Achiel L. Bleyaert, M.D., of Clearfield, passed away on Oct. 30, 2011 at the Clearfield Hospital.
Dr. Bleyaert was born on June 23, 1931 in Beernem, Belgium, the son of Oscar and Celina (Vanderhaeghen) Bleyaert.
Dr. Bleyaert received his medical degree from the University of Ghent, Belgium in 1957. After training in anesthesiology, he practiced his profession in Belgium until moving to the United States in 1969, where he continued a long career in medicine. He worked at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals in Cleveland and the University of Pittsburgh where he was Director of the Intensive Care Unit at the VA Hospital (1973-1975), Chief Anesthesiologist of Eye and Ear Hospital (1981-1984), and Chief Anesthesiologist of Presbyterian Hospital (1981-1984).
In the 1970’s, he did research and published several articles describing protective interventions against brain ischemia; this work is still the cornerstone of such research. Among his many positions and appointments, he was Professor of Anesthesiology/CCM at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1980-1985). He functioned as Director of Anesthesia at the Podiatry Hospital of Pittsburgh (1982-1992). He has been a staff anesthesiologist at Clearfield Hospital since 1992. Dr. Bleyaert will be remembered for his tireless patient care, leadership, and compassion.
Dr. Bleyaert is survived by his wife, Renee Desnoyers, five children; Helga Stadick, Alex Bleyaert, Michelle Bleyaert, Lauren Bleyaert and Nicole Bleyaert, and two grandchildren; Kaylee and Darby Stadick. Also surviving are two sisters; Juliette and Eveline, a brother, Julien and Dr. Bleyaert’s first wife, Cecile Van Vlaenderen, all of Belgium.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Honoring Dr. Bleyaerts wishes there will be no public viewing.
A Mass of Resurrection will be said at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 3 at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, Clearfield with Msgr. H. Desmond McGee as Celebrant. Interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Nathaniel D. Yingling, M.D., Cancer Center, 815 Doctors Drive, Clearfield, PA 16830.
The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
To send an on line tribute go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.