Dr. Philip Hogue Treated The Whole Person

Dr. Philip Hogue, veteran Seattle internist, church baritone and Red Cross volunteer, represented a bracing blend of caring and exactitude.

An old-style doctor who made house and pharmacy calls while insisting on treating the whole person and not merely symptoms, he could be intransigent, says his son. He loved tough, analytical discussions on everything from opera and religion to politics and morals.

But when the chips were down, he went with his heart.

Dr. Hogue died Tuesday (June 8) of a stroke. He was 84.

"My father was a gentle guy who could be stubborn from time to time," said Larry Hogue of Tacoma. "He had a really analytical mind.

"He was quiet, but when he was speaking personally, and spoke his heart, he was full of wisdom and compassion. The criticism and the debate aspect would just disappear."

These twin abilities, shaped by his ongoing interest in learning and by his commitment to University Presbyterian Church, made him a beloved doctor, said his daughter-in-law, Robyn Hogue of Tacoma.

He was also a guiding light on the board of the American Red Cross, Seattle-King County Chapter, for 30 years. He had earned its Clara Barton Award for distinguished service.

"He was certainly a longtime contributing presence to the Red Cross," said fellow board member Blanche Narodick. "He was very much appreciated by both the staff and other volunteers. He served on so many different committees."

Born in Seattle, Dr. Hogue graduated from Roosevelt High School. He earned a bachelor-of-science degree at the University of Washington and a doctor of medicine at Northwestern University. He did his internship at the former Harborview (King) County Hospital, now Harborview Medical Center.

During World War II, Dr. Hogue served in the Army Medical Corps, mainly in the 50th General Hospital group in Colorado and Europe.

He took his training in pathology and internal medicine at Evanston Hospital in Illinois.

In 1949, he opened an office of internal medicine in Seattle. He also was affiliated with several hospitals, including Providence Seattle Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center.

Following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, he was active in his church and sang in its choir. He also was a patron of theater and music groups, and was active in University District Rotary Club.

He helped found University PROBUS Club, a Rotary offshoot for retired business and professional people.

He left medicine in the 1980s to focus on family and travel. He and his wife of 57 years, Doxie Hogue, visited all seven continents.

Also surviving are his brother, Walter Hogue of Mercer Island, and two grandsons.

Services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at University Presbyterian Church, 4540 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle.

Donations may go to the church (ZIP: 98105); University District Rotary Club, c/o Dale Hicklin, 2640 23rd Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98199; or American Red Cross, Seattle-King County Chapter, 1900 25th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is: cbeers@seattletimes.com