Kenneth Jackman, M.D.

Kenneth “Van” Jackman, M.D. (M ’67), a University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry faculty member for more than 30 years, died Aug. 18 at his home on Upper Saranac Lake, New York. He was 69.

Dr. Jackman, professor emeritus of orthopaedics, was the first full-time faculty member in pediatric orthopaedics. He was a surgeon with a deep interest in the care of children with musculoskeletal disorders.

“His wisdom, knowledge, caring, compassion and skills blessed so very many children and their families,” said Richard I. Burton, senior associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Medicine and Dentistry and chair emeritus of the Department of Orthopaedics.

“Van was totally committed to the mission for the best possible care of children, for the education of residents and medical students, and to foster productive relationships with pediatricians and children under their care,” said Burton.

Dr. Jackman also was a skilled and avid player of bagpipes. A native of San Diego, he became interested in the bagpipes as a freshman at Pomona College. Dr. Jackman played with the Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums for almost 30 years. He also played with a group called Faedan Or and was a founding member of Ceilidh Connection, a Scottish smallpipe ensemble.

After he received his medical degree, Dr. Jackman served in the U.S. Navy, including a two-year tour at the Navy’s hospital on Guam. He completed his orthopaedic residency at University Hospital in Cleveland and a pediatric orthopaedic fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Washington.

Dr. Jackman joined the School of Medicine and Dentistry faculty in 1976, rising to the rank of associate professor of orthopaedics and of pediatrics. He became professor emeritus in 2007.

After moving from Rochester to Upper Saranac Lake, Dr. Jackman, who also was a dedicated ham radio operator, became a member of the Search and Rescue Association of the Northern Adirondacks and a naturalist volunteer at The Wild Center of the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks.

In 2002, Dr. Jackman was diagnosed with a lymphoma. He received chemotherapy and the lymphoma was in remission. In February, 2010, however, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Dr. Jackman is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol Benson Jackman; his son, Stephen V. Jackman, M.D., of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a daughter, Lauriann Garland of Seattle, Wash.; a sister, Diana Raney of Pasadena, Calif.; and several grandchildren.

Contributions can be made to the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, High Peaks Hospice or the Piper’s Gathering Scholarship Fund in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac, N.Y. 12983.