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<p><em>Stephen Mart Fall</em>, the oldest of the four children of Dellvon K. Fall and Annie W. (McQuiston) Fall, was born in Seattle, WA. His father was an Army Signal Corps officer whose service began during World War II and ended with a year-long deployment in Vietnam, after which he retired as a colonel. His siblings remember Steve with fondness. To David, one year younger, they were close buddies enduring many moves, enjoying camping, serving as Episcopal acolytes, and getting into occasional boyhood mischief; to Mina, six years younger, Steve was a handsome, accomplished student-athlete and a bit of a perfectionist; to Lisa, three when Steve left for West Point, he was the man who came home occasionally, told wonderful stories, and shared his love of music. After three years in a DoD high school in Japan, Steve graduated from R.E. Lee High School in Springfield, VA. His scholarship, athleticism, character, and leadership resulted in a principal appointment to West Point from Congressman T.M. Pelly, 1st District of Washington. </p>
<p>Cadet Fall was a steady, dependable classmate and friend. He lettered in track as a hurdler, participated in the Latin American summer exchange in Guatemala, was selected as permanent captain on the brigade staff, and finished in the top 10 percent of his class. Steve branched Armor, completed airborne and Ranger training, and served in the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Meade, MD before departing for duty in Vietnam. For a year he bravely led American infantry and cavalry soldiers in direct combat as a platoon leader in both the 25th Infantry Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.</p>
<p>Steve felt called to become a physician, and upon his return from Vietnam he was accepted into to the Army’s Medical Program. He attended Bowman Gray Medical School, Wake Forest University, graduating in 1977. Assigned next to Walter Reed Army Medical Center as a surgical intern, Steve was intent on being selected for their General Surgery Residency Program. Classmate Doctor Bob Brigham recalls, “Steve distinguished himself as an intelligent, analytical, and compassionate physician who excelled academically and in the operating room and was selected for the four-year residency.” His outstanding performance led to his further selection for the prestigious and highly competitive two-year Cardiothoracic Surgery Program. In 1984, he was assigned to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, where he continued to provide top quality care. Steve was a “soldier-physician” who served not only in clinics and medical centers but in the field. As part of a select airborne surgical team Steve trained and deployed with Special Operations forces, including a combat jump into Panama during Operation Just Cause.</p>
<p>Colonel Fall retired in 1990 and then worked in private practices in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and eventually Boise, ID. A dedicated, patient-focused healer, Steve built an enviable reputation for his work ethic and superb standards of patient care. Recognized for his world-class knowledge and abilities, he was nevertheless humble and unpretentious, rendering him an ideal mentor and a highly valued medical partner and teammate. He treated all his colleagues with respect and worked tirelessly to enhance the medical acumen of each one. For example, at St. Alphonsus he met his physician’s assistant at 6:00am daily to prepare him for the nuances of their scheduled surgeries that day. In recognition of these aspects of his character and leadership, the St. Alphonsus Foundation created the Stephen M. Fall MD Healthcare Professional Development Fund.</p>
<p>In 1971, Steve married Suzanne Mullen. They were blessed with two wonderful children: Michael and Kathy. Sadly, Steve and Suzie divorced in 1994. As Steve followed in his father’s footsteps to become a soldier, so too Michael followed his father’s path first to Wake Forest and then into medicine. Michael described Steve as an inspiring role model and mentor, citing his graceful and unassuming humility. Kathy spoke of her dad with fondness and with gratitude that Steve and her husband Rhet were close friends. They chatted frequently to discuss the Broncos game or just about life’s challenges. Steve was attentive to Kathy’s two sons, Sam and James, at one point flying into town to share with them a Veteran’s Day observance at school. </p>
<p>In 2003, Steve married Kimberly Freeman with whom he raised daughters Meghan and Laura. He cherished his time with them, proudly watching them sing and play guitar, excel in academics and sports, and mature into beautiful young women. Their obvious joy while recounting tales about their father reflects a deep love and respect for him. For Kim, Steve was her best friend, her selfless partner, and the love of her life. </p>
<p>In 2010, Steve accepted an offer to join a medical practice in Boise, a move west that brought them closer to Kathy’s family. In 2017, Doctor Michael Fall joined a pulmonary medicine practice in Boise and grew professionally with Steve as nearby mentor. He, his wife Gabrielle, and two young children, David and Emma, also enjoyed being near family. Kathy credits Kim with fostering a warm, welcoming environment resulting in a loving, blended family for all of Steve’s children and grandchildren.</p>
<p>Steve was a healthy, active man when he suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. He died after a determined and courageous nine-month effort to recover. He will be remembered as a superb soldier, a renown cardiothoracic surgeon, a devoted father and husband, a loyal friend, and a dutiful public servant. He was extremely proud to have graduated from West Point and loved his family more than he could ever express.</p>
<p>“My Man!” was Steve’s universal greeting with an endless variety of clarifying intonations. With deepest respect and gratitude, we reply: “My Man! Rest in Peace!”</p>
<p><em>— Classmates and family</em></p>
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