Ronald Davis, MD, a friend and trusted colleague, passed away yesterday from pancreatic cancer.  Ron was 52 years old.

The House of Medicine, the tobacco control community, his family and his many friends have lost someone who was not only committed to his profession but also served as an exemplar of what it meant to be a physician, a husband, a father, and a friend.

This past June, I shared my thoughts about Ron and his battle with cancer on this blog.  Being part of the audience the day he gave his speech as the outgoing president of the American Medical Association was very special. I know that his words, his optimism, his faith and his reality impacted many of you as well.

As I write this, I am on my way to Orlando to participate in another meeting of the AMA’s House of Delegates.  Ron’s passing is certain to hang heavy over our gathering, but his spirit and his soul will never be far from our thoughts.

To his wife, his sons, and his family, our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you.

To those who knew Ron and worked closely with him these many years, his loss is shared by many.

His memory will give strength to all who knew him, and renew our faith to carry his commitment forward.  We will never forget him.