Dr. Joseph N. Cheek, M.D, passed away on Monday August 4th, 2014 at the age of 63. Born in Longview, Texas on May 18th, 1951, to parents Jose Cheek and Alma Cheek (Leach) Joe lived the majority of his life in Dallas, TX. A true renaissance spirit, Joe was a voracious student of literature, history, the arts and sciences rarely engaging in a book he didn't enjoy. Joe had a passion for food & wine, was additionally a gifted cook, artist, film buff with an appreciation for music that spanned all forms of jazz, rock, world & global genres, and classical. He graduated from SMU with a bachelor's in electrical and systems engineering. Joe subsequently attended the University of Texas at Galveston medical school where he received his doctorate in medicine specializing in general & thoracic surgery, and completing his degree as chief resident. Throughout an extended valiant battle with a rare neurodegenerative disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), Joe inspired everyone he encountered by giving new meaning to the concept of dignity and class. He was a devoted husband who will be missed deeply by his wife, best friend and soul mate, Celina. A loving and equally devoted father to daughter Alexandra "Alex" Cheek, he was an uncommonly unique teacher and mentor to both his family and extended family and friends. It would be remiss to not acknowledge one of Joe's most devoted friends, his 9 year old wheaten terrier, Frederick "Fred" Cheek who has spent every day of his life by his side particularly on those recent days when the losses associated with MSA were most challenging. Dr. Cheek is survived by his wife, daughter, sister Mary (Cheek) Belden, brother-in-law Russ Belden, nephew Jonathan Belden, mother-in-law Paquita Mueller and cousins across the pond. Joe's high quality of life while adapting to the losses associated with his illness could not be accomplished without the dedicated resources provided by his immediate family to also include "Team Joe" caregiving team members orchestrated by his wife and led by his mother-in-law who prepared any Food Network dish requested 5 days a week, and relentlessly dedicated care-givers Juanita, Erica and September. The family will host a Celebration of Life event at the Meadows Museum, SMU Dallas on Sunday, September 7th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiple System Atrophy Research Fund.