John H. Saiki, MD
A Celebration of Jack's Life was held on Saturday, September 6, 2014, at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center.
View the Memorial Program.
Read remarks from: Ernie Simon, MD (read by Phil Eaton, MD); Paul Duncan, MD; Bill Buss, PhD; Michael Browde; Holly Traver Henry; Catherine Saiki and Cheryl Willman, MD.
You may see memories at the end of this webpage or send them directly to the John Saiki Family.
Memorial gifts may be made to the UNM Cancer Center “John H. Saiki Clinical Oncology Endowment Fund”. You may contribute online at www.unmfund.org/fund/saiki . You may also mail your contribution to: Justin Schroer, Director of Development, UNM Cancer Center, 1201 Camino de Salud NE, Albuquerque NM 87131. Please specify “John H. Saiki Clinical Oncology Endowment Fund" on the check or when making an online contribution.
John Harris Saiki, known as “Jack” to many, was born on December 31, 1936 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Lydia Elizabeth Kuoppala and Arthur Kazu Saiki, M.D. He spent most of his childhood in Grand Forks and three formative years in Kauai, Hawaii. Jack received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of North Dakota. He graduated from medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 1961. It was there that he met his future wife, Julie Singleton. They were married September 1, 1962 in Glens Falls, New York. Jack served two years with the United States Public Health Service in Fort Defiance, Arizona. He completed his residency and fellowship training in medicine and hematology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and his oncology training at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Jack was Professor Emeritus at the University of New Mexico Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division. His career on faculty spanned forty-four years; it can be said he lived the history of modern day oncology. Jack joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1970. With the support of a grant from the federally funded New Mexico Regional Medical Program, Jack developed a leukemia/lymphoma treatment program, at a time when no formal medical oncology program existed in New Mexico. He was also awarded funding from the National Institutes of Health in support of his membership in the Southwest Oncology Group, which ushered in cancer clinical trials and new cancer treatments for New Mexicans. In 1973, Jack received board certification in medical oncology, the year the subspecialty of medical oncology was first created.
Jack served in various capacities while on the faculty, including Clinical Director of the University of New Mexico Cancer Center and Principal Investigator for the Southwest Oncology Group. In addition, Jack served on the Board of Trustees for Blood Systems for twenty-nine years and was Medical Director of the Presbyterian Hospice Program. Jack was the recipient of numerous awards for teaching and service, including the Laureate Award by the New Mexico Chapter of the American College of Physicians and nine Khatali Awards, an honor bestowed by each graduating class of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in recognition of teaching excellence. Throughout his career, Jack loved teaching but patient care was foremost in his heart. The patient always came first in his practice of medicine. Jack was beloved for his humility, compassion, integrity and dedication.
Jack and his wife of fifty-two years, Julie, shared a mutual love of the Southwest, hiking, birding, identifying wildflowers and enjoying the tranquility of the Taos mountains. He was deeply loved and admired by his three children. He encouraged them to carve out their own unique paths and, importantly, to appreciate the journey. He was a beloved granddad. With his playful spirit and love of teaching, he spent endless hours with his grandchildren on projects fostering their love of science and nature. Jack’s curiosity and appreciation of life included photography, tennis, geology, woodworking, taking up the banjo at age forty, and driving his ‘66 Volvo. His gift for storytelling, endearing sense of humor, and gentle nature remained ever-present to the end. While it is impossibly difficult to let him go, we know he made an indelible difference in the lives of many people and that his teachings will carry forward through his family, friends, patients, students and colleagues. We celebrate Jack and his life well lived.
Jack will forever remain in the hearts of his wife Julie; his three children, Beth, Bill and Catherine; his grandchildren, Anna Priya Gupte, Anand Gupte and Alexander Saiki; son-in-law Viru Gupte and daughter-in-law Jocelyn Saiki; and his brother George and extended family.
The family wishes to thank Vince Ortolano, M.D., Katherine Morris, M.D., Presbyterian Home Health and Hospice, Jack's colleagues at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center, and the University of New Mexico Center for Life.
Dr. Saiki was a wonderful man.
I have known Dr Saiki for a very long time. He was a giving doctor and had a very big heart. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The world is a better place for him being here and we are better for having known him. He will be truly missed.
I only encountered Dr Saiki once and that was over 25 years ago when he taught a class on oncology to my class in the PT program. That one encounter made a strong and lasting impression upon me – he showed that he was a physician who cared not just for his patients but for the families too. He conveyed so much compassion. for those who had dealt with cancer. I’m sorry to hear of this loss.
It was an honor to learn from him.
Dr.Saiki was the most wonderful teacher that I ever had during medical school over 30 years ago. He taught me the importance of really listening to patients,and not to be afraid of telling them the truth about their illness. My personal style as a physician is based on all that I learned from him. He was brilliant, humble, kind,and a most caring person. My heart goes out to the Saiki family, he was a man among men and will be greatly missed.
This was a man I strive to be like in the way of how I treat my children. He touched my life profoundly and will always be dear to me in my heart. I love you sir!
I am very sad to learn of the loss of this very kind man, who taught so many people and gave so much to his community. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy to the state of New Mexico.
Dear Saiki Family,
I was able to work indirectly with Dr Saiki for the last 18 years as a medical representative. I learned so much from him. Every time I saw him, I smiled cause I knew he was going to joke with me. I saved several articles that he shared with me and I will always keep them and remember him each time I see them. I was blessed to have lunch with Dr Saiki not that long ago. At that time he told me about his health concern yet was so positive and was willing to take on any challenge he was going to face. Dr Saiki had taught me through the years that end of life care was so vital to being a good oncologist and although I am not a Doctor I realize how true this is. I can still see him in his vintage Volvo, I can see him in his clinic office downstairs at the old cancer center with all the rocks and gems given to him by his patients. I can hear his soft voice telling me about his weekends in Taos. He will always be remembered by me and he will live on in my memory. LB
Dearest Julie, Beth, Bill and Catherine,
It was an honor to have known your beautiful family, and to have the amazing advice of Dr. Saiki. May our dear lord keep all of you safe as he rests in heaven.
Love always,
Mela Montoya and family
Dear family of Dr. Saiki,
I had the great privilege of working with Dr. Saiki from 1993-1996 when I worked as an inpatient nurse on the oncology/hematology unit at UNMH. He had an amazing way of talking to patients whether it was explaining treatment protocols, educating them about their disease, or discussing choices about whether or not to pursue further treatment. His outlook and enjoyment of life was translated into compassionate care with the patients and meaningful conversations with staff. He often discussed his love of his family; it was part of his life force. Dr. Saiki made a lasting impression on me and for that I will be forever grateful. I am so sorry to hear of his death and I am sending my deepest sympathies for the huge void this will leave in your family. He will be greatly missed.
With sadness,
Sherry Reeder
The last time I saw Jack was about 18 years ago, but I have thought about him often. He made a lasting impression on me when I worked with the Oncology Dept. through my job. He was one of those rare individuals that would warm your heart and bring a smile to your face without fail. He was one of the most gentle, loving souls I have ever met and he touched my life in a meaningful way. He probably never knew how his demeanor, philosophy, and example molded my thinking and influenced the person I have become. For that, I am sorry. I should have told him. He gave me hope for humanity, medicine and sometimes, life itself. I never met another doctor that loved his patients and honored their very essence more than Dr. Saiki. He was truly a giant among men. I know that he will be missed by many and his passing has left a vacuum in countless ways. I also know that he loved his family, loved life and loved his patients and his work. The world is a better place because of his time spend in this existence. He will live on in the countless, priceless ways he touched so many.
I had the extreme pleasure to work with Dr. Saiki about 15 years ago. He had such great intellectual gifts coupled with a gentle patience that exceeded all expectations as a new nurse to hospice care. An incredible mentor at every occasion; he will be missed.
He was a friend and colleague to my husband’s family. They always spoke so highly of Dr. Saiki. What an amazing life he lived. Truly an inspiration.
I admired Dr. Saiki from the moment I heard about him. My uncle was a patient of his, and I also watched Dr. Saiki from afar as a Health Sciences Center faculty member. Dr. Saiki mentored one of the doctors I worked for, and that amazing doctor considered Dr. Saiki to be wise and wonderful.
What a gift he was to the world. The world is dimmer having lost him.
My thoughts are with his family.
Anne Fullilove
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of this phenomenal man. His legacy will live on through his family and those he’s touched.
Sending my condolences to you all,
Ashley
It was an honor to watch Dr. Saiki treat patients. I was present with a dear friend of mine for many of her visits with Dr. Saiki and I did work as a nurse at the Cancer Center where I continued to observe this very gentle man treat each of his patients…with knowledge and kindness. I feel blessed to have known him for this brief period of time.
I had the pleasure of being a member of a few of Dr. Saiki’s small groups in Medical school. I was touched by his caring nature for both patients and medical students. He was very supportive and so aware of the human condition and how to stay spiritually healthy even when physical health declines. He will be sorely missed, may he rest in peace.
It both a pleasure and an honor to work with such a thoughtful, kind educator. He was never too busy to help when asked. I learned so much. My thoughts and prayers go to those he left here. He may be gone, but, he will not be forgotten.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Siaki for 9 years at UNM CC. His wit and kindness was unmatched and his stories insightful. He had that incredible volvo that logged hundreds of thousands of miles and we told him he should contact the company and offer it up for advertising. Great man he will be missed.
In 1979, at the UNM cancer center, I was a greenhorn Radiation Therapist in the back of the building and Dr. Saiki was that really nice medical oncologist down front. I can’t even remember how our paths initially crossed in that somewhat long hallway, but I looked forward to maybe seeing him as I walked by. If I was lucky, we’d have a short chat. It wasn’t just his gentle nature that was endearing, but how he so seamlessly made everyone he talked to seem like the most important person. I knew him for many years before he told me he was a “closet banjo player”. It has been 29 years since I worked at UNM, so to have this indelible memory of him speaks to what an influence Dr. Saiki had on the countless lives he touched. I am so sorry for your loss.
John was a wonderful person , a humble being, great colleague and a compassionate physician .
He will sorely be missed.
Thoughts and prayers...
I lost not only my Oncologist but a great and dear friend. I was and still am as deeply saddened by this as he was like family to me. Dr. Saiki held my hand and helped me for over 25 years. He was truly amazing in that he was not only concerned about my physical health but was equally interested in my mental state. We would sit and talk about my disease and he would clearly explain to me in great detail his reasons for every course of action. There was Never a time I felt like my health was not of the utmost importance to him. And he conveyed that to me in so many ways. I always knew that whatever direction we were to take in my treatment he had thought it out to the nth degree to benefit me. He would Never even consider doing any kind of procedure if the greater good of his patient was not served. My mother and friends marveled at the fact that he had even given me his cell phone number to call or text if I had questions or concerns or just needed to talk. He was truly a servant of his patients and his life demonstrated his love for his profession and mankind. You were truly a gift from heaven for me and I will miss you greatly my friend. I cannot thank you nearly enough for the concern, compassion and care I received from you. You were an amazing man, an awesome physician and I am honored to say a great friend.
Jack was well known by everyone he touched for his compassion and kindness and his work as a true healer. He showed amazing empathy with patients facing difficult times. Truly a great physician and wonderful human being. Indeed, life is a mystery and he will be missed..
The impact Dr. Saiki had on myself and my fellow medical students from the 70’s cannot be summed up in words. A true role model. As a soft spoken physician, taking care of some of the most desperately ill people in the world, Dr. Saiki embodied the most desirable qualities of a human being as well as a physician: the ability to not only listen but to hear what is being said, patience, and to see good in even the most difficult situations. With this, Dr. Saiki not only touched the hearts and souls of who he cared for, but also the many who crossed his path during their training at the UNM Health Sciences and Cancer Center. Dr. Saiki, the SOM class of 1980 will never forget you. Rest in Peace.
Thank you.
Dr. Saiki was an instrumental part of my medical education as a student at UNMSOM.
Dr. Saiki was a rare combination of intelligence, humility and compassion for patients.
He shared with me a collection of quotes that he had saved as a compilation from all of his patients titled “what I learned from patients” which serves as an example of his humility and dedication to patients not forgetting the most important things in life.
What a wonderful physician, mentor and human!
He will be missed but not forgotten!
Dr Saiki was a humble, compassionate man with a huge heart. He was the GEM of our program and will always miss his smiling face. Prayers for the wonderful family. :((((
I worked with Dr. Saiki as a nurse at UNM hospital oncology unit. I remember his compassion and respect for his patients. He was always pleasant towards the staff and would take the time to answer questions regarding a diagnosis and treatment. New Mexico cancer care is in a better place because of Dr. Saiki.
As a brand new Nurse in the UNM Adult Oncology Inpatient Unit 23 years ago; Dr. Saiki was the first Oncologist that I had the pleasure of working with on a daily basis. His presence was so calming and his patience was enormous. He taught me how to give my first Chemotherapy. I will never forget his smile and the way he interacted with the Nurse’s and patients; he truly made ever single person feel important. What a gift. He will be missed by all.
Jack was a gift to those who had the opportunity to know and work with him. His compassion and caring touched the lives of many patients, and the staff who worked with him. He treated and taught us with humility, kindness and his gentle sense of humor. He saw the good in people, in situations, and ensured his patients welfare in all he did. He instilled trust in those around him and empowered his patients to participate in decision making. Jack, thank you for your service. You will be missed.
As a medical student at UNM I had the privilege of going with my stepmother to her visits with Dr Saiki when she was diagnosed with lymphoma. His calm caring nature and clear discussions of options helped us get through this and taught me so much about caring for patients. He also showed concern for me being the “Physician” in the family when a family member is ill. What an amazing physician and person! He will always have a place in our hearts.
Recently Jack said that he was both amazed and honored to have new patients who were the GRANDchildren of people he had treated when he first came to New Mexico.
Dr. Jack Saiki …
Whaaaaaaa a huge loss to UNMCC & NM !
What an Amazing Man !
You will neva be forgotten :)
Love ya my dear friend.
James A.
Dear family of Dr. Saiki,
First of all I want to express our deepest sympathies for your loss.
My father, R. Lynn Byers, worked with Dr. Saiki at the old UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center. He spoke so highly of him and shared a great respect for his work and as a person. He treated my Aunt Catherine when she moved here and my father asked Dr. Saiki to “look at her”. she respected him as well. She was the head nurse at the VA Hospital before she moved to Texas and greatly respected his skill as a physician. My sister was recently diagnosed with cancer and we immediately thought of Dr. Saiki which is how we found out that he had passed. My father passed away a few years ago, from lung cancer, so I wanted to represent our family, as I know he would have wanted. Thank you for all you have given to so many and in such an elegant manner.
With sympathy,
Peggy Byers Lewis and Family
I had not seen Dr. Saiki since I left UNM after my internship in 1991, but remember him with great admiration as perhaps the most outstanding clinician with whom I worked during my training. He has cared for dear friends of mine in the intervening years. His is truly a wonderful example to us all as health care providers and humans. He will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched. My heart goes out to his family.