Texas Health Arlington Memorial Remembers Tom Vandergriff, Former Chairman and Longtime Friend
01/05/2011
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In 2007, Texas Health Arlington Memorial named its new surgical tower in honor of Tom Vandergriff.
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ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital employees and staff physicians mourned the death of former hospital board chairman and longtime friend Tom Vandergriff, who passed away on Dec. 30, 2010.
An Arlington legend, longtime mayor and Tarrant County judge, Vandergriff was known for numerous accomplishments and achievements. He spearheaded the original fund-raising effort for Arlington’s first hospital, Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, more than 50 years ago. His family donated the land for the hospital’s construction and is the namesake for the Vandergriff Professional Building on the hospital campus.
Vandergriff was committed to the growth and success of the hospital and served as hospital board chairman for more than 35 years. In 2007, the the Tom Vandergriff Surgical Tower was named in his honor.
Vandergriff served as Tarrant County judge for 16 years, two years as a United States Congressman, and 26 years as mayor of Arlington. He was credited with bringing the General Motors Assembly Plant, Texas Rangers baseball team and Six Flags amusement park to the city.
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Tom Vandergriff (right) led the original fund-raising effort for what is now Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital
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Despite countless achievements, Vandergriff was humble, approachable, and well respected and liked by all who knew him.
“We will forever be indebted for his efforts to improve the health care of our communities,” said Kirk King, president of Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital. “His memory is ingrained in our history and throughout the walls of our hospital.”
Tom Vandergriff
Jan. 29, 1926 - Dec. 30, 2010
Public Visitation
Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tarrant County Sub-Courthouse
700 E. Abram Street
Memorial Service
Friday, Jan. 7, 2011
1 to 3 p.m.
Texas Hall, University of Texas at Arlington
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