Charles Read

CHARLES HERBERT READ JR., M.D.

Iowa City

Dr. Charles Read died peacefully Feb. 21, 2016, surrounded by family. He was born July 22, 1918, in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

From an early age, he had a passion for the life sciences and for the health and welfare of others. This prompted him to study medicine at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he graduated in 1943. Charles subsequently served as a flight surgeon on the first Canadian aircraft carrier during World War II, surviving a torpedo attack in the North Atlantic. After the war, he practiced medicine for a short time as a rural family physician in Prince Edward Island, Canada. This period of his life was documented in his memoir, "The Navy Doctor Came Ashore."

In 1946, Charles obtained a residency in pediatrics at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, where his interest in endocrine disorders first peaked. He continued his investigation into this area as a Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University until 1951. Subsequently, he became an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba in pediatrics. During this time, he developed the Constant Carbohydrate Diet for people suffering from diabetes.

Charles was appointed professor of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Iowa in 1954. In addition to a long career in clinical practice, he devised a treatment program for Southeast Asian diabetics, developed the first method for measuring human growth hormone, investigated the role of lipids in causing arteriosclerosis, and developed the insulin assay.

Charles also was instrumental in setting up the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic and Dental Clinic with medical residents and nurses in 1971. This clinic was innovative in providing free medical care for all.

Living life to its fullest was the mantra of his life. After retiring in 1987, he traveled extensively and captured exquisite scenes through his exploration of photography. He played tennis well into his 80s, made yearly treks to his favorite summer location, Prince Edward Island, with his family and until recently, attended every home Iowa Hawkeye football game and many Bowl games.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Chunghi Choo; his daughters, Patricia Read Botthof (Richard), Naples, Fla., Judy Guernsey, Halifax, Canada, Susan Read (Glenn Mazer), Victoria, Canada, and Connie (Charles) Hippee, Iowa City; son, Charles Read III, Toronto, Canada; six grandchildren, (Kimberly, Nick, Read, Alaine, Anna and Camilla); and a great-grandchild (Kailey).

His first wife, Anne C. Greig Read, died in 2005.

We all will miss Charles dearly and feel fortunate that we had a father and friend who embraced life so fully and encouraged us to pursue our life ambitions to the greatest extent possible.

There will be a private family service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.