OBITUARY Dr. David B. Elmer September 5, 1954 – October 18, 2018 Dr. David B. Elmer died at his home in Centerville on October 18, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. He fought a fast, intense, and valiant battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. David was born in New York City on September 5, 1954 to Stephen and Isabel Elmer.
He spent his childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut until his family moved to Cape Cod, where he graduated from Nauset High School in 1973. David graduated from Tufts University, magna cum laude, in 1980 and from Tufts University School of Medicine, with honors, in 1984. Dr. Elmer opened his OB/GYN practice on Cape Cod in 1988.
During his career, he was affiliated with Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, and Cape Cod Hospital, where he served as Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN, Director of Quality and Obstetrics, and Vice Chief of the Department of OB/GYN. He was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology—Diplomat, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology—Fellow, and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Elmer drew immense joy and fulfillment from helping to deliver some 20,000 children into this world.
His warm bedside manner, infectious smile, and dedication to his patients won him the appreciation of countless Cape Cod families. Always the adventurer, David loved the outdoors. He found peace among the mountains and streams of Montana, the beaches of Nantucket, and the lakes and woods around Squam Lake, New Hampshire.
An instrument-rated private pilot, he was always up for the $100 hamburger run in his Cessna 182. An avid fly-fisherman and skier, he frequented Montana, Maine, and Alaska. David was an amateur Donald Duck voiceover artist, a world-class “dad joke” comedian, an epic storyteller, and an honorary fellow of the “Awah-Tagoo-Siam” Society.
Of all his achievements and passions, David was most proud of his family. He is survived by his sons: Peter (Ashley) Elmer of Cornelius, NC, Christopher Elmer of Centerville, Eric (Chrissy) Elmer of Alexandria, VA, and Jason (Sarah) Eckenberger of South Berwick, ME; grandchildren: Carter, Lily, Avery, Liam, Henry, Anna, and a seventh grandchild on the way; sisters: Monica Elmer of Orleans, Lucy Elmer of Harwich, and Vicky Kanaga of Orleans; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visiting hours will be held on Monday October 22, from 3-7pm at Doan, Beal & Ames Funeral Home 160 West Main St., Hyannis.
Church serves will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 10 am at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church located on 421 Wianno Ave in Osterville.
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