Founder of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at the Stanford University School of Medicine Bruce Tune ’61 M.D. ’65 died on June 25 at his Palo Alto home from complications of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 71.

After completing his two degrees at Stanford, Tune served as the University’s chief resident in pediatrics . He helped launch the pediatric kidney transplant program at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital during the 1990s, served as the acting chair of the Department of Pediatrics from 1991 to 1993 and single-handedly ran the Department of Pediatric Nephrology for many years.

Philip Sunshine M.D., professor emeritus of pediatrics, established the Bruce Tune Award in the 1970s to reward the house officer who had given the best diagnosis or treatment each year; the award is intended to be a testament to one’s talent as a personable and courageous physician.

“He was the epitome of a true bedside doctor,” said Oscar Salvatierra M.D., the surgeon Tune helped recruit to start the kidney transplant program, the hospital said in a statement. “He would spend whatever time was necessary with a patient, and especially with patients’ parents, to make sure they were well informed. He endeared himself to the families because, in tough situations, he was there for them.”

Tune is survived by his wife Nancy, children Sara and Steve, grandchild and mother. His family asked that anyone wishing to make a donation in Tune’s memory give to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

The Department of Pediatrics will be holding a memorial service, with further details forthcoming.

—  Ellora Israni