Dr. Edward Dees, (1953 - 2022) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Dr. Edward be with us forever.

68 years old
Born on October 14, 1953
Passed away on October 10, 2022

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Dr. Edward Dees, 68 years old, born on October 14, 1953, and passed away on October 10, 2022. We will remember him forever.

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January 28

Ah no! ... what tragic news! I wondered whereabouts my 'captain Cisko' was after our work together during the construction phase of the LNG site in PNG. I had the privilege of your guidance and counsel ten years ago... how sad to discover you passed away.
Your wonderful legacy of kind and professional guidance is going to be missed greatly. You were a true mentor and kindred spirit. I learned so much from you in a relatively short period of time and since then I always held the highest regard for your personal and professional attributes. You remain truly alive in my memories. Sayonara ...and rest peacefully my dear 'captain'... you are forever in God's presence.

March 21, 2023

Dr. Dees was one of the best. I worked under Dr. Dees as a Paramedic at St. Charles Parish Hospital for several years.
I remember bringing in a patient who didn't speak English. I, not knowing any other language than English and sarcasm, told Dr. Dees that he only spoke Spanish. Dees, fully fluent in Spanish, tried to communicate with him, but found out the dude spoke Portuguese. No problem for Doc! He's fully fluent in Portuguese, too! I thought that was the coolest thing!
Rest in Peace Dr. Dees.

October 23, 2022

I will miss Dr. Dees, as a great human being whose contributions made the world better than he found it. Ed was a classmate at Hampshire College, and one year we shared an off-campus apartment. He was a leader, concerned about the community of Black and Latino students, and generally contributed to campus life. Years later, he continued his involvement as a Hampshire Trustee and spearheaded a Hampshire of Color event. He was such a positive person, who laughed generously and walked proudly. My life has been made better because our friendship. RIP my comrade.

October 20, 2022

Dr. Dees you will be greatly missed by so many and it is hard to believe you are no longer with us on this earth. I will always remember you for your beautiful smile, your positive engagement, your professionalism, kind heart and always willing to help out your team. You were a very special person and It was a honor to work with you and know you. My sincere condolences to all your friends, family and colleagues..you will not be forgotten.

October 18, 2022

This news came as a terrible shock! Eddie Dees, as we so fondly called him at Hampshire College, was a dear friend... I was just with him in NOLA in April and June when both times he came to support my work with the African Diaspora Consortium. It was if little to no time had passed since we had last seen one another 19 or 20 years ago.. Ed's exuberance for life and enjoying a good time with friends shone through. It was so wonderful to spend a bit of time with him in his beloved NOLA. I was looking forward to seeing him again soon, when next in town. I am so saddened and shocked to learn of his sudden passing. I wish his family and his huge circle of global friends light and love as we all morn his passing, but keep his indelible spirit and memory alive in our hearts and minds. I know his soul will rest in peace as he gave so much to so many throughout his life... My love for Ed and the times we shared will always remain a part of my most cherished memories...

October 17, 2022

Warm summer sun, shine kindly here;
Warm southern wind, blow softly here;
Green sod above, lie light, lie light;
Good night, dear heart, good night, good night.

It was a pleasure to have known you Ed, even if only for a brief moment in your wonderful story. You made me feel welcome at VIKAND from the first moment and I will miss your midnight messages asking "David, can we speak? Ed."

Rest in peace Doctor Dees.

October 17, 2022

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Dees during several Teams calls, unfortunately never in person.
He seemed like a wise and kind person, always willing to support his team and friends.
I know he was loved here and will remain deeply missed.
RIP, Ed.
Agnes

October 17, 2022

Ed,
You might remember that we met onboard the Viking Star in New York Harbor on your birthday, October 14, 2016. You were leaving the ship to be with your family but stayed onboard long enough to say hello to Peter and me when we boarded for a short trip to San Juan. I also met Amy on that trip.

Over the years since we have become more "friends" than co-workers. I have enjoyed knowing you, working with you and being your friend. Much love to you and your family. I will truly miss you, for now, but surely see you again.
Bob

October 16, 2022

To the Dees’ family
My friend, Eddie will always be in my heart. I loved him and his family as they have helped shape who I am. I am saddened by his transition and though I know he remains in us this is very difficult for me. Eddie, the kind, caring, ever loving, funny and exceptional person. Peace until we meet again. Love family, stay strong. Ken and Evelyn Green and family

October 15, 2022

What a shock it was to hear that our dear friend and colleague had passed. Dr. Dees will live on in our hearts for all his amazing qualities: his professionalism, his positive personality, his sense of humor and his ability to make everyone around him feel special. He was an incredible asset to the Viking family and we miss him as our medical leader and as our friend. Our love and support goes out to Amy and his family. Klem, Atle & Lara Knutsen

October 14, 2022

What a sweetheart! Briefly knew him in college and 50 plus years later spent an afternoon with him at the Hampshire College reunion. Laughing, laughing, laughing. I will carry that memory of that afternoon for ever.

October 14, 2022

In addition to multiple Teams meetings we had together, I met Dr. Dees for the one and only time in Officers Conference in 2019 in person. It was an honor to meet him and his way of explaining Maritime medical operations to non-medical person really made an impression that I will never forget!

Rest in Peace Ed!

October 14, 2022

"Keep it simple, Dr. Fay" :) Those were his wise words he would always tell me every time we discuss cases. It won't be the same without a mentor like you. I am incredibly lucky to be among those trained during the time of an icon like you. Not only were you a mentor, but you were also a friend. Never had been a conversation with you about life or even about a patient so stressful. It was always a pleasure, Dr. Dees! Goodbye to a great mentor.

October 14, 2022

So sad of this news, one of the kindest souls, always there for us in the good and bad times, much appreciation for al his advices and shared knowledge.
Fly high my dear friend, may you Rest In Peace, you will be a new ángel looking over us.
To all his family my sincere condolences, I understand and share your lost.

October 14, 2022

Over time, close family friends become family. Ed (Doc) was my additional uncle and wine buddy. I will miss our random talks on the porch while drinking a tasteful bottle of blended red wine. Rest well Doc and when we meet again, you are responsible for bringing the bottle wine. You will be definitely missed.

October 14, 2022

I had the pleasure to meet Dr Dees with his brother Taylor in West Orange. It was a brief introduction however I remember his kindness, his grace and warm spirit. After reading all the tributes I realized I met an icon, mentor, teacher and a friend. His was a nice man to talk to.

Thank you Taylor and family for allowing my family to be apart of your family. May God comfort you during this blessed moment.

Love,

Dennis & Cheryl Robertson

October 13, 2022

I didn't know Dr Dees well but every single time I spoke with him he made me laugh, that is all I need to know that he was a wonderful person. That, and the enormous amount of love and loss felt through the Vikand family following the sad news....I know you are at peace now Dr Dees, thank you for brightening our days.

October 13, 2022

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day...
Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear..."

There's a new star shining brightly in the nighttime sky looking after all of us...

I will always remember you Dr Dees. Rest in peace.

October 13, 2022

Such terrible, terrible news. What a humble, caring soul and a true gentleman with a great sense of humour. Full of life and well respected from all his colleagues and always so professional.

You should be so proud on what you have set up on Viking, what an incredible job you have done my friend. And you have left pleasant memories of all those you encountered.

May you rest in love and peace. You will be missed so dearly by all your friends and family and your extended family at sea.
I will miss you loads my dear ❤️
Lots of love
Arneka

October 12, 2022

The world and especially the medical maritime unit lost an exceptional Doctor.
He was a dear and irreplaceable friend and colleague. Our journey started only 8 years ago, walking in with a mismatched jacket and pants, a smile and a brilliant mind.

There is not a person who was not touched by his life. He had a passion for teaching, science, medicine, jazz and of course astrology.
He had seen new ships as his children, and as the industry grew he saw their evolution into maturity. He loved to say it has come full circle doing a 360.

He always had a gentle and honest heart, and needed solitude to process challenges.
Dr Ed Dees has helped the Maritime Unit with his wisdom and intellect. He has helped crew, guests, colleagues, ACEP, clients and made a difference in whatever he was involved in.

You were a role model! I hope you find the peace you were looking for.

October 12, 2022

What a great person, professional and friend has left us. Dr. Dees to most, or simply Ed was a doctor or friend anyone wished to have, you would open up and he would never judge and always brought joy and hope.

Visiting him in New Orleans was a highlight. He showed his hometown in a way I would never have experienced it otherwise. I met his friends and it was an experience I will never forget. Ed was an extraordinary person that will be missed by a huge seagoing family besides his friends and family at home.

Thanks for the memories that will remain cherished! Godspeed Ed and thanks for your friendship.

October 12, 2022

I only started working for Vikand on the first of September. My first and only meeting with Dr Dees was during a Teams meeting. We were introduced to each other. Immediately I warmed up to Dr Dees, his enthusiasm, warmth and passion for his job was contagious and left me feeling I joined the right team. I was looking forward working with Dr Dees and learn from him. I can only wish and try to carry on with some of the work and teambuilding he started. Rest in Peace...Lots of love from London.

October 12, 2022

May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace and give the dear and near ones strength to get through this difficult phase. Amen

October 12, 2022

I pray to Almighty God to accept your deeds for your work in healing lives and the light which will continue through your mentorship.

October 12, 2022

I remember my job interview with Dr. Dees.He was great professional,diligent,had an eye for detail.His sense of humor was superb.Later on I had a pleasure to meet him in Ancona,Amsterdam,Octantis.
Edward was always supportive,easy going,great person.
All of this hit me hard,I am speechless.
You will be always in my heart and memories.
Rest in peace my friend.

October 12, 2022

Dr Dees was a wonderful man that gave his heart and soul to his passion for medicine. He had a remarkable way of captivating a team with his intelligence, wisdom and sense of humor. I feel truly blessed to have been able to work alongside Dees and will never forget our many evening conversations that started with work and ended with much laughter. You will be missed but never forgotten! RIP Dees

October 12, 2022

It is saddened to hear the loss of such a great person. I worked with Dr Dees since my first contract in Vikings way back 2016. He is smart, calm and very much professional. He will always got our back but put us in the right place when needed.

Thank you so much Doc for all the good memories and advices. You will be forever missed. May your soul rest in peace in heaven.

October 11, 2022

Dr. Dees changed my life for the better. He was instrumental in placing me where I am today with my present position with Vikand. He interviewed me for the ship doctor position and I didn’t realize that I was talking with Viking’s Fleet Doctor! He was very encouraging throughout the process, made me feel comfortable, and continuously prompted me by saying “very good, very good” despite me thinking “oops! I think I gave the wrong answer on that one!” I wished I had the chance to meet and thank him personally for bringing me into the Vikand community.
Rest in peace, Dr. Dees. I am forever grateful to you. Deepest sympathies and prayers to your family. You will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

October 11, 2022

Dr Dees.....I will miss your soothing voice, wise words and laughter. Your wisdom, experience and good sense of humor always made even the most difficult situations better. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and we could always rely on your help or advice whenever we picked up the phone.

You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Fly with the angels Dr Dees, I hope they laugh just as much as I have with you!
Lots of love Mari xx

October 11, 2022

Every time that I need any kind of advice, he was always willing to help.
His passage through this world brought a lot of relief and comfort to many people, for what he has assured eternal happiness. My sincere condolences to his family. I pray for you to get the Christian resignation at the loss of the always-admired Dr. Edward Dees.

October 11, 2022

Dr Dees, colleague and mentor,

I does not quite seem real that you are really gone, I will be forever grateful for the words of wisdom and encouragement you passed on to me. We didn't always agree, but you would always listen to all sides and then be the ultimate diplomate.....you had a way with words....you could so eloquently assess any situation.

I know you had many plans for your future and many things you still wanted to do, and take away from your live and passing to reach out and grab every moment and live every day to the fullest and never have any regrets.

I hope to be able to build on the amazing foundation you have laid at Viking and am sure your legacy will remain here for many years to come.

"We will think about you always and talk about you still....
You have never be forgotten and you never will,
We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain...
To walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again."

October 11, 2022

Dr Dees, My work husband

Dr Dees and I worked together since the first Viking vessel in 2015. We worked alongside each other on board, and then ashore. We have worked hard, travelled far, laughed and cried together on our world adventures.

Dr Dees is the best thing to have happened to me in my maritime career, he became my best friend and mentor. We had been through a lot and had many stories of our time together.

Dr Dees was a brilliant doctor (anyone who knows me, knows that I am hard to impress), Dr Dees knew that too. Dr Dees would always have my back but would also call me out if I was being too harsh. Dr Dees was the fairest man, he had integrity, he was bold and had biggest heart. Dees loved medicine and was so passionate about his patients, he was especially good to the crew he served on board and those in hospital ER he enjoyed working in. Dr Dees would be the tone setter for any new project and would lead by example.

Boo, I will miss speaking to you 100 times a day, I will miss being a team, I will miss planning our lives as if we had more time!

Ciao Ciao for now my friend, I am sorry we didn’t have more time.
May the Angels carry you in, till we meet again

October 11, 2022

We were calling each other many times for our discussions about clinical interviews, great discussions we had sometimes. Beside the professional approach, it was also a great fun to discuss with Dr Dees!
I could sense always his passion about maritime medicine and how much he was involved in everything he was doing!
I will definitely miss our conversations!
May the Angels fly with you and guide you to more peaceful, full of love places than we live in here!

October 11, 2022

Unfortunately I never met Dr. Dees in person, but I have heard so many good things about him from colleagues all over the world, and I wish I had a chance to engage and learn from him.
Lots of love from Denmark to his family and everyone that was close to Dr. Dees.
RIP, Bo

October 11, 2022

I will miss his phone calls and wonderful sense of humor. Our conversations usually started on a serious note and always ended with laughter. Dr. Dees was a very special, smart and genuine person, who I had the pleasure to work with during the past six years.
You may have left us, but your memories never will. Rest in peace Dr. Dees.

October 11, 2022

I first met Dr. Dees in 2011 when we were both working as Sr. physicians at CCL. We worked together from 2011 to 2015; and met again this year at Vikand.

A great doctor, a great man, a humble man, a patient man, a good friend.
May your soul rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.

October 11, 2022

Dr. Dees was my Medical Director when I first joined Vikand as a ship's physician. He was a very knowledgeable and supportive colleague and clinician. But above all, I will remember him for his dry sense of humor, his gentle manner, and his kindness. Rest easy, Ed.

October 11, 2022

Dr. Dees,

I will always cherish the times spent together whether it was from one of Peter's fabulous happy hours, dinner in Houma, or aboard a vessel. You were always so inspirational and set the bar high for us to reach, but was always there to push/pull/drag us across that finish line. I am very honored to have been able to work alongside you as you taught me so much and you were always great company to be around. You will be forever missed and will forever hold a place in my memories and my heart.

October 11, 2022

My dearest friend I just got the news you are not physically anymore with us. Today this world has lost an extraordinary human being, a top physician who always had the support to give in a calm manner, but above all, the kindness to hear my complaints and the wisdom to fix them in your unique way. Today I'm losing a teacher, and a mentor but above all, I'm losing a friend. Fly high Boss this world was too small for you Francisco

October 11, 2022

Dr. Dees, you will be missed by those ashore and at sea! I personally never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Dees in person but I know he was incredibly highly regarded by all those he worked with. our thoughts and Prayers are with his family during this time. RIP Dr. Ed.

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March 21, 2023

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Gallery

Vacation time ! Dining at Sky Tower, Auckland, NZ!

One of the many launch leadership trainings

What? Who ? Why? When ? Where ? My first welcome to the Vikand Family I’m 2017! Thank you Dr Dees

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His Life

October 18, 2022

The entire global VIKAND family would like to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Edward Dees. Dr. Dees joined VIKAND in 2014 serving as the first physician onboard Viking Ocean Cruises. In addition to actively practicing medicine at sea, he was a member of the Cruise Ship & Maritime Medicine division of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. Edward Dees was born October 14, 1953, in New York City. He developed his love of medicine and caregiving early thanks to his mother, a registered nurse, and his father, a dedicated social worker. He received medical training at the New York University School of Medicine and continued with specialty training in Internal Medicine at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City.

Dr. Dees maintained a lifelong passion for both medicine and learning, earning a Master of Public Health from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, as well as an MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts.

As a physician, Dr. Dees enjoyed a long and fruitful career that took him around the globe. He practiced emergency medicine in Southeast Louisiana, became a Fleet Doctor at Viking in 2017 and in 2020, rose to the position of Medical Director at VIKAND. But even as a top administrative and clinical leader, he still practiced emergency room medicine at home in New Orleans, often pulling night shifts between meetings with his VIKAND colleagues.

Dr. Dees was as passionate about life as he was medicine, splitting time between his home in New Orleans and cottage in Vermont. If he wasn’t in one of those two places, you would likely find him traveling – especially to Brazil where he sharpened his fluent Portuguese.

He was a lifelong student, ardent reader, and an autodidact who continued teaching himself new languages and skills well into older age. He was known for bringing a unique perspective to group dynamics and could engage the whole room in a way that left a lasting and positive impression. And in a world of digital technology, he preferred to keep important numbers in a handwritten notebook and admire landmark train stations in cities around the world.

We remember Dr. Dees for his wonderful contributions to medicine at sea, his life of service to patients, and the impact he made on all of us here at VIKAND. Bon voyage.

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