Hello - Thinking of the Gott family today, knowing that the online memorial is occurring. I am fortunate to have been friends w Dr. Gott's son Kevin since 4th grade. His family always will have a strong influence - the upbeat, can-do energy of Dr. & Mrs. Gott that we experienced growing up - whether it was a ballgame, a canoe trip, Mrs. Gott's dance choreography. You knew that Dr. Gott was a giant in his profession. Yet he was so incredibly down-to-earth. That kind of persona is hard to forget. (On a personal level, he gave me his time and ear when seeing that something was amiss years ago, and his guidance was truly valuable.) Dr. Gott was a great man and since seeing the news about his passing, my thoughts & condolences very much remain with Mrs. Gott, Kevin, Cam, and Debbie.    Mike Lurie, Bel Air MD

There are no words to really express my feelings for this amazing doctor. I started my career as a Cardiac Surgical ICU nurse in 1987 and was able to learn by what I consider the best nurses and doctors around, Dr. Gott was one of them! He was a gentle giant in my opinion. He carried himself with such humility and kindness in everything he did, but no one wanted to ever disappoint him in the way you cared for his patients.  He was a wonderful teacher, collaborator, mentor, and friend. He often would host the "end of year" picnic for our chief residents as they headed out to be attendings and I remember that he and his wife Iveagh were so  lovely as they opened their home up to the doctors, nurses, and their families . Often he wanted music at these gatherings so myself and some of the other "cardiac family" would get together and sing and play music for the event. He loved it and we loved doing this for him. My memories of those years working with him are very fondly etched in my mind and heart  forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gott Family during this tremendous loss. Sincerely, Sherri Jones

Dr. Gott was my mentor when I was a medical student at Johns Hopkins. He was not only a brilliant surgeon and teacher, he was a fine gentleman and inspiring  friend who won you over with his natural humility and grace. I think about him often over the nearly 45 years since my graduation in 1976 and deeply mourn his passing as well as a convey my thoughts and prayers of solace to his family. 
“Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His saints”

Dr. Gott, you were a fine gentleman and a great person and I had the pleasure of not only working with you but to get to know you.    My one fondest memory was riding in your new convertible car as you took all the cardiac surgery assistants to lunch in Fells Point.  What a fun time.  You were one of  kind and will be great missed. 

Exactly 34 years ago today December 2, 1986  Dr. Gott operated on me for the Marfan Syndrome  and performed the Bentall Procedure. He was very reassuring that I would see a good long term result. Obviously he was correct and my children who were 3 and 5 years old at that time  now  have families of their own. I never imagined back then that  I would ever hear  the word "Grampa" directed at me. It is an understatement and does not do enough justice to him for me to say that I owe my life to him, and my family and I will always be grateful . We have never forgotten  this wonderful man and very gifted surgeon.  Just as an added comment 3 months prior to my surgery he operated on my identical twin brother with whom I just spoke with and gave him this sad news.  God Bless Dr. Gott and also may God bless his family in this very difficult time.      

Bruce J. Donaghey

Although Dr. Gott's passing is a time of sadness and loss, especially for his devoted family and his many friends, it also is an occasion to celebrate a life so well lived by this extraordinary man.  I met Dr. Gott in 1966 when my wife, Nina, and I started our internships at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  He inspired me and encouraged my interest in cardiac surgery.  He offered me a position in his cardiac research lab, where I worked in 1970 and 71 when I returned to Hopkins after 2 years of service in the US Army Medical Corps in Thailand.  As I recently acknowledged to Iveagh, during that year in the lab and in the subsequent years of my residency training, Dr. Gott was the most influential person in my life other than my family.  In fact, he was like my surrogate father, teaching me to become a cardiac surgeon and encouraging my personal development.  As so many of his residents and fellows know, Vince was an exceptional mentor and unique example of someone who lived and worked while aspiring to the highest human values.  

I was fortunate to be asked to join Dr. Gott's Division of Cardiac Surgery at Hopkins Hospital in 1976.  He continued to support me personally and professionally.  Although initially I may have missed some of his best lessons on graciousness and humility, his example stayed with me and have made me a more effective surgeon and person.  I owe so much to Vince's influence and mentorship. 

Reflecting back on those many experiences in the 1970's, 80's and 90's, I see Vince treating his work colleagues like an extended family.  He and Iveagh shared their time, family and homes, including the Vermont condo and Bay house, with many of us.  Life with Vince was very special--inspiring and purposeful, as well as satisfying and fun.  He enriched our lives and we all are the better for our times with him.  Godspeed, Vince.  You have our thanks.
 


   


Dr. Gott, I have always said, "If you didn't like Dr Gott, you didn't like anyone".    Everyone liked  Dr. Gott.  He spoke with his surgeon colleagues in the same manner he spoke with  groundkeepers, security, nurses, techs, administrative staff, etc.  at Johns Hopkins.  For being who he was, he was  so humble.  Everyone was equal in his eyes.

One warm, sunny day he invited the office staff out to lunch and for a short drive in his new convertible.  He was so excited about his new car.  We went to the market in Fells Point and he treated us to lunch.  We  then hopped in his car for a short drive up 83.   He was laughing, sharing stories with us, and simply enjoying our company, as much as we enjoyed his.  We were touched that this busy surgeon found time in his day to enjoy time with us.   

Rest, Dr Gott for you have left a beautiful legacy here on earth.  A job well done!  

I first met Vince when my husband Ken was recruited back to the Hopkins cardiology division. We bought a house down the street from them and their younger son started babysitting for us. Our sons were four and seven at the time.  Cam was supposed to be babysitting for us one evening and when I answered the doorbell, there was Vince. Cam had gotten delayed and so Vince came to watch the boys. I must say I was a little intimidated telling the chief of cardiac surgery what to feed the boys for dinner and all about their bedtime.  But he was so gracious and made me feel like it was no big deal. And to him, it wasn’t a big deal. Over the many years we lived by each other, we had many great times.  At one of our Halloween parties, he even made a really great Abraham Lincoln! And he won the best costume prize.  A truly remarkable man.

I believe I am one of the few people alive that ever heard Vincent swear.  He and I were falling down a mountain together in Vermont on cross-country skis and the tail end of a large group of seasoned and capable back-country skiers, including his wife and sons, and my wife who had lead us into this particular "death march".  We were, way over our heads technically as the tracks were firm but the snow beyond them was bottomless powder. Once you transferred your weight to a ski outside the tracks, it sank to your knee and that same leg came to an immediate stop.  The rest of your biomass just kept going...The result is known amongst smug, back country "Svens" as, "a yard sale". 

The temperature was well below zero, so each nose dive meant another coating of snow inside and under sweat-soaked clothing, because, as I forgot to mention, we had to climb this mountain to get into this predicament.

Right after face-plant #15, I heard it...a long, low string of vastly overdue Anglo-Saxon descriptive exclamations emanating from the disturbed surface of an otherwise perfect mountain scape of snow and sky...The very air turned blue...

The year was 1992, and neither of us were young then, but Vincent had me by 20 years.  We managed to get off the mountain before Iveagh sent the St. Bernards to come find us, but I remember we had to apply multiple cocktails to our bruised egos that evening at dinner.   I think I remember promising him that I would not tell anyone what I had heard him say until he was gone.

So now he is gone.  And we are all poorer for it.  It took a great deal to anger him, because he was built a patient, kind, curious and loving man.  There are many thousands of people like me that are still alive because of the surgical science he nudged into practical service.  But what I remember is my pal willing to try anything and enjoying it all.   Goodbye my friend, see you at the bar...sbh

Dr. Gott was a wonderful man.  A talented cardiac surgeon, compassionate human being, artist, and truly loved his family, residents, and friends.  He came to Northern Virginia after my  twins were born, around the beltway, from Baltimore--took I66E towards DC, instead of West, where I lived.  Well, hours later, he made it, albeit frazzled---with flowers, a smile, and loved on those babies like I'll never forget.  He always sent me a Christmas card (many he designed and made), and I feel honored to have known him.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers and the world is a much brighter and better place because of Vince Gott.  What a treasure he was on earth!  He will be missed!!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Vincent L Gott

14 avril 1927 – 20 novembre 2020

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