Dr. Henry Kutcher Threefoot

Dr. Henry K. Threefoot, a man who lived a life full of family, love, humor, sports, and service, died at 93 on December 15th, 2020 at East Jefferson General—a hospital he helped found early in his career. He was born in Meridian, raised in Selma, and moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University. After a year studying pre-med, he enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII at the age of 17. He served at the San Diego and Charleston Naval Hospitals. After the war, he returned to Tulane to graduate with his BS and MD, and was awarded the Querens-Rives-Shore Award for medical research. He followed graduation with an internship at Cincinnati General Hospital, and a residency at Charity Hospital, before beginning his own private practice in Internal Medicine.

Dr. Threefoot was a charter member, founder, and president of the Jefferson Parish Medical Society, and Chairman of the Jefferson Disaster Committee. Among his many achievements, he was very proud of having helped found a public hospital in East Jefferson following Hurricane Betsy. A beloved and trusted doctor among his associates, Dr. Threefoot also served as Chief of Staff, sat on the Foundation Board and admitted the first patient to the EJGH. After retiring from private practice in 1990, Dr. Threefoot was a Physician Consultant at Lammico, teaching students and doctors how to treat patients with dignity and compassion as a medical professional. His many patients and families of patients over the years would testify to his expertise in this department.

Dr. Threefoot served on the LA State Medical Advisory Board, LA State Compensation Oversight Board and Jefferson Parish Council on Aging. He volunteered at Tulane’s Charity Hospital Clinic, was an Associate Professor at the Tulane School of Medicine, and was the team doctor for the football team at East Jefferson High School. For the past 15 years he has volunteered in guest services at EJGH. Over the course of a storied and driven career, Dr. Threefoot was perhaps best known for the relationships he built with his patients, colleagues, and community.

Dr. Threefoot’s interests and pleasures went far beyond his professional career. His family always came first. He was a loving husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and cherished his marriages with Barbara Alcus Threefoot (39 years) and Audrey Grigg Threefoot (27 years). His vegetable garden could feed the neighborhood. He loved playing tennis, freshwater fishing, and watching sports of all kinds. He was a faithful fan and supporter of all Tulane sports. He missed few home games over the past 75 years and was looking forward to seeing them in the Idaho Potato Bowl this year. When the Saints franchise came to New Orleans, he got season tickets for his family, making the Saints a family tradition.

Henry Threefoot was the son of the late Sam A Threefoot and Ruth Lilienthal Threefoot. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara Alcus Threefoot and his son Steven Alcus Threefoot. He is survived by his wife Audrey Grigg Hammill Threefoot; his daughters, Betsy Threefoot Kaston (Jeff) and Amy Threefoot Valeiras (Horacio) and daughter-in-law Kate; and his step-children, Graham Hammill (Richard) and Ashley Hammill Brickman (Barry). Nine grandchildren—Josh Kaston (Mia), Stephanie Kaston (RJ Gutierrez), Alan Threefoot, Barbara Threefoot, Peter Valeiras, David Valeiras, Adam Valeiras, Sarah Beth Brickman, David Brickman; and four great granddaughters—Vivienne and Chloe Kaston, and Ari and Ely Kaston Gutierrez—will all greatly miss their Grandpa, his generous spirit and ever-caring smile.

Special thanks to Dr. Alan Yager and his staff. The family would also thank his care givers Tina, Charles, Kelly, Shell, Sandra, and the East Jefferson Hospital medical staff.

Dr. Threefoot’s family requests any donations be made to the Henry K. Threefoot, MD Scholarship Fund at Tulane University, Temple Sinai, or the charity of your choice.

Henry K. Threefoot, MD Scholarship Fund. Visit https://giving.tulane.edu, or mail checks to Tulane University, PO Box 61075, New Orleans, LA 70161. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Dr. Threefoot by writing a memo on your check or by completing that section of the online giving form.

Temple Sinai. Visit https://congregationtemplesinai.shulcloud.com/payment.php or mail your check to Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Dr. Threefoot was laid to rest at Hebrew Rest Cemetery, New Orleans, December 18, 2020, following a private graveside service by Rabbi Daniel Sherman.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Henry K. Threefoot at a future date (to be announced), and will be held at Temple Sinai for all family and friends.