Dieter (“Poppi” to all his grandchildren) was born on March 28, 1933, in Saranac, N.Y. He grew up in Montclair, N.J. Both his father and mother were PhD chemists that emigrated from Germany just prior to his birth. His family were proud members of the Religious Society of Friends.
Dieter was an accomplished research physician and professor. After graduating from Johns Hopkins Medical School, he was focused on getting an infectious disease position in a location where he could enjoy the outdoors year round. He was fortunate to find that in a position at the University of Vermont and remained in Vermont throughout the rest of his life. While at the UVM Medical School, he was a productive researcher (100-plus publications), highlighted by his lead on a publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. During the Vietnam War, Dieter joined the Air National Guard as a flight surgeon and fondly recalls assisting the pilots, the “Green Mountain Boys,” in Burlington, Vt., with their medical needs.
After retiring from the University of Vermont in 1995, he continued his medical career as a volunteer at a hospital in Chogoria, Kenya (close to Mount Kenya). In addition, he volunteered in other medical roles and was happy to clear trails as a volunteer for the Green Mountain Club. He traveled extensively and was hiking and cross-country skiing well into his eighties. He was an avid bird enthusiast and could name all the birds in Vermont and many on his travels worldwide.
Dieter was a lifelong learner with a curious mind. Dieter was an engaged and enthusiastic conversationalist with a great sense of humor. He was always eager to talk passionately and extensively about subjects of interest to him or others.
He is survived by his children and their spouses: Laura (Ned) Gardner of Morristown, N.J.; Jamieson (Cheryl) Gump of Tyngsborough, Mass.; and Brooks (Linda) Gump of Skaneateles, N.Y. He is also survived by a brother, Frank (Betse) Gump of New Jersey, and a sister, Linda Marshall of Ohio; five grandchildren; four nephews; three nieces; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Dieter was predeceased by his wife, Valerie.
At Dieter’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Those who wish may make a contribution in his memory to Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, VT 05482.
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