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Doctor falls to death on Mount Washington

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By KATHRYN MARCHOCKI
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff

A longtime Manchester physician apparently fell to his death while climbing Mount Washington on Saturday. Rescuers spotted the body of Dr. Wieslaw E. Walczak, 62, on the steep head wall of Tuckerman Ravine about 9:50 a.m.

Mount Washington Observatory: Past fatalities on the mountain

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YOUR COMMENTS


My sincerest sympathies to the Walczak family. Dr. Walczak was a true physician, always treating his patients with dignity and respect. It was my privilege to work with and learn from him for a brief time. We all mourn his loss.
- Michael Morton, MD, Golden, CO

My Thanksgiving travels kept me from the news of Dr. Walczak's untimely death. What a great loss. Most of all for his family. Somehow we patients who knew him well felt like family. My first encounter with him will never be forgotten. He took serious time and effort looking for answers when other doctors just brushed me away. He will not be replaced as he was one of a kind. My sincere sympathy and prayer to Mrs. Walczak and his son.
- Mary Curtis, Hooksett, NH

First, my condolences to your family Dr. Walczak, and thank you for being my parents physican all these years! I especially thank you Dr. Walczak for helping me get through the most difficult days of my fathers final days, providing comfort in his final days and allowing him to pass on in peace, which is what I hope you have, peace.

You can rest now, Dr. Walczak and peace be with you! Say hello to my dad, he'll continue to entertain you with his war stories :)
- Janine, Bedford

I had the privledge to work Wally at the Heart Center and he was an exceptional physician and compassionate person. He touched the lives of many people. Wally will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers and patients. He will live forever in our hearts and memories.
- Patty Sullivan, Goffstown MH

Dr. Walczak was a great Dr, my husband and I had him and my mother also for many years. He will be greatly missed. I send out my condolences out to his family. gone but never forgotten!
- Marguerite Lee, Manchester

I have supet a facebook page for Dr. Walczak.

Please add this email on your facebook page and post anything you want to say to Dr. Walczak.

walczakfamily@yahoo.com.hk
- DoBeDo, Facebook

Wieslaw was as passionate, thorough and compassionate about medicine and his patients privately as he was in his professional persona in the office and the hospital. He practiced medicine with the goal of relieving suffering. He strove to see the world not only from the perspective of science and technology but also from the point of view of his individual patients from their spoken and unspoken fears and pain. He was a credit to all of us physicians. I will miss him as friend and colleague. My sympathy and condolences to his family and friends.
- Dan Botsford, MD, Manchester, NH

Truly a great person, and not only my doctor, but considered a truly great friend. I will miss him dearly. My prayer go out to his family.
- Robert L. Wszolek, Hooksett, N.H.

My heart felt condolences go out to the family of Dr. Walczak. Words alone cannot express how much Dr. Walczak will be missed by me and so many other family members, patients, and co-workers. Dr. Walczak was the best physician that I have ever met. He truly cared about his patients as much (if not more) as he cared about himself. Not only was Dr. Walczak a terrific physician, but he was a terrific human being. I will never forget you and will always have a place in my heart for you.
- Shawn M, Manchester

My husband & I have been patients of Dr. Walczak for over 10 years. A most caring, kind & considerate physician. My husband passed away this past year after surgery. Dr. Walczak called me at home to check to see how I was doing.I will surely miss him. My deepest sympathy to his family. Jacky, Manchester, NH.
- Jacky Courtois, Manchester, NH

My condolences to Dr Walczak's family.
He was a great person and a great Doctor.
He will be missed a;ways.
- Mary Dupre, manchester,NH

so sorry for your loss :(
- Maureen, Manchester, NH

dr walczak was truly one of the most competent and caring physicians i have ever met.he took great care of me as i am sure all his patients.during my visits he always took time to talk about other things,hiking and travels in particular.at this time i feel a great sense of loss for myself and our community.
rest in peace dr walczak.
- ron, manchester

Dr Walczak was a great physician and a truly caring man. He was incredibly hard working and precise, but you always knew that he cared deeply for his patients, and had a few minutes for rapid-fire dialog about whatever you happened to be reading.

He was a tough doctor, and wouldn't take any excuses. If you wanted to be his patient, then you better follow his instructions! In return, you earned access to a wonderfully intelligent and compassionate man who seemed to have little ego about him.

I will miss you, Doctor. My deepest sympathies for his family. The community suffers a great loss today.
- Bill, Manchester

I remember when Dr Walczek first came to Manchester. I met him being a pharmaceutical rep. I loved him as a doctor he was one of the best. My husband and I are so deeply saddened by his death. He was our doctor and he put 120% effort into his patients. He will be missed deeply by his patients, by his reps, by the hospital, and by his family We Love you Dr Walczek...you were the best!!!!
- Tammy Woelfel, Salem, NH

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Walczak. I have been a patient of his for many years, he has made me laugh on may occasions and I know he will be the best doctor I will ever have. I will miss him. I am soory to his family
- Jane Baetz, Windham NH

He wasn't my doctor for very long, but I was looking forward to being seen by him for the forseeable future. he was a good man.
- Brett W., Manchester, NH

Dr. Walczak was my physician for many years. Not only was he very capable, but he took a sincere interest in me and my family as a persons, not just as a patient. He will surely be missed.

My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
- Marguerite Lee, Manchester.N,H

I am deeply saddened by the loss of a wonderful physician and kind soul. I am only glad that he died doing what he loved. My condolences to his wife and family. He was a kind, caring, compassionate man and will be sorely missed by all of those who had the chance to know him. God bless you, Dr. Walczak. May you rest in peace.
- Lisa H. Papa, RN, Bedford

My wife and I have been Dr W's patients for several years. Finding a PCP as caring as he to take his place will be a difficult task. Our prayers go to his family and staff. He will indeed be sorely missed
- Jack Stanton, Manchester

Dr Walczak will truly be missed. I have been a patient of his for quite awhile now. he was one of the best drs I ever had.
- debralabrie, auburn, nh

Dr. Walczak was my friend and physician. He was the best physician I have ever known. He helped diagnose my own cancer but also helped many of my friends whom I had referred to him. I haven't known another physician who could be relied upon to be so thorough, careful, compassionate and caring as he was. His love of New Hampshire and the White Mountains explains why his legacy should be carried on in New Hampshire. I shall miss him very much.
- Paul Winchester MD, Indianapolis, Indiana

We heard about tragic death of our Polish fellow, Dr. Walczak. He was a brilliant physician and great human being. Our condolences are going to his wife and son and all his friends and patients.
God bless...
Michael T. Speidel, M.D
President
American University in Poland, Inc.
Windham, NH
- Dr. Michael Speidel, Windham, NH

I had the great opportunity to work with Dr. Walczak....he was exceptional. Super smart and super compassionate. The kind of people the world needs more of. I will miss him so much.
- tracy, manchester

Dr Walczak will be deeply missed by all his patients for sure, he was a great Doctor and very caring about all his patients. my Mom and Dad were Patients of his and we would call them at home even after hours to give them any kind of information, you will not find that in to many Family Doctor's, I was alos a patient of Dr Walczak and he always took the time to explain things to you.

Kevin...San Jose, CA origionally from Manchester
- Kevin C Penn, San Jose, CA

How terrible! I had the opportunity to interview for a position in this man's office...and when I was introduced to him he was so kind and genuine..and funny! I regret not taking the job when it was offered to pursue another opportunity. :(

Very sad..my heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Dr. Walczak.
- Les, Derry

I would like to say as the Office Manager for Dr. Walczak, the kind words that have been shown here in these messages is just the type of person that he was. His patients were just as passionate about him as he was about them. He was a tireless person in his work for all of his patients. You all like myself and the staff have lost a good person who cared so much about life and his work that it is a lost to all. Blessings to all that knew him and had the pleasure to work with him.
- Peggy, Manchester

I will miss seeing Dr Walczak and his lovely wife dance the polka at teh ELliot Holiday annual party. He was a true gem!
- Nancy RN, Derry

I would like to say that I felt the same compassion from Dr. Walczak as everyone else. He not only cared about his patients he would also bring happeness to every visit. He always made me smile. God Bless Dr. Walczak. My deepest sympathy to his Family for their loss.
- Steve C., Manchester

RIP Dr.Walczak you will be missed by all of your elliot family. You truly are a special person.
- Kris, Manchester,NH

I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Walczak's untimely passing. I used to call on him when I was a drug rep---around 2000-2002, and had the pleasure of having dinner with him and his wife a few times. She is a lovely woman and my heart goes out to her. It was obvious Dr. Walczak cared deeply for his patients and he'll be surely missed. No matter how busy Dr. Walczak was, he was always kind and cordial---even to a drug rep! He, and his family, will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Janet, Bedford, NH

Dr. Walczak was a great doctor and wonderful person. I've always enjoyed our conversations, often, like other readers here, triggered by the book I was holding during a visit.

I'll never forget the relief in his voice when he called me late on a Friday night to tell me that my lab tests were negative, I didn't have cancer. He was genuinely relieved, he cared that much. About me, just one of his many patients.

God bless you, Dr. Walczak.
- Bill, Manchester NH

Dr Walczak will surely be missed. Such a wonderful man and doctor .. Very much a patient advocate more than a Dr. he cared deelpy for his patients. and his family should be PROUD of all the lives he has saved!! Mine alone 3 Times!! .. He would catch things on the 1st visit !!! knew right what to look for !! Dr Walczak YOU will surely be missed .. and NO doctor will ever be able to replace your bedside manner. or care for your patients!! My heart goes out to your family ..
- Frank Durham, Hooksett

My deepest sympathy to his family.
- Mia, Manchester

Dr. Walczak was amazing. He approached his job with passion and had a true love of medicine and his patients. I have not met his wife but can say with certaintly she is a patient woman as there were times my husband was sick and he would call on Friday night to share lab results or see how he was. I hope when I pass on. I will have had such a positive impact on so many lives. Over the past 10 years, he shared many stories of his family and being a parent. It was clear he cherished his wife and son. I considered him an inspiration to the type of person I want to be.

To his family, you will be in our prayers.
- Karin Como, Bedford, NH

Such a great and caring Doctor which is very hard to find today, no matter what time of day or night he would call me to see if I was okay and give me any new updates on my condition. I will sadly miss him and express my sincere codolences to his family.
- Pete Stockton, Manchester, NH

Today is a sad day in our household, Dr Walczak was our family doctor. I have had many doctors over the years but no one like Dr W, he cared about you as a person and a friend. He would call you at all hours to make sure you received the results from a test, and he would chase you down if you didn't take the test. I referred allot of my friends to him and they would come back and say they could not understand him, I would tell them to tell him and he would re state what he was saying. He was my savior in many ways,I will not be able to replace him. The system does not produce many doctors like my friend Dr Walczak. My families condolences to his family.
- Ray and Sue LeBrun, Manchester

Wayne and I are so sorry to hear of Dr. Walczak's passing. He was our physian for over 17 years. We will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
- Patricia Gill, Sarasota, Florida

Dr. Walczack had a unique way of treating his patients. He was a great listener. I would not be here today if it was not for him. My sympathy to his family. The solace I take from this tragedy is I know he died doing what he loved. I will miss our conversations and his concern for others. My god bless you Dr. Walczack.
- Douglas Nye, Hooksett

Dr. Walczak and I met in an emergency room at Elliot when I was having heart troubles and he was the physican on call. He became my personal physician and friend. He was, without exception, the greatest doctor I have ever known in all of my 50 years. His dedication to his patients was unmatched. The man took time to actually know me.

I was in the Manchester airport last year to fly home because my mother was dying. Dr. Walczak and his beautiful wife came over to say hi and, upon learning of my reason for travelling, consol me. They were on their way to a vacation in Europe and he was still thinking of his patients.

When I finally convinced my wife to become his patient, she discovered his dedication and true caring. He called personally to inform her that they found something on the mammogram. He steered us towards a wonderful group of doctors that are helping us defeat the cancer.

Finally, I remember just talking with Dr. Walczak about religion and philosophy. It would be small, short conversations during exams that started because of a book I was reading in the waiting room. We were going to go to lunch "someday" to be able to really talk about it.

Doc, we'll have that conversation in Heaven someday. If anyone in this life is getting there, this wonderful, caring, excellent physician will be.
- Mike, Derry

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Walczak for many years. He was the most thorough, caring, ethical doctor that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He adored his wife and son and his eyes lit up when he talked about them. He had a deep love of nature and the mountains, his office is adorned with pictures of moose standing in the road that he encountered on his way to the mountain. He died doing what he loved, the only thing missing was his stethascope...I will miss you dearly friend...
- Kerri Goupil, RN, Manchester, NH

Dr Walczak was my doctor for the past 17 years. He was the best doctor I have ever had. He was a kind and caring physician who took the time to listen. Some years ago when I was ill at home, Dr Walczak would call me in the evening to see how I was feeling. He even called me one Sunday to ask how I was and to make sure that I didn't need anything. He was one of a kind. I will miss him greatly. My condolences to his family and friends. God Bless you, Dr Walczak. Rest in peace.
- Jim O'Connell, Manchester

A trusted and gifted friend for twenty years my sympathy to his family
George Bedford
- George Lucas, Bedford

Reading the comments written by so many -- it shows how much Wes touched the hearts and souls of everyone he met. He was a rare breed. His work ethic was unbelievable, only matched by his compassion and caring. I feel as though I've lost a family member and I can't imagine what his own family feels at this time. Every visit I had with him, he spoke of his family -- he ADORED his wife. As much as his work took him away from them, I hope they know that they were always in his thoughts. He enjoyed the time he spent with them in travels, dancing, outdoors. He was an example for all of us who knew him and will forever live in my heart.
- A patient and co-worker, Manchester

Doc, as I called him, was a caring and dedicated man. He put his patients before himself. The doctor did make some house calls and always visited the Elliot a few times a day. I always made my appointments with him first thing in the morning so we could have alittle time to talk about the good things in life. If you had a late day appointment you were usually waiting a bit to see him as he was thorough with all of his patients which usually put him behind a bit. None of his patients minded the wait because you always knew he was going to come into the room upbeat and smiling just like you were his first appointment. In our conversations I knew how much he loved his job and all of his people. Doc was an old school doctor which is hard to come by these days. I am still in a state of shock and my heart goes out to his family and fellow patients. Doc was not only a good doctor but an unbelieveable human being.
- DAN BERNIER, AUBURN,NH

Remembering back to when Dr. Jozef Kuderewicz retired and Dr. Walczak assumed his practice how happy Manchester's Polish community was to have continunity in their care. In this day and age of hospitalists and "fast paced medicine", Dr. Walczak always made time for his patients - in the hospital and in his office. He will be truly missed by all who knew him, personally and professionally. His good works certainly have earned him a higher place in heaven - God bless!
- Jane, RN, Manchester

Dr. Walczak was our family physician and friend. During each visit to his office he would love to talk about hiking the "WHITES".He would always have a better story to tell than I.He was an outstanding physician and friend. Just last month, the night before we were to leave for Florida he called me at 7:30 to remind me not to forget about a new prescription he had ordered for me. What a dedicated Doctor, man and friend. He will be deeply missed. Our sincere thoughts and prayers to his family.
- Ray Demars, Manchester, N.H.

For me to simply say that Dr. Walczak was an outstanding, thoughtful and caring doctor would certainly be an understatement. I could feel how much he really cared about me and my well being with each and every visit to his office, and I'm sure his other patients did too. I've never felt more at ease or trusted a doctor more than I had with Dr. Walczak, I feel as though I've lost a family member and he will always be in my heart.
- Robert, Manchester

Dr. Walczak has been my PCP for the last 22 years and I had the honor of calling him a friend. He always made time to see me no matter what and I doubt that I will ever find another PCP that genuinely cared more for his patients than he did,I will truly miss you sir, and my deepest heartfelt sympathy to your family. Thank you for taking care of me and the good conversations over the years doc.
- Ray Olivier, Pembroke, NH

My mother's maiden name was Walczak. Both mother and doctor were delighted to share the same name.
- Mary Fortuna, Fremont

I had the pleasure of working with Dr.Walczak,When he came to Manchester.
He was a wonderful person and husband&father.
You will be missed"WALLY."

Annette
- Annette Kiskinis, Haines City fl.

What a tragic loss for Dr. Walczak's family, patients and the medical profession. He was truely one of the great ones. He treated every patient with dignity, compassion and cared about their true well being. He was a familiar face in the hospital when his patients needed him. He always had a smile and a great bounce to his step. He sincerely loved what he was doing. He touched so many peoples lives and they were better for it. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
- Mary Chambers, RN, Hooksett,NH

Wally will be sorely missed!! He was my next door partner, a friend, a confidant. We shared laughs, many many hiking stories and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was as passionate as a doctor as he was about his hiking! He was devoted to his family, work and colleagues. I will miss him!
- Ken & Colette Thomas, Bedford, NH

I didn't know Dr. Walczak...but you all speak so highly of him that he sounds like a doctor I would of loved to have had. My sincere condolences to his family, I'm sorry his time was cut short yet glad that it was doing something he loved.

For those that think of hiking Mt. Washington, please think twice...the Indians had a healthy respect for this mountain, as we should. I have never ONCE been on this mountain when bad weather didn't move in (even on the most sunny days). It has tried to claim my mother when I was in her womb...next year the train was not so lucky and ended up in Tuckerman's. I don't care how smart you think you are, this mountain is a fearsome opponent.
- Theresa, Rochester, NH

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Walczak as a RN at Elliot for the past 5 yrs. He was one of the most dedicated, respectful, caring and amazing physicians I have ever worked with. He was so dedicated he'd come in early to visit his patient before office hrs and again after office hrs. His pts where so proud to have him as their PCP. This is such a tragic and devastating loss to everyone. My thought and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.
- Elliot RN, Manchester

I became a patient of Dr. Walczak's upon the referal of my mother, who not only was a patient of his, but worked with him on a professional level, about 2 years ago. I have never met a more caring individual in my entire life. In this day and age of the big health care facilities mantra of "herd 'em in, herd 'em out", Dr. Walczak genuinely cared and would take time to answer any questions you might have. He would always ask how my parents were doing. In the short time I knew him, I came to view him as more of a friend than my doctor. I am deeply saddened by his untimely passing and my prayers and thoughts are with his wife and family. Rest in peace Dr. Walczak, Wy nie być zapominani!!
- Mike, Pittsfield, NH

Dr Walczak was an incredible doctor and cared sincerely for his patients. He is the only doctor I have ever had who would become upset if I had an ailment that I belittled during a previous visit- he'd always say with his heavy accent, "I don't care if it's a small thing, I am trying to be preventative and catch things before they become a bigger problem". During each of my visits he always loved to talk about his many hiking experiences of the NH mountain peaks. He enjoyed discussing the latest hiking gear such as GPS, and always gave advice of how one should dress and pack for safety depending on the type of climb they were planning. My heart jumped when I saw this headline and this is a very sorrowful day for all those who had the honor of knowing him.

Please consider praying for strength for Dr Walczak's family during this difficult time.
- Tony Masson, Weare, NH

Dr Walczak had been my primary care physician since the mid 90's and he always went out of his way to see his patients. If someone needed to be seen his office would squeeze them in. He was a great MD who was very thorough. I will miss his care greatly. I will also miss the challange of understanding him through his thick polish accent. My condolences to his family and friends.
- Craig, Manchester

How terribly sad. Condolences to the family.
- Greg, Montpelier, VT

On behalf of the Elliot Emergency Dept staff, We will miss you Dr. Walczak.

Our deepest sympathy for his Wife and Family.
- Denise H, Manchester, NH

I just visted with Dr. Walczak, Friday afternoon. We had a few laughs over my exam.. I had just return from Punta Allen, Mexico, from visiting with my daughter..had a ear infection that had been treated in Mexico and he was delighted to see and hear about how good my experience had been there..

I love him....His love for his patients and his ability to make everyone feel like they were his only patient was a gift!

While there, I ask if I could refer a close friend to him, of course with his wonderful smile, he was more than willing..

He touched everyone he met! He was a true gentleman and a wonderful physician.
My sincere sympathy to his family.
- Linda, Bedford

Dr. Walczak was a humble, compassionate soul who epitomized everything good with medicine and people helping other people. We in the Elliot family will never forget him.
- Jay, Manchester

My deepest sympathies to Dr. Walczak's family. He was a kind soul who sincerely loved helping his patients lead better lives. He was always a very capable, professional and giving doctor. He will be sorely missed by his patients and the entire medical community.
- MaryLee Sole, Hooksett

Sorry to hear this, hate to see anyone lose his life well before his time. My condolences to his family and those who knew him. From the other post here, it's apparent he had a positive impact on many people.
- Mike, Epping

Dr. Walczak will be truely missed by me. He listened and helped me through some difficult physical times. He actually saved my life!

May God keep him close.

My most sincere sympathy to his family.
- Peter D Larkham, Manchester

I will miss you Dr Walczak.

When some people die it is then that you realize what a void they leave behind and how many lives they have affected . I doubt my family will ever find a Dr. as willing to go above and beyond like he did.

As hard as he worked and as dedicated as he was to his patients I was always impressed that he still took the time to smell the roses .
- Mark, Goffstown

Dr. Walczak was my physician for several years. Not only was he very capable, but he took a sincere interest in me as a person, not just as a patient. He will surely be missed.

My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
- Dan, Auburn

To Doctor Walczks family.. the world really has lost an amazing soul.. please find time to find joy in his good works and knowing that will be very missed by all that knew him
- Donna, Manchester

We often talked of his love of the mountains. He was a kind, caring, wonderful physician. What a shocking loss for those of us who were his patients. My condolences to his family and all of his office staff.
- J. Mercier, Goffstown

A great gentleman and skillful physician, Dr. Walczak touched hundreds of lives -- helping, healing and caring. Our thoughts and prayers are offered in condolence to Dr. Walczak's wonderful family.

Those of us who share Dr. Walczak's will to wander in the great hills hold the hills harmless in his demise. Dr. Walczak would have been the first to accept his loss in such surrounds, second only to the loving presence of his family.

This was a remarkable man. May others choose to follow in Dr. Walczak's footsteps, be it in medicine, family life, or the hills.

Not all who wander are lost. But when discovered lost, may any of us be found as fulfilled as Dr. Walczak.
- Gary Hunter, Manchester

Dr. Walczak was a outstanding physican . As one of his clients/patients, he always asked me about my hiking and we shared our love for the White Mountains. There will never be another physican that I will look forward to seeing! I truly will miss him along with his other clients/patients.
My deepest sympathy to his Family,
Larry Lonas
- Larry Lonas, Weare / N.H.

My dad had was seen by Dr. Walczak a few times over the years, he was a fantastic and gifted doctor my condolences to family and friends.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

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