kisiizi Hospital (Kisiizihospital.org.ug) will provide lifesaving care in David’s name. A memorial service will be held in July or August.
What a beautiful life!
Thank you for letting all on this website about my beloved Dave Hibbard’s passing. He loved the Peace Corp
Christine, Hibbard