Petoskey, Mich. – July 20, 2020 McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation honored H. Gunner Deery, II, MD, Infectious Disease specialist and hospital board member, with the Jack Clark Philanthropy and Service Award in a special and unique celebration at his home on Walloon Lake. While social distancing prohibited the annual award from being presented in front of a large audience, Dr. Deery, a renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist, appreciated the small gathering that included his family.
The award was presented by Robbie Buhl, son of last year’s award winner, Fay Buhl. Following Buhl’s comments, Deery was surprised by a boat parade on Walloon Lake with friends, colleagues, patients, and neighbors celebrating his recognition with signs, cheering, and large photos of Deery.
“For decades, Gunner has provided direction and leadership to propel this hospital and the health of our community forward,” said Elise Hayes, Chair, McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation Board. “He is a visionary and philanthropist at heart and has devoted significant time and energy to ensure that our hospital is the best place for providers to practice and for patients to receive care.”
Recipients of the Jack Clark Philanthropy and Service Award are nominated by a McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation Board ad-hoc committee. They are dedicated leaders and philanthropists who provide the Foundation with direction and serve as its ambassadors throughout our northern Michigan communities.
Deery has dedicated his life to helping patients live healthier lives. He has served on numerous state and national committees and has conducted research for more than three decades on a broad range of issues in infectious diseases. He has been recognized with many awards, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America Award for outstanding achievement in clinical practice. Deery has been a generous and dedicated friend of McLaren Northern Michigan with a long history of service and membership on both the McLaren Northern Michigan and Foundation boards.
“Dr. Deery has been a true advocate for our patients and our providers,” said Julie Jarema, Interim Chief Development Officer, McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation. “The Foundation and the Hospital are strong community assets thanks to his dedication to continuing education and clinical excellence.”
Past recipients include Thomas Fairbairn, Sr.; Lawrence Buhl, Jr.; Miles Trumble, MD; Walter Fisher; John Demmer; The Offield Family Foundation—Jim and Packy Offield; Elise F. Hayes; Ann P. Stallkamp; Robert “Ham” Schirmer; Susie Souder; and Fay Buhl.
“When I reflect on the list of recipients of the Jack Clark Award, I am truly humbled to even be considered in the same universe. I have been honored to know all of them,” said Deery. “My passion now is to help create such an outstanding environment of care that will only be achieved by attracting the best and brightest doctors, nurses, and other supportive services to our community.”
For information about McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, please visit mclaren.org/NorthernMichiganFoundation or call 231-487-3500.
About Jack S. Clark
The late John S. Clark was an attorney and civic leader. Born in Bad Axe, Michigan, he practiced law in the Detroit area until moving to Petoskey in 1946 and sat on the Foundation board from 1985 - 2003. His strong sense of civic duty and deep commitment to helping the people in our communities made him a legend to many. McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation was one of many organizations that benefited from his involvement and philanthropic support. Jack’s warm smile, gentle manner, and endless generosity will always be remembered.
McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation
The mission of McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation is to receive and administer funds to support the mission of McLaren Northern Michigan and support programs that enhance the well-being of the community. To learn more about the Foundation, or to provide a gift in support of their efforts, call (231) 487-3500 or visit www.mclaren.org/northernmichiganfoundation.