My father, Dr. Robert Spalding, 86, is closing his medical office Sept. 30 after almost 60 years of providing mental health services to this community and other residents of the entire Southeast. As a medical professional, I am extremely proud of his service to our extended community and for his personal gift to me for a lifelong stream of advice and balance to my life.
Regrettably, mounting health problems make him physically unable to get to work but he still offers to continue to see some of his patients from his home with a sense of continued dedication to his professional life. Dad found it hard to say goodbye to most of his patients as so many doctors eventually find acceptance in life to recognize when it is finally time to consider retirement.
I thank him not only as an inspiration to me but for his life service to his chosen profession of helping others.
He would never mention the decades of awards from the American Psychiatric Association but I am as it serves to remind others of his pursuit of excellence. I am comforted he is still providing good advice.
My brother, Dr. Stephen Spalding, continues his tradition locally. Thank you for anyone who took to took the time to read this notice of appreciation for a lifetime of service..
Dr. Robert Spalding