CAP TODAY Pathology/Laboratory Medicine/Laboratory Management
Dr. VanBremen also served on the board of directors of the American Association of Medical Society Executives from 1991 to 2000 and was president from 1998 to 1999.
CAP staff at all levels knew and were fond of Dr. VanBremen. “Staff were inspired by Lee’s integrity, sensitivity, and commitment to taking the right actions for the right reasons,” says Sandra Grear, vice president of membership and professional development.
John Scott, vice president of advocacy, says, “He was very well respected among his peers. He was an educator, mentor, great listener, and strong people-person. It was a great honor and joy to work for him.”
Liz Cramer, manager of policy and records, says, “I loved Lee because he cared about me as a person. He mentored me, believed in me, and always encouraged me to grow.”
Dr. VanBremen made it a point to know every employee of the CAP. “When awards were presented to staff members, Lee would compose personal messages of appreciation to highlight each person’s contribution,” Grear says.
Announcing his retirement from the CAP was not easy for Dr. VanBremen, who was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. “When he told us he was leaving, it was an emotional moment for him,” Scott recalls. “That spoke very much of how he connected to people. He cared about his team.”
Jane VanBremen, Dr. VanBremen’s wife of 52 years, says: “Lee always worked for the common good in whatever capacity he was in. People felt he was genuinely interested in them, which was true. He also expected them to do their best for the benefit of whatever organization he was leading.”
Dr. VanBremen enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, reading, playing games, and listening to music.
In addition to Jane, of New London, NH, he is survived by two daughters and six grandsons.