Remembering Thomas R. Pheasant ’66
From his early days growing up in Huntingdon, Dr. Thomas R. Pheasant ’66 began a life-long relationship with Juniata College. From his time as a deeply-engaged undergraduate to his participation on Alumni Council to his faithful and devoted service to the Juniata Board of Trustees for 21 years, Tom was always a force for good.
Tom is remembered by his fellow trustees as someone they turned to often during challenging moments in the life of the College as a source of wisdom and one who cared deeply. And, despite the demands of his retinal surgery practice, he always had time to consult with others. Trustees, and others, recall him as one of the first to greet them and always with a genuine smile and questions about family.
Over the years, Tom and his wife, Linda, opened their home to members of the Juniata community as gracious hosts for numerous events in support of the College. They were active in “giving back” to future generations of students when they generously gave a lead gift for the building of the von Liebig Science Center. The beautiful “Pheasant Lounge”, with its spectacular view of the campus, is a popular gathering place for numerous College events.
Tom’s presence in our daily lives will be missed. All of us at Juniata College are enormously grateful for his humanity, his leadership, and the legacy he leaves behind with his alma mater. Henry Gibbel, trustee emeritus and former chair of the Juniata Board of Trustees and member of the class of 1957, recently commented that “rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned.” Tom Pheasant, and his many contributions, will always be a part of us and his light will continue to shine for future Juniatians. God Speed Tom…
—President James A. Troha
Thomas Ralph Pheasant, MD, aged 75, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020, at his home in Wormleysburg, Pa., surrounded by his devoted family. He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Linda Ruth (Rupert) Pheasant, a high school classmate; a daughter, Sarah Lynne Pheasant of Washington, D.C., and a son, David Thomas Pheasant of Philadelphia, Pa.
Dr. Pheasant was born on Nov. 28, 1944, in Huntingdon, Pa., the only child of Clayton Chalmer Pheasant, D.D.S., and Barbara Hanawalt Pheasant, a teacher of English and drama. His family regularly attended the First Methodist Church, where Tom was an active member of the youth group and Boy Scout troop. Memorable summers were spent at Seven Mountains Boy Scout Camp, and he ultimately attained the rank of Eagle Scout and the distinction of Order of the Arrow.
Tom graduated from Huntingdon Area High School in 1962, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including class president, president of the National Honor Society, and editor-in-chief of the yearbook. He also played the baritone horn in the band and sang in several select choral groups. Tom graduated from Juniata College in 1966, where he later served on the Board of Trustees for 20 years, including more than 10 years as secretary. Summer jobs during high school and college, including in general construction, at the PA Department of Highways, and in a Cleveland foundry, always continued to influence his relationship to people and work.
In 1970, he earned an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University and then completed his straight medical internship at the University of Florida Shands Teaching Hospital. Tom served for two years in the U.S. Public Health Service as a regional medical officer based in Atlanta, Ga., overseeing rural health care in eight southeastern states. These projects ranged from the Frontier Nursing Service in Hyden, Ky., to migrant worker programs in Florida’s orange groves. He returned to Case Western to complete a residency in Ophthalmology, and served as Chief Resident. He moved to Philadelphia in 1976 for a two-year fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital, studying diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Dr. Pheasant then joined the clinical faculty at Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center.
In 1980, Dr. Pheasant founded a solo practice. He was later joined by Richard C. Lanning, M.D., and by Jay G. Prensky, M.D., all of whom sought to provide world-class vitreoretinal care to central Pennsylvania. That practice exists today as Pennsylvania Retina Specialists, with six physicians in five offices. Dr. Pheasant was a charter member of the Macula Society, a select international research forum, as well as Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Holy Spirit Hospital and Chairman of its Bylaws Committee.
In his personal life, Tom loved piloting his small Cessna, sailing in fair winds, and petting any available dog. He savored strong friendships and fine wine. Having been loved intensely from birth, he returned that affection and devotion to his own family, and to the profession he cherished. He will be sorely missed.