Kenneth C. Archibald, M.D.

[This article on the late Kenneth Archibald, M.D. was originally published in CPMC’s newsletter Partners in Health in the fall of 2004. An outstanding CPMC physician for more than three decades, Dr. Archibald also once served as chair of Rehabilitative Medicine. We lost our long-time leader and true friend on August 24, 2011.]

True to His Words

When Dr. Kenneth C. Archibald was honored as the 2000 Outstanding Physician Donor at the Foundation’s annual Circles of Giving Reception, he said simply, “My 35 years at the Medical Center were very satisfying and I think it does great work. Life has been very good to me, and it makes me wish to continue to try to do good for others.” Dr. Archibald is staying true to those sentiments.

This year he was honored for his generosity once again. He received the 2003 Outstanding Planned Gift Award for support of a cause close to his heart: rehabilitative medicine. In 2005, the new Archibald/Ehrenberg Terrain Rehabilitation Park will open, elevating what is already one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation programs to near-unique status.

At least 3,000 square feet of temperature-controlled space on the Davies Campus will provide patients in rehabilitation from strokes, spinal cord injuries and the like with the opportunity to practice navigating bumpy gavel driveways, sandy beaches, steep curbs and bus stops—generally learning to function “out there” again. By contrast, most rehab patients get training in hospital hallways or costly, less controllable, field trips.

“What better could I do than fund something that’s in my own field?” Dr. Archibald remarked, He adds modestly, “I’d like to leave a legacy.”

Architects are finalizing plans now. When the ceremonial shovel hits the dirt, and later when the ribbon is cut, Dr. Archibald will be on hand. His gift is not only leaving a legacy, but paying tribute to the late Bob Ehrenberg, his life partner for 19 years until Bob’s death in 1993. The new facility will link their names forever.

The Terrain Park forms the cornerstone of Dr. Archibald’s personal estate plan. His pledge assigns his retirement fund assets to the Foundation. The same may be done with a life insurance policy or vacation home. For more information about estate gifts, please contact Barbara Lowe, Senior Gift Planning Officer, 415-600-2769.