OBITUARY
Pierre Pascal Massion
March 28, 1963 – April 4, 2021
Pierre was born on March 28, 1963 in Brussels, Belgium, from the love of Claire Capron and Jacques Massion, his proud parents. He grew up happily in the Brussels district of Stockel, avenue des jockeys 13, the third of five children including his two older sisters Anne and Brigitte, followed by his sister Catherine and brother Paul. An impressive baby, strong and smiling boy, Pierre soon developed an incredible sense of humor and an affinity for sports. Pierre was both a force of nature and a lover of nature, with his heart in the mountains. He had peaceful and humanitarian qualities, sensitive to the social injustices in our world. He became involved with Amnesty International fighting for human rights in his high school years and went on a transformative trip to Rwanda that shaped his desire to lend a medical hand to all walks of life.
With a scientific mind and dedication to helping people, he began medical school in 1980 at the Catholic University of Louvain in Brussels. A hard worker, bright, enthusiastic and caring medical student, he was president of the medical students association. He earned his Doctor of Medicine with the highest distinction in 1987. He specialized in Internal Medicine and developed a passion for pulmonology under his mentors Drs. Stanescu and Sybille. In 1991, he took advantage of an opportunity to expand his pulmonary research interests at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) with Dr. Nadel, that was initially intended to last no more than a year. However, this experience would change his life forever.
Invited by a mutual friend, he attended a dinner party where he immediately fell for the Love of his life, Tebeb. They were married a couple years after they met. Tebeb and Pierre welcomed their three wonderful sons Samuel, Thomas and Elias in San Francisco prior to moving to Nashville in 2000. Pierre worked at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, caring for his patients, particularly the Veterans at the VA hospital. He dedicated himself to advancing research in early detection of lung cancer, while weaving in his clinical work, teaching, and mentoring (https://news.vumc.org/2021/04/06/vanderbilt-mourns-the-passing-of-pierre-massion/).
Pierre and his family attended Holy Family Catholic Church. He gave his time generously volunteering at mission trips, Shade Tree and Siloam clinics, and Room at the Inn. Pierre loved hiking, running, gardening, soccer-coaching, tennis, and, most especially, skiing. Enthralled by the beauty of nature, the outdoors and sports invigorated him with a fearless sense of adventure and sheer joy. In every stage of his life, he was committed to nurturing his lifelong friendships.
When Pierre and Tebeb wed in San Francisco, CA, in July 1993, they bridged together two completely different worlds, setting the stage for a unique and enriching cultural exchange between their Belgian and Ethiopian families. Less than two weeks before his passing, he celebrated his 58th birthday. Last summer, Pierre and Tebeb celebrated 27 blessed and tremendously cherished years of marriage.
Above all, Pierre was endlessly devoted to his family. Although Pierre has passed away, his abundant love and gift of making everyone feel that they are heard will stay with us forever.
As Pierre would say: God is Love.
Services
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Gathering of Family and Friends
Monday, April 12, 2021
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Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, April 12, 2021
Memories
Pierre Pascal Massion
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJean Baptiste Habyalimana
May 9, 2021
Mon Très Cher Ami Pierre ,
Mon frère ,
Nous nous sommes rencontrés pour la première fois en 1989 , assistants en médecine interne à l'UCL , dans le service des soins intensifs à St Pierre à Ottignies en Belgique .
Le début de notre amitié fut spontané et immediat , comme si nous nous connaissions déja depuis longtemps !
Une année après notre rencontre , tu nous faisais le plaisir d'être parrain de notre fils Jean Rémy lors du baptême de nos trois enfants . Depuis lors nous sommes devenus pratiquement une même famille avec tes parents , tes soeurs , ton frère et ďautres membres de votre famille . Avec mon épouse Jacqueline , nous n'oublierons jamais l'accueil et l'amitié réconfortant de ta famille , alors jeune couple avec trois enfants !
Après ton départ aux USA j'ai eu le bonheur de venir à San Francisco avec Elise à Noël 1999 , où nous avons rencontré Tebeb et les enfants ! Depuis lors nous avons eu des moments inoubliables ensemble à Iowa en 2012 , à Ohio en 2014 et récemment à Nashville en 2018 . Merci pour les moments precieux d'une amitié profonde que tu as passé avec nous et avec les enfants Elise , Jean Rémy et Anaíse dans ta famille à Nashville ! Merci à Tebeb, Samuel , Thomas , Elias pour votre amour , le sentiment de bonheur que nous avons eu et avons chaque fois que nous sommes ensemble .
Nous n'arrivons pas à réaliser que tu es parti Pierre ! Tu es toujours là avec ton amour , ta disponibilité , ton sourire , ta simplicité , tes recherches extremement intéressants ,
Tu resteras toujours au fond de nos pensées , de nos prières et ton amour restera la force qui nous unit en une famille .
Tu resteras toujours notre lumière !
Que ton âme repose en paix éternellement .
Nous t'aimons Pierre !
La famille Dr. Jean Baptiste Habyalimana
Boris Massion
May 2, 2021
Dear Tebeb, dear Samuel, Thomas and Elias,
Chère famille,
We are so sad to have heard of Pierre‘s demise. His friendliness, smile, openness and warm-hearted nature will always remain in our memories. Though sadly not having seen Pierre for a long time, the memories are very vivid and seem like yesterday. It is so unreal, that Pierre has left us.
We send you our dearest thoughts and we wish you all the strength needed to overcome the great loss of Pierre.
Our feelings are with you!
Inge
Boris and Christine
(German family, Bonn)
Maxime Pochet
May 2, 2021
Pierre,
I am so sad tonight, the time has stopped and it all seems impossible. I just wish I could hold you in my arms. You were such a happy and loving figure, giving it back to the people around you. You will remain a happiness and caring model to me, which I will try to strive for. I will miss you so much, your visits and calls during which we could share our important and happy moments, just being together.
Love,
Max
Florence Pochet
April 30, 2021
Pierre,
Ton décès est tellement soudain et effroyable pour nous tous et toutes.
On ne s'y était pas du tout préparé, tu venais tout juste de fêter tes 58 ans, qui aurait pu imaginer que une semaine après tu nous quitterais ...
Tu nous manques à tous et toutes terriblement, on était très loin d'imaginer devoir vivre sans toi si tôt ...
Tu resteras à jamais dans nos coeurs et nos esprits avec tout l'exemple et l'homme super que tu étais ... LOVE
Catherine Massion
April 28, 2021
Seigneur,
Tu connais Pierre, si bien, tu l’as façonné, tu l’as aimé et tu l’aimes
Il t’a aimé et est auprès de toi à présent, je le crois.
Lorsque mon fils Tanguy est décédé, Pierre m’a dit « il va vers la Lumière », ce n’était pas des mots en l’air, il y croyait.
Pierre,
Maintenant c’est toi qui es dans la lumière
Mais tu me manques, ton sourire, ta force, ton enthousiasme, ta joie de vivre, la pertinence de tes interpellations, nos partages de vie et de de foi, nos échanges de frère/sœur qui sont aussi amis
Merci pour ta présence au-delà des océans
Merci pour la famille d’amour que tu as créée avec Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas et Elias
Merci pour tout ce que tu nous as donné : à papa, maman, Anne, Brigitte, Paul et moi et aussi à tous les autres et toutes les autres
Seigneur,
Garde Pierre dans ton Amour
Nous te prions
****
Lord,
You know Pierre so well, you created him, you loved him and you love him
He loved you and is with you now, I believe it.
When my son Tanguy passed away, Pierre told me "he is going to the Light", these were not empty words, he believed them.
Pierre,
Now You are in the light
But I miss you, your smile, your strength, your enthusiasm, your “joie de vivre”, the relevance of your inquiries, our sharing of life and faith, our exchanges as brothers and sisters who are also friends
Thank you for your presence across the oceans
Thank you for the family of love that you have created with Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas and Elias
Thank you for all that you have given to us: to dad, mom, Anne, Brigitte, Paul and me and also to all the others
Lord,
Keep Pierre in your Love
We pray for you
Tammy Stevens
April 26, 2021
I only met Dr. Massion one time, but in that one meeting, I could certainly see how compassionate he was about his patients. I had seen him for a lung nodule, and when I arrived, my chest X-rays had not been sent to him, for him to look at, so we had to leave without definitive answers. Dr. Massion knew that I was concerned when I left. About two hours after leaving his office in Nashville, to come home to Murfreesboro, I received a phone call from him. He had contacted my doctor in Murfreesboro for my X-ray results, and assured me that things looked good. I will never forget his kindness. I know he was a blessing to his family and friends. My deepest sympathies.
Benoit Decerf
April 25, 2021
Quelle joie d'avoir eu Pierre pour oncle, quelle tristesse de le voir déjà partir. Je reproduis ci-dessous l'intention que j'ai lue à l'église Sainte-Alix, lors de la cérémonie du dimanche 11 avril:
"Pierre donnait de son temps pour les autres, et faisait attention à ce que chacun trouve sa place. Thomas m’a raconté une anecdote qui l’illustre bien. Pierre s’était porté volontaire pour coacher l’équipe de soccer de ses fils. Si les coachs américains sont plutôt compétitifs et ont tendance à aligner la meilleure équipe possible lors des matchs, Pierre avait une autre approche. Il s’arrangeait pour que chaque enfant puisse passer à peu près le même temps sur le terrain. Si un de ses joueurs s’illustrait et marquait un but, il pouvait s’attendre à ce que Pierre le fasse sortir du terrain pour céder sa place. Et surtout si le buteur était un de ses propres fils. Au début, son approche pouvait surprendre les autres parents de l’équipe. Mais, rapidement, ils apprenaient à apprécier le nouveau coach, qui savait faire prévaloir ses méthodes moins compétitives grâce à son humour, son impartialité et l’esprit de groupe qu’il insufflait dans l’équipe. J’ai choisi de partager cette histoire car, pour moi, Pierre était cette figure positive capable de rassembler les gens autour de lui, et de transformer sa communauté par la force de son exemple. Si Pierre est parti, il restera pour moi une grande source d’inspiration. Merci Pierre."
En pensée avec vous,
Benoit
Anne Massion
April 25, 2021
Pierre, mon très cher frère,
Dans les moments de chagrin, je garderai avec moi
ces quelques mots « Mais tu sais Anne… »
et ce « sourire en coin » avant la blague que tu te préparais à ajouter et qui se terminait par un éclat de rire.
Tu n’avais pas ton pareil pour me « faire marcher », et aujourd’hui c’est dur de reprendre la marche sans toi.
De toi, je garderai l’art que tu avais de te pencher sur les autres et leurs souffrances,
De toi, je garderai le trésor d’amour qu’avec Tebeb et vos fils vous avez construit.
Tu étais de ceux qui marchent en avant et l’amour des autres a guidé tes pas,
Tu étais de ceux qui ouvrent les portes et invitent les autres à construire quelles que soient leurs voies.
Anne
Mathieu Decerf
April 25, 2021
Cher Oncle Pierre,
Avant d'être un oncle fantastique, tu étais avant tout une personne à l'écoute des autres, une personne bienveillante. Par ta présence, tu mettais les gens à l'aise avec toi juste par un de tes sourires charmants dont tu avais le secret. Tu me faisais rire. Il n'y a pas longtemps encore, je me souviens de tes visites avec toute ta famille à Hamme Miles et à Bruxelles. Pleins de bons moments partagés ensemble ! Je me souviens du premier « Give me five » expression que je ne connaissais pas quand nous étions en vacances avec vous. Une expression propre à toi qui me fait penser à ce côté Peace and Love qui m'avait touché et que tu partageais aisément à l'infini autour de toi.
Ta présence et ton amour me manqueront beaucoup.
En reprenant une expression encore à toi.
Big Big Love Mathieu Decerf
Si tu vois Tanguy sur ton chemin, serre le fort de ma part. J'aime penser que vous continuez votre route à deux dans le ciel, mes prières dorénavant vous seront adressé …
Marie Decerf
April 24, 2021
Il y a 10 ans, j'ai eu le petit bonheur d'être accueillie à Nashville par Pierre et Tebeb et régulièrement dans leur famille lors de deux mois de stage à Vanderbilt. Ce fut une grande chance pour moi d'apprendre à les connaître plus intimement et de créer de précieux souvenirs qui attachent.
Pierre, je n'oublierai jamais la façon si généreuse, chaleureuse, bienveillante et entourante avec laquelle toi et Tebeb m'avez accueillie dans votre famille et toi à Vanderbilt.
La dernière fois que je t'ai parlé, tu m'as dit lors de notre conversation : "Parce que le plus important, ça reste la famille. C'est vrai non Marie ?".
Pierre tu as montré que même des milliers de kilomètres n'empêchent pas des liens familiaux de se conserver, de se renforcer et de se créer. Merci pour ce magnifique exemple que nous sommes, j'en suis sûre, nombreux dans la famille à vouloir suivre.
En pensée à des milliers de kilomètres avec Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas et Elias, avec Bonny et Bon-papa, avec le reste de la famille et tous les proches de Pierre,
En pensant à toi Pierre,
Seigneur nous te prions
Michael Cerulus
April 19, 2021
Dear Massion family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We were shocked to hear of Pierre's passing.
We had the pleasure to meet him two years ago when he came to the Belgian Consulate in Atlanta with his sons. We will remember him as a charming and kind person. Pierre was also quite a renowned Belgian citizen in the South of the U.S., through his work and his philanthropic activities.
We wish you a lot of strength in this most difficult time, and we express our most sincere condolences.
Sincerely,
Michael Cerulus
Belgian Consulate in Atlanta
Jutta Riederer von Paar (née Massion)
April 19, 2021
Dear Tebeb, dear Samuel, Thomas and Elias,
Only yesterday we heared of Pierres sudden death. Deeply shocked and very sad we feel with you and hope that God can give you strength and hope to manage in these difficult hours.
Even though I have not seen Pierre for so many years and have unfortunately never met you I have always been very fond of my Belgian cousin and keep the memories of him deep in my heart.
He had the warmest smile, most sparkling eyes and was so open hearted and always positively interested.
My thoughts are with you and Claire and Jacques.
Kelly Willenberg
April 18, 2021
I worked with Dr. Massion at Vanderbilt for over ten years. A kind soul who cared for patients with warmth and gentleness, I knew he loved what he did every day. His dedication to the profession was admirable. May the memories of his beautiful life lift his family up through their grief and grant them God’s peace.
Ron Walker
April 17, 2021
Thank you, Paul, for your post of 15-04-2021. Your post meant a lot to me, as a brother of Pierre.
My heart is broken in ways that I cannot describe. I grieve every day. I loved Pierre as a brother, as well as a friend, and I believe he loved me the same.
Not only were we brothers in the fight against lung cancer, but also we were brothers (along with sisters) fighting against pain and suffering of our patients for any reason.
We were also brothers because of our kindred spirits in the love of God and man. This is what truly bound us together, and what, for all eternity, forever, gives me my hope not only of heaven, but also my faith that I will one day see, not only Pierre, but also our Lord, Jesus, in all of the full glory that they deserve!
I wish we could have had more time with Pierre, as does everyone.
Your brother in God's family, the Family of Christ,
Ron & Jeanne Walker
North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Brigitte Massion
April 16, 2021
J'ai si mal à ma fratrie sans mon frère, Pierre, t'ai-je assez dit combien je t'aimais, on a le cœur tout déchiré depuis que tu nous as quittés, Pierre, mais quelle idée de nous laisser là sans toi, les larmes ont beau couler sur mes joues, je cherche ton visage et je pleure, je n'entends plus ta voix et j'ai peur que quelque chose en moi soit mort déjà ...
Brigitte 06 avril 21
Shayan Mahapatra
April 15, 2021
My deepest consolation goes out to all those who loved Pierre. Our hearts are heavy because a true soul has left this earth.
Dr. Massion was the reason for my passion for Lung nodule when I got my first job as post-doctoral research with him He was my reason for loving research. I was amazed by his passion for lung cancer field and above all his humanity, fun-loving despite being multitasking and being captain of the ship. He gave me a job I loved with people I enjoyed working with. I owe my residency success to him, who constantly motivated me and prepared me for this demanding job while doing research. He wrote my letter(s) of recommendation. He always supported my dreams and I was so blessed to have worked for him. I’ll miss the emails and the texts asking me how I’m doing &, how residency is treating you, be strong, intern year is tough, you will definitely fly through this in no time. He was one of the kindest, most devoted, most awe-inspiring humans I’ve ever met. Vanderbilt always felt like home because of Pierre. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart .... thank you. You will truly be missed. Gone but never forgotten. I would like to let the world know that it is because Pierre's motivation, pulmonary and critical medicine has forever indebted to me and cemented my vision for early diagnosis of lung cancer.
To his family,
God bless you and you will be in my prayers 🙏🏽 .
-Shayan
Paul Massion
April 15, 2021
Dear Pierre,
My much loved big brother,
How can I express how much you loved me?
How much time you took for me, to play soccer in the garden, tennis against the wall, ping-pong in the cellar, to climb the mountains, to sing together on the paths, to make me laugh until I lost my breath?
How many times have you listened to me, deep inside, secretly sharing my pain, and helped me find the way?
You loved so many things, Pierre, of course chocolate and jokes, flowers and birds, sports and mountains, science and discovery
But most of all, you loved people,
You were not only my big brother, but the big brother of so many people
You loved your friends, your family,
You loved Tebeb, the Love of your life.
You loved Samuel, Thomas and Elias, even more than your own life.
Pierre, you were like a beautiful shade tree, on top of a hill, looking up at the sky, full of perfumed flowers, colorful birds and nests,
A tree that always welcomes the walkers who cross its path, taking care of them, protecting them from the burning sun, joking with them, offering them to rest in peace for a while...
A tree that makes children swing on its branches, climb, see further, and learn to listen to the wind in the leaves, and to recognize the stars in the night.
Suddenly, on Easter day, a lightning fell on the tree, and the indestructible shade tree fell.
Why, Pierre? Our hearts are broken
Where are you now, Pierre? Our eyes are drowned.
But as you fell, all the birds flew away, and all your seeds were blown away, and sown over the hill, over the mountain, across the river, across the ocean.
And your seeds, Pierre, were seeds of love
One of them grows deep in my heart, and gently says to me:
“Paul, do you remember how to listen to the wind, and how to look at the sky?
It's me, I'm here, by your side, I'll be with you, forever, as an angel, your little star. »
Luc Barras
April 13, 2021
C’est avec stupéfaction et une immense tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de Pierre, cher Pierre… !
Nous avons du mal à réaliser… Même en étant si loin, il était si vivant dans nos têtes. Il était un rayon de soleil par son sourire omniprésent et restera un rayon de soleil pour tous ceux qui l’ont connu.
Nous avons eu la chance de le rencontrer sur les bancs de la faculté de médecine, de partager entre-autres un blocus à la Mer du Nord, de le suivre dans sa quête de nouveaux horizons (Rwanda puis USA).
Nous garderons de lui son sourire communicatif, son empathie et son amour de la vie et du partage.
Nous avons une pensée toute particulière pour Tebeb et ses trois enfants, Samuel, Thomas et Elias, que nous avions rencontrés chez nous un été dans le sud de la France.
Nous n’oublions pas Jacques et Claire, ses parents, ainsi que Catherine, Brigitte, Anne et Paul pour qui nous avons également une pensée émue.
Nous vous remercions d’avoir pensé à ceux qui ne pouvaient être présents physiquement aux très belles cérémonies que vous avez organisées en mémoire de Pierre et de nous avoir permis d’y assister en ligne. Les hommages à Pierre nous ont beaucoup touchés.
Nous vous adressons tous nos sentiments d’amitié et de réconfort ! Nous sommes de tout cœur avec vous !
Luc et Dominique Barras
Anita Pitts
April 12, 2021
My deepest condolences go out to all those who loved Pierre. Our hearts are heavy because a true light has left this earth.
Dr. Massion gave me my first full time job working in his lab. He was my reason for loving research. My first real patient experiences that showed me the passionate type of doctor I wanted to be someday. He gave me a job I loved with people I enjoyed working with. He allowed me to come and work whenever I wasn’t in dental school. I truly would not be half the doctor I am today had it not been for Pierre. He wrote my letter(s) of recommendation. He always supported my dreams and I was so blessed to have worked for him for all these years. I’ll miss the emails and the texts asking me how I’m doing &, of course, if I am going to come work in the lab this summer. Or the “hey I have a project I’d like your help with” :) haha... He was one of the kindest, most devoted, most awe inspiring humans I’ve ever met. Vanderbilt always felt like home because of Pierre. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart .... thank you. You will truly be missed. Gone but never forgotten.
To his family,
God bless you and you will be in my prayers 🙏🏽 .
-Anita
Alain Mandy
April 12, 2021
Dear Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas and Elias,
Chers Claire et Jacques
It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of cousin Pierre, and it came as a shock from us, here in London.
He was too young to leave us but he leaves a lot of souvenirs and he will stay alive in our memories and smiles. I can still see his beautiful smile.
He was a great and warm cousin and family was important for him. I remember all those Massion’s family event, celebration in Hamme-Mille around the tennis and Pierre was always so much present.
I also recalled when he came with the Mandy’s family at a ski trip in Grachen (Switzerland) at the “Bonne-maman Massion’s chalet”. That was a long time ago but I recalled the good atmosphere and how skiing was so important for him.
I spent a few years working in Chicago and we spoke a few time on the phone at that time, I never made it to Nashville but it was always great communicating with him.
Pierre made a difference in the world and left him better than when he came. That is the most important
Wishing you all the comfort and peace in such tough times
Alain, Eloisa, Martina & Sophia Mandy
Maria Zannes
April 12, 2021
To The Family of Dr. Pierre Massion -
We were very saddened to hear of your loss and we send our deepest sympathies. Pierre will be forever remembered as a healer, a scholar, a teacher and a leader who generously offered his guidance and considerable expertise in an effort to save the lives of others. We were honored to know him.
May his memory be eternal.
Maria Zannes and Vivienne Rebel
Cecelia Theobald
April 12, 2021
Pierre was one of my first clinical attendings when I started as a resident at VUMC. He took care of our VA ICU patients with the upmost respect and care and expected that all his trainees do the same. He was always happy to contribute in whatever way asked - via tireless advocacy for lung cancer screening, seeing Shade Tree patients, or teaching to any audience. I always enjoyed running into him around campus because he remembered nearly everyone and always had a kind word to share. He is already and will continue to be sorely missed. Sending deepest sympathy to the Massion family.
Timor Kadir
April 12, 2021
Dear Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas and Elias,
My deepest sympathies and condolences to you all. Pierre was a good friend and close collaborator for many years who will be sorely missed. He was such an inspiration to me and his ideas helped me steer our work on Artificial Intelligence based lung cancer diagnosis to a fruitful conclusion. His leadership on our Blue Journal paper led to a fantastic ground-breaking publication. I’m so glad that he was able to hear that the technology was approved for clinical use in the USA just a few weeks ago and now this will be rolled-out across clinical centres. Most of all I will miss his gentle nature and good humour.
Warmest regards,
Timor Kadir
Hirut Tegene
April 12, 2021
"Tebebe and family. Pierre was definitely one of a kind, and will be greatly missed. May God give you all peace and strength during this difficult time. We are here to support you through this.
Love,
(Hirut, Hewan, Hiwat)
Melon & Nava Yeshoalul
April 12, 2021
Tebeb and family,
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our hearts are with you. Our prayers are with you so you and the boys remain strong in the months, years to come. May Pierre rest in peace and may God grant you and your family mercy.
Melon & Nava Yeshoalul
Sandra Hewston
April 12, 2021
Dear Tebeb and Family,
Sending you love and condolences. Prayers for strength for you today and in the future. What a nice obituary for a generous and kind person who made the world a better place.
Sandra Hewston
Alexander Weingart
April 12, 2021
To the family of Dr. Pierre Massion,
The world lost a giant. He will be so missed, forever remembered, and always revered. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve, but also celebrate the life of one of the most extraordinary men to ever live. The values and lessons he taught all of us will live on in each of us and be passed down for generations to come.
Warmest Regards,
Alexander Weingart
Pierre’s Summer Student - 2018
Yves Malfait
April 12, 2021
Dernière photo de nous 4, août 2017 chez Claire et Jacques.
Yves Malfait
April 12, 2021
Au-delà de l'horizon, au-dessus du ciel, à l'infini et pour l'éternité, l'amour durera.
Sophie et Yves
vincent tihon
April 12, 2021
Dear Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas and Elias,
Chers Claire et Jacques,
What to say when someone dear and special goes... Even after so many many years as we probably last met at his graduation ceremony in Brussels in 1987...
There are people whom you meet and always remember as they are special, live high values that we cherish, drive others for the better and best, give so much from the bottom of their heart. Pierre was among them. We enjoyed his enthusiasm, fun, love of life, respect for others and leadership.
And life can be interesting, he left to the US, I left to Africa for 33 years, ending with over 10 years in Rwanda... Our first born son is Sam and is now a doctor... "les clins d'oeil de la vie'...
May you all be blessed
Vincent
Madan Jagasia
April 11, 2021
Dear Massion Family,
Pierre was a friend and colleague. I will always be indebted to him for his kindness and collaboration. I learnt a lot from him and will miss him.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Sincerely,
Madan and Shubhada Jagasia.
Luc GOESEELS
April 11, 2021
Mon Cher Pierre,
Je ne m’attendais pas à prendre la plume ce jour pour t’écrire cette missive. Voilà plus de 40 ans que nous sommes amis. Tu as été, à 12 ans, dans mon équipe de catéchisme et depuis lors, une relation d’amitié s’est tissée entre nous. Au début de notre vie d’adulte nous étions très proches et nous partagions tous nos bonheurs et soucis du quotidien. On s’écrivait très souvent pour nous raconter. Tu es parti à Nashville pour y vivre ta vie et fonder ta famille. Nos contacts étaient moins fréquents mais nous ne manquions pas au mois de mars de chaque année de nous échanger un mail pour nous souhaiter respectivement un bon anniversaire. Tu étais né le 28 mars et moi le 29. Nous en profitions pour nous raconter nos vies. Lors de ton dernier mail de la semaine dernière la fierté de ta famille transpirait entre les lignes, Samuel qui terminait peu à peu ses études de médecine, Thomas qui travaille dans le domaine de l’éducation et Elias qui avait décroché un contrat de deux ans comme prof. C’était trop gai de te lire. Tu étais un papa heureux. Dans nos échanges, nous terminions toujours nos lettres par la formule « Sois heureux ». Tu vis en plénitude aujourd’hui mon Cher Pierre. Je suis profondément triste que tu nous aies quittés. Tu es parti retrouver Tanguy. De là où tu es, tu veilleras sur ta famille et sur nous, tes amis qui te sont si chers. Merci pour tout ce que tu m’as apporté mon Cher Pierre.
Veille sur nous. Sois heureux. Ton ami Luc
Tara Herlocher
April 11, 2021
My heart is breaking for all of you. I can’t believe he is gone. Tebeb - I remember you telling me after class one day how he let you know that he liked you. I remember the surprise birthday party he organized. Your family is in my thoughts!
Karen and Jon Claxton-Abramson
April 11, 2021
Dearest Tebeb, Sam, Thomas and Elias,
We are feeling deep sadness and loss over our wonderful friend Pierre. We are reminded of when we first met him, white-water rafting in the Trinity River, CA. He was a playful stranger who splashed water on us as our canoes paralleled one another, and you fell in love with him immediately.
We enjoyed attending your parents' wedding, sharing parenthood and many great times together. We are lucky that these are memorialized in videos.
Please know that we consider all of you to be family. Our home is your home. Come anytime to CA and stay with us. We want to be a part of your lives. We will be checking in on you and visiting you. Lean on us anytime for anything.
Know that you are loved and cared for by the Abramson family.
Sending tight hugs and kisses your way,
Karen, Jon, Nina and Leah
Agnès Massion
April 11, 2021
Chers Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas et Elias
Très chers Jacques et Claire
Et à vous aussi, mes cousins Anne, Brigitte, Catherine et Paul,
C'est une nouvelle dévastatrice qui nous est arrivée en ce jour de Pâques. La perte de Pierre est une tragédie que nous aurons tous du mal à surmonter. Mais je pense surtout à vous, pour lesquels cette épreuve tellement prématurée est la plus tragique.
Pierre a toujours eu une place spéciale dans mon cœur. Quand j'étais petite chercheuse française émigrée à Bruxelles à l'hôpital Saint Luc, nous nous voyions souvent, et il m'a apporté son amitié si précieuse. Puis nous nous sommes retrouvés aux USA, lui en Californie, moi en Oregon, et c'était à son tour de se sentir loin de ses racines. Nous nous sommes vus et téléphonés, et c'était un souffle d'air frais venant de chez nous. Merci.
Pierre, quand je pense à toi, je te vois toujours en train de sourire ou de rire, et je pense que cela montre qui tu es vraiment, au-delà de ta carrière professionnelle exceptionnelle, et de tes capacités d'intelligence: quelqu'un qui aime la vie, qui aime les gens, quelqu'un de généreux et d'altruiste. Tu es quelqu'un de précieux, que je suis heureuse et honorée de t'avoir connu et fréquenté. Je te remercie aussi de m'avoir appris l'expression "il n'y a pas assez de monde au balcon", parlant de la beauté d'une femme.
Tu resteras avec moi.
Yves Pochet
April 10, 2021
Très chers Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas, Elias,
Très chers Claire et Jacques,
Nos coeurs et nos âmes saignent depuis le décès de Pierre. Que de bons souvenirs, ... et puis cette nouvelle, dévastatrice. Nous le pleurons, et pensons très fort à vous et votre détresse.
Pierre aimait la vie:
Un père formidable et exemplaire, un frère si attentif et attentionné, un beau-frère bienveillant, un parrain aimant et disponible, un mentor responsable, un scientifique doué, renommé et passionné, un médecin plein de compassion, un être d'exception,
Un phare éclairé et guidé par sa foi, son humanisme, sa persévérance et son engagement total dans tout ce qu'il entreprenait, guidé par l'Amour transmis par Claire et Jacques, et porté par son Amour pour Tebeb et ses fils.
C'est un très grand privilège de l'avoir connu.
Avec toute mon affection
Yves
Mildred et Philippe Delorme
April 10, 2021
Chère Tebeb,
Nous pensons beaucoup à vous. Beaucoup de souvenirs de nos années à Nashville et de votre gentille visite à St Germain en Laye.
En ce dimanche de Pâques, too soon Pierre will be creator. Nous savons tous qu’il a une belle place là haut et surtout une belle place à jamais dans nos cœur. Nous aurions voulu avoir plus de dimanche avec vous entre amis. Mais Philippe comme Pierre est toujours tellement dans son travail.
Nos prières vous accompagnent tous les quatre ainsi que la famille de Pierre en Belgique.
Nous t’embrassons très fort Tebeb, nous sommes tout aussi admiratifs de toi que de Pierre et les enfants prennent sûrement le relais.
Mildred et Philippe
Et les enfants
Christianne Roumie
April 9, 2021
Dear Massion Family
We were heartbroken to learn about the passing of our dear friend and colleague Pierre. He was a kind and thoughtful physician and mentor to many. Our sympathy is with you in your time of loss and grief.
All our support
The Wyman Family (Ken, Christianne, Chris and Hannah)
Ming Li
April 9, 2021
Dear Tebeb and the family,
A seemingly peaceful Easter afternoon was devastated by the message from Heidi…
No, no way… till the very moment writing to you, I still refuse to link the news to Pierre, the very Pierre I have worked together with for more than a decade: a dedicated physician, a passionate scientist, a resourceful collaborator, a genuine friend, and a loving family man. (Never thought the need to compliment Pierre explicitly, and it even does not sound so cliché --- they are purely true for him! )
Tebeb, although I am incompetent with words to lighten you up at this difficult time, I would like to share a gentle memory. We often had small group meetings to discuss projects in Pierre’s office on the sixth floor of the Cancer Center. Occasionally I sloped off to enjoy the beautiful photo of you and your three handsome boys, which to me is the signature of Pierre’s office! You are blessed to have each other!
Serving as the primary statistician for many of Pierre’s research projects at Vanderbilt, I benefited tremendously from our collaboration: Pierre was always respectful and never had any “physician’s arrogance” to me. I learned how to erase “statistician’s ego” to focus on solving the real-world problems. Over the time, from the Midwest to the West Coast, I grew into a mature collaborative data scientist, and I attribute my career development to those early times working with Pierre’s group… I thought our paths would cross again. I thought Pierre was there forever, I would have many chances, many days ahead, to say hello, to drop a line, to invite him and his family to visit the west coast… It is heartbroken to realize, for this case, there seems no light at the end of the tunnel.
Life is a one-way journey… we have no choice but to move forward… I know you are strong and wish you the best in the future…
Sincerely,
Ming
Kasia Goleniewska
April 9, 2021
I have many wonderful memories of Pierre. We worked in the same division at Vanderbilt. He was so caring. Years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, he asked me how I was doing, gave me few sweet “tips” about parenting.
Few years later our families were sitting together at our annual Christmas party and we had such a laugh talking funny stories about our kids. Stories we would not want our kids to hear..
Every interaction with Pierre was meaningful. He would always make you feel special.
He was a great man. Modest, despite his accomplishments. Wonderful person. A gentleman. I respected him, admired him and will never forget him. My condolences to Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas, and Elias.
With love, Kasia
Li Wen
April 9, 2021
Dear Massion Family,
I am very saddened and shocked to hear the sudden passing of Dr. Massion. I have known and worked with him since 2003. I will always remember his gentle smile, his caring for everyone around him, and his passion for his patients and research.
Please accept my deepest condolences and wish you comfort and strength to get through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Li
Jim Henderson
April 9, 2021
Dear Massion Family,
I was crushed when I heard the news today! From the very first moment I met your husband/father I was struck by his kindness, compassion, and enjoyment of others. On behalf of the many patients and staff here at Siloam Health whose lives he has touched these past few years, I would like to express our profound sadness for your loss. I will personally always regret not having taken more time to come and just listen to him talk when he was volunteering here, and to learn about life and medicine from him. He will be sorely missed!!!
Dominique Delbeke
April 9, 2021
Dear Tebeb,
I just learn about Pierre. I am so sad. This is incredible, he was so young and he had been living a healthy life.
I know how devastated you, Samuel, Thomas and Elias must be. Let me know if you want to talk or if I can do anything to help. Pierre was a very good friend, as you know, and we had Belgium in common.
I am very sad and I am thinking of you and your family. I want to express my deepest condolences.
Pierre will be resting t in peace, he left an memorable legacy to everybody around him.
Your sincere friend,
Dominique
Nishitha Reddy
April 9, 2021
Dear Massion family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. The passing of Dr. Pierre Massion is a huge loss to our community. Over the years, I have shared several patients with him. I was struck by his kind, empathetic and very caring nature. He will be missed. Wishing you comfort and peace as you grieve
Nishitha Reddy
William Pao
April 9, 2021
Dear Massion Family,
Please accept my condolences. I worked with Pierre from 2009-2014 at Vanderbilt and fondly remember him as a kind, smart, and mission-driven physician-scientist and colleague. In the field of lung cancer, he had an enormous impact on lung cancer screening, which will help save thousands of lives. The world is in a better place because of Pierre.
Best,
William Pao
Norma Campbell
April 9, 2021
I worked with Pierre for 10 years on the Thoracic Team at Vanderbilt. He was an amazing person and scientist. His smile was always warm and kind. I am so blessed to have known him
Peace be with you🙏🙏
Norma Campbell
Linda McMahan
April 8, 2021
Dearest Massion Family:
Our prayers, our thoughts, and our deepest sympathies are with your entire family during this season of grief and loss. Pierre will be sorely missed.
Grace, peace, and love,
Linda McMahan & Family
Julie Eisenhart
April 8, 2021
Tebeb, Samuel, Thomas, and Elias
Heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deepest Condolences,
Julie Eisenhart- formerly of Crossroads Family Dentistry
Ron and Jeanne Walker
April 8, 2021
Dear Tebeb,
We are heartbroken over Pierre’s passing, and can’t imagine the suffering you and your boys must be enduring. He was wonderful in every way. It is hard to understand this, indeed, impossible to understand this side of heaven. At least we have assurance of his and our salvation, through Jesus, and know that, one day, we will understand, and that it will be very, very good to be together again for all eternity.
Love,
Ron and Jeanne
Henry Ooi
April 7, 2021
I'll always remember Pierre at the VA, playing tennis with him, and Tennessee Soccer Club where our sons played together. I will greatly miss him.