Benson R. Wilcox--industry, genius, judgment.

The 29th President of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Benson R. Wilcox, MD, died at his home in Fearington Village Center, NC, on May 11, 2010. In 2 weeks, he would have been 78 years old, and the focus of a birthday celebration for his wife, Patsy Davis, his 4 children, Adelaide, Sandra, Melissa, and Reid, 11 grandchildren, and many loved ones. With his death, caused by brain cancer, the University of North Carolina lost one of its most prolific and loyal sons, and the profession of thoracic surgery, one of its wisest leaders. Two facts are certain: Ben will be remembered forever by his students, residents, and colleagues, and our sky is, indeed, Carolina blue.