Dr. Jonathan Ship (1959-2008)
By Dean Peter Polverini
Dr. Jonathan Ship
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry lost a colleague and a friend, Jon Ship, DMD, when he lost a courageous battle with cancer on April 18. He was 49 years old.
Born in Washington D.C., Jon attended the University of Pennsylvania for both his undergraduate and dental school education. Jon was very much his father's son. Like his father, Irwin, Jon was a force in oral medicine. He studied under Dr. Bruce Baum at NIH.
In July 1992, Jon was hired as an associate professor in our School's Department of Oral Medicine, Pathology, and Surgery. He was also chief of the Section of Oral Medicine and Hospital Dentistry.
During his eight years at Michigan, Jon advanced to professor and, at various stages of his career, was director of the Department of Hospital Dentistry at the Medical Center, was a faculty associate with the Institute of Gerontology, and director of the General Practice Residency program.
He was a gifted speaker, an energetic teacher, and a mentor to many. Jon provided guidance and support to countless students and colleagues. He was the consummate caregiver, compassionate counselor, and a loving and caring father and husband.
For those of us who had the privilege of knowing Jon, we not only liked and respected him, we loved him. He was the friend you always wanted around when you were in a tight spot. He was a confidant and trusted advisor. For others, he was the brother one never had.
While we were sad when Jon left U-M for New York University in 2000, we knew this was important to him and his family.
At NYU, he blossomed professionally and enjoyed the fruits of many years of hard work. In many ways the success Jon experienced there as a scholar and academic leader validated what we already knew. Jon's absence from the University of Michigan community only strengthened his friendship with us. I will miss the reunions we celebrated at annual AADR meeting and his trips to Ann Arbor with his sons Zach and Max to watch Michigan-Ohio State football. Last November his disease had taken its physical toll, but for the sake of his sons, Jon would not be dissuaded from keeping his promise to attend that game. This was the last time many of us saw Jon who fought to the very end. We will miss him terribly.
