Lasting Memories
Joseph Lawrence Naiman, M.D.
Oct. 20, 1932-June 23, 2019
Palo Alto, California
Joseph Lawrence Naiman (Laurie) was born in Toronto, Canada, the youngest son of Max and Ida Naiman. He attended Harbord Collegiate Institute and the University of Toronto, earning his medical degree in 1956. He trained in pediatric hematology-oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital (Harvard Medical School). He then moved to Philadelphia, working at the University of Pennsylvania before being appointed professor of pediatrics at Temple University School of Medicine and chief of hematology-oncology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. He became known for his dedication to research and teaching and for his compassionate clinical care. His proudest accomplishment was the development of a family support program for children with leukemia and cancer. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Ronald MacDonald House Charities. In 1984 Laurie moved to California where he served as medical director of the Northern California Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services and as clinical professor of pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Laurie received numerous professional honors and authored more than 70 medical publications, most notably three editions of the textbook Hematologic Problems of the Newborn with co-author Frank A. Oski, MD.
Always an active photographer, he was a member of the Palo Alto Camera Club. He developed the club’s first website and was elected as the club’s president. Laurie was inspired by club members and, in turn, mentored and inspired others. His work received a number of awards, including two first-place awards in contests sponsored by the Palo Alto Weekly (2002 and 2019).
Laurie was predeceased in death by his sister, Renee Goodis (Norman), and brother, Arnold Naiman. He is survived by his wife, Judy Palmer; children Matthew (Yuriko), Jonathan (Sabine), Michael, and Jill Naiman; grandchildren Misha, Jacob, and Benjamin Naiman; a sister-in-law, Annette Naiman; his former wife, Temmy Siegel Acton; and nieces and nephews Sandy, Elaine, Glorianne, Michael, Lyle, and their children.
Laurie also enjoyed cooking, hiking, exploring Death Valley, and visiting family. He is fondly remembered for his keen sense of humor and generous spirit. A Celebration of Life will be held by the Palo Alto Camera Club at the Palo Alto Art Center on September 22, 2019, from 2 - 4 pm. Donations in his memory may be made to the Let Them Hear Foundation, the Palo Alto Camera Club, and the Pathways Hospice program.
Jan. 1, 2022
I did not learn of Laurie's death until today, 1/1/22, when I saw a note from him as I sorted my own memorabilia. As a resident at St. Christopher's from 1972-75, he inspired me to become a caring clinician. I owe Laurie's establishment of a family support program for children with cancer and their families to my choice to become a pediatric psychiatrist. I also remember well, and fondly, Laurie's widow Judy Palmer who was senior to me in the residency program. Judy, I wish you the best and hope this site is still active. John Glazer
Nov. 3, 2019
Laurie will always be remembered by the class of University of Toronto Meds 5T6. He was our Website Master who kept our class informed about about all members of the class as time passed. He was a true Mensch in his Pediatric Oncology field and used his skills to create a lasting repository of information about all class members. As time passed his compassionate skills were revealed as the Website developed. Our 5 year reunions were enriched by his presence and organizational skills. We can all enjoy his contribution to photography at which he excelled! Our thoughts go out his wife Judy and his family. My only regret is that we did no see him more often!
Oct. 22, 2019
Laurie Naiman was a special mentor from my youth. Because of him I became a hematologist. Because of him I became a good physician. He was a gentle man and good man. He left a great legacy in medicine, but will always be remembered for the gentle spirit and kind soul that he was