DR. S. PAUL HERNDON: A LIFE THAT TOUCHED MANY
OCTOBER 19, 1944-APRIL 30, 2011

S. Paul Herndon, IV, M.D., retired Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, formerly Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Co-Director of the Heart Center at Seattle Children's Hospital, died on April 30, 2011 at the age of 66 after a valiant eight-month battle with liver cancer. Dr. Herndon is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, brother Chris, sons Kenneth and Geoffrey, Kenneth’s wife Donna, and five grandchildren.

Dr. Herndon returned from retirement in 2007 to provide pediatric cardiology care throughout Central Washington through Seattle Children's Hospital, and worked tirelessly until March of this year. His most recent work was the culmination of a career that spanned over forty years of service to thousands of children and their families.

Born to S. Paul Herndon, III, and Dorothy Lee Oakley in Wilmington, DE, on October 19, 1944, Dr. Herndon grew up in Augusta, GA, following his father’s transfer to the Savannah branch of DuPont Corporation. He met Cheryl Ann Lewis at Aquinas High School, and they were married in Augusta in 1967.

Dr. Herndon received his B.S. from Georgetown University in 1966 and his M.D. from George Washington University Medical School in 1970, both in Washington, DC. He completed his Pediatrics Residency in 1972 at the Children's Orthopedic Hospital and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. From 1970-75, Dr. Herndon served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 50th General Hospital Division, based at Ft. Lawton, Seattle, WA. During this time he also completed his first year of Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Great Ormand Street Hospital for Sick Children in London, England, and concluded his training at the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1975. 

Known affectionately as “Dr. Paul” to friends and long-term patients, Dr. Herndon began his long and dedicated career in pediatric cardiology at Seattle Children's Hospital immediately following his training. In 1981, Dr. Herndon took a ten-year sabbatical from Children's, establishing the pediatric cardiology program at the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma. In 1991 he co-founded the Heart Center at Seattle Children's Hospital, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to bring a nationally recognized center for the treatment of children afflicted with heart disease to the Northwest. Dr. Herndon co-directed the Heart Center until his retirement in 2004. During his tenure, the program witnessed exponential growth.

Following Dr. Herndon’s retirement, he and Mrs. Herndon traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest, piloting their own boat and plane. They pursued deeper knowledge of local geography, natural history, and Native American culture, avid interests that originated when they first settled in Seattle. Their collection of Native American art includes ceremonial masks, boxes, tools, and prints by artists that the Herndon family is proud to count as friends.

From 2007 until the month before his last illness, Dr. Herndon maintained a busy schedule and vigorous practice in Seattle Children’s clinics throughout Central Washington.

Dr. Herndon was a loving, devoted husband, a dear and honored father, a jovial grandfather, and a warm, respected friend. He provided the best possible medical care to patients and their families, approaching every one with compassion and the wisdom earned from long and dedicated practice. When diagnosed with cancer in August, 2010, Dr. Herndon was determined to fight it aggressively. His vast community of family and friends are proud of his example and his resolve. They will mourn his loss profoundly, and honor his memory all their lives.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Dr. Herndon on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5041 9th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA. 98105. A Graveside Service will follow within two weeks at Westover Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul's memory to Seattle Children’s Cardiology Fund, P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145, (206) 987-2153. For online donations please access www.seattlechildrens.org or contact: Askus@seattlechildrens.org.