Hello, my name is Jeff and I was a patient of Dr.Rose for many years, as well as my immediate and extended family. I moved out of state about 2005 and was in contact with his office a number of times after that, but then life got busy, and I didn't keep in touch with how Dr. Rose was doing. I apologize, I've just found out that he passed away. I wish I could have been there for him, just to let him know that he had another one of his patients who appreciated him so much. As I read the news of his passing, I was incredulous to it, and wept as I read and remembered what a caring Doctor he truly was. I've seen so many doctor's over the year's for my chronic pain, but he was easily the most caring, and compassionate of all of them. He prescribed me medication so that I could work, and funtion in life, without the pain overcoming me. I didn't feel "drugged", I was just able to deal with the pain. A couple years before I started seeing him, I wouldn't take an asperin, or even tylonol. The pain got to the point where I really needed help. We started with Ibuprophen, and after time we went to Vicodin, which is all I needed. Sometimes I would feel like I shouldn't be taking those medications, especially when I would here a comment from a family member or even the pharmacy, but I was always reassured by Dr. Rose that it was ok. I've never abused the medicine, and it's allowed me to have a much higher quality of life. Dr. Rose started the process of allowing me to have a higher quality of life, be able to work, enjoy my wife and kids, and not feel like a "drug addict". I can't tell you how much I appreciate him. When I think of what a true doctor should exemplify, I think of Dr. Rose. I really mean this: In the dictionary, next to the word "Doctor", his picture should appear, with a link to this, and other sites. Please indulge me for a quick couple of examples of his compassion: One time he called and left a message on my answering machine, Sunday night at around 10:00pm and let me know the results of a biopsy, telling me everything was ok, and the results were negative. That was in the early 90's. Another time in about 2002, I had another biopsy done that I was really worried about, because I have a wife and kid's, and he called me probably the same hour he got the result's in, because he knew I was worried about it. Other "doctor's" make you wait until they can see you again, for another visit (more money), usually 7 to 10 day's later, and then they'll give you the news. It was great to hear his voice that day, and just to know that this man really cared. He said," hi Jeff, Dr. Rose here, just want to let you know everything,s ok with the biopsy". Between the good news, and this compassion shown me, I actually started to tear up. I wish I could have been there for him, in his time of need, to support him in some way, and let him know how much I appreciated him. I wish I could have been there for his memorial service, to clap for such a wonderful man. To his kid's: you were blessed with a one-of-a-kind, giving, compassionate father. To his other loved one's: you were blessed to know one of the world's great men. A loving man who made life easier for countless people. And let's not forget his incredible sense of humor! May God comfort and bless you all. Jeff