Donald Ellsworth Steen, age 67, passed away on May 13, 2014 in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Trudy, of 45 years by his side. Don lost his long battle with complications from leukemia. Don was a highly successful entrepreneur known for his strategic insight, honesty, and integrity. He was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather who generously involved himself with charitable work.
Don was born on November 15, 1946 in Rochester, New York to John and Dolores Steen. He was a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After graduation, he went to work for Touche Ross (Deloitte) in St. Louis for 5 years. Don entered the healthcare field in 1973 with Hospital Affiliates International (NYSE) and was quickly promoted to Group Vice President. In 1980, Don left the hospital company to start Medical Care America, which became the largest provider of outpatient surgery services at that time. He was a true pioneer and visionary in this industry. He sold the company in 1994 to Hospital Corporation of America where he ultimately developed an international presence for them in Western Europe. Don stayed with HCA for 4 years and left as International President. In 1998, Don founded United Surgical Partners International (USPI). Today, USPI is the leader in the short stay surgical industry with 218 facilities across the country. Don remained Chairman of the Board for USPI where his leadership and knowledge continue to guide strategic direction for the company and industry.
In addition, he was Chairman of the Board of Aspen Healthcare, a London based private acute hospital system. In 2004, Don also became Chief Executive Officer of Ameripath, a leading anatomic pathology provider based in Dallas.
Don and Trudy enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world together and with their friends and family. Don’s greatest passion was for golf which allowed him to attend the University of Missouri through a golf scholarship. He was a member of many prestigious golf clubs including Desert Forest and Whisper Rock. Don held leadership roles, such as President of Bent Tree Country Club, and more recently Don was on the Board of Preston Trail Golf Club where he was a member for 25 years. Preston Trail held a special place in his heart where he made lasting friendships.
Don was involved with numerous charitable organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, MD Anderson cancer research, and Baylor’s Health Care System Foundation. Don ensured his legacy of charitable giving will continue through his family’s charitable foundation.
Don is survived by his loving wife Trudy, son Marc Steen and his wife Shanna, daughter Michelle Kierein and her husband Dave, two brothers John and Greg Steen, sister Andrea McCormick, and brother in law Gary Trippensee and his wife Concha. He treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren, Kayla, Leanna, Alyssa, and Maxwell.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 4:00 pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5100 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX. Reception to follow at 5:30 pm at Bent Tree Country Club, 5201 Westgrove Dr, Dallas, TX.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts in Donald Steen’s honor be made to the Baylor Health Care System Foundation, 3600 Gaston Avenue, Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75246
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