Theodore K. Oates
The family of T.K. Oates, II sadly announces the passing of Theodore K. Oates, II, M.D. (T.K.) on April 9, 2025, in Northbrook, IL at age 79.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ann Shipper Oates, and his 2 children Theodore K. Oates, III (T.K. III) (Sarah K. Oates) and Alison O. Davis (Shaun M. Davis) of whom he is very proud. He is also survived by “the delights of his life,” his 4 fabulous and adorable grandchildren (Lucie E. Oates, Cora R. Davis, Cullen M. Davis and Grayson P. Oates) with whom he loved to play “monster,” hide and seek, “Ice Cream Man,” build Legos, and to read multiple books and stories. He is also survived by a brother, Max O. Oates, Jr. of Martinsburg, W.V., a sister, Mary Elizabeth Oates of Shepherdstown, W.V., and predeceased by a sister, Evelyn L. Oates (Boo).
T.K. II was born in Martinsburg, W.V. on December 11, 1945, son to Max O. Oates, M.D. and Evelyn S. Oates. He is a 1963 graduate of McDonogh School, Owings Mills, MD, 1967 Cum Laude Graduate of Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA., 1971 graduate of Duke University Medical School. T.K. completed his Surgical Internship (1971-72) and Assistant Resident in Surgery (1972-73) at University of Rochester Surgical Residency Program at Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital and Rochester General Hospital.
T.K served in the United States Air Force Medical Core 1973-75 stationed in Izmir, Turkey in support of NATO Land Southeast. He and Ann returned to Rochester in 1975 where T.K. continued his surgical residency program completing his Chief Residency in Surgery at Rochester General Hospital in 1978. T.K. completed a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1979. Subsequently, T.K., Ann, and family moved back to Rochester, NY where he practiced General and Vascular Surgery from 1979-1995 continuing his private practice of General Surgery until his retirement in December 2011.
T.K. was well respected by his colleagues, his many medical students, residents and nurses whose lives he touched because of his caring dedication, compassionate care for his patients, and his love for teaching. He was beloved by his many patients, several of whom called him “their angel.” T.K. loved his music especially from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. His operating room teams would remember his little black radio that he brought into the operating room, sharing his tunes and music trivia to lighten the stress.
T.K. was a member of Monroe County Medical Society, Rochester, NY; a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; Diplomat of the America Board of Surgery; Member of the North American Chapter, International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery; recipient of the Rochester General Hospital Surgical Staff Outstanding Teacher Award; recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal; and nominee for the Father George Norton Award for Compassion.
T.K. and Ann are so grateful for every moment spent together at home with family and friends and for the many travels throughout the United States and the world. Whenever making travel plans, T.K. took great pleasure in researching and reserving the best restaurants he could find, a pleasure inherited by his son and daughter. T.K. loved to swim and dive, taking every opportunity to teach his grandchildren or other youth how to dive and jump the waves in the ocean. He easily captured the audience of any youth with his string trick, card tricks, and the canter and gallop taught to him by his grandfather. T.K. loved his pets dearly and made friends with most any dog on his walking routes. During his retirement, T.K. restored some antique cars, meticulously studying and installing number matching parts to bring the cars back to life.
As you remember T.K., please share his strong hugs and heartwarming, contagious smiles with your loved ones and many friends. We thank our world of family, friends and colleagues for your love and support through these difficult days, and the devoted care T.K. received from the dedicated and caring staff at North Shore Place, Northbrook, Illinois.
No prior Calling.
Memorial services will be held in Chicago and Rochester NY.
The memorial service in Chicago, IL was held on April 15, at 3 p.m. in North Shore Place, 1000 Sunset Ridge Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062.
The memorial service in Rochester, NY will be held on May 3, at 1:30 p.m. in White Haven Memorial Chapel, 210 Marsh Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534. A reception will follow.
Private interment in West Virginia to be scheduled at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rochester Regional Health Foundations, Rochester General Hospital, Dept of Surgery, 330 Monroe Ave, Suite 400, Rochester, N.Y.14607; Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org); Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Rd. Northfield, IL 60093; Songs by Heart, Memo: North Shore Place, 1000 Sunset Ridge Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062 or a charity of your choice.