Dr. E. Malcolm Field

For most of his life, Malcolm Field was an early riser. So it is fitting that our beloved husband, uncle, friend, and colleague entered peacefully into heaven at 4:25 am on November 3, 2025. His last days were spent in the hospital he knew so well, surrounded by loved ones and cared for with kindness and dignity.

Dr. E. Malcolm Field was born April 10, 1930, in Brighton, Michigan, the third son of Irving and Alta Field. His early years doing chores on the family cattle and grain farm set the tone for a strong work ethic that would last throughout his 95 years of life. After high school, he attended the University of Michigan, training with the U.S. Air Force ROTC and graduating with his medical degree. His motivation to become a physician was fueled by the disparity he witnessed in rural communities where access to specialists is limited. While he was in medical school, he became interested in neuroanatomy and the injuries and diseases of the neurological system, which led him to pursue a specialty in neurosurgery. He completed his residency training both at Saginaw General Hospital and Henry Ford Hospital, a period in his training which he referred to as “transformational,” and continued to serve his country in the Air Force Reserves, ultimately attaining the rank of Major.

In 1962, Malcolm moved to Saginaw, Michigan, and began practicing at St. Mary’s Hospital. He recognized that there was a great need for his specialty and devoted much of his life to providing exceptional medical care to those in this community and the surrounding areas. He often traveled to locations around the state of Michigan to see his patients. Influenced by another physician colleague, he took private flying lessons and invested in a small plane, which he used to travel to his various clinics. During his many years of practice, Dr. Field treated over 315,000 patients, performed over 60,000 surgeries, and witnessed numerous advances in treatment and changes in the healthcare system. Throughout his career, Dr. Field was an innovator of new and effective neurosurgical procedures and worked tirelessly to obtain and utilize state-of-the-art technology, such as the Cyberknife, to provide his patients with the best care possible.

In 1988, Malcolm and his brothers formed the Field Neurosciences Institute, dedicated to research and education in a variety of neurological areas. FNI is dedicated to excellence in clinical care, education, injury prevention programs, and research into treatments for devastating neurological injuries and diseases. Countless people have stories to share about how he has impacted their lives or the lives of those they love through his medical interventions. He demonstrated a standard of excellence in his care for patients and inspired all healthcare professionals who worked with him to reach that same standard. He was studious in his medical practice, always striving to advance his skills and knowledge. His humility was evident in his descriptions of himself as “a brain mechanic” and “just a kid who grew up in a barnyard”. Dr. Field’s vast influence in the healthcare community is felt through research, publication, teaching, mentorship, and leading by example.

Throughout his career, Dr. Field humbly received much recognition, including various awards and honorary degrees. However, he was so much more than just a neurosurgeon. He and his wife, Lois, who have been married for over 50 years, were active in the local community. Their thoughtful philanthropy helped to fund educational and research opportunities at Saginaw Valley State University and Central Michigan University and supported many other local individuals and organizations. Malcolm was a longtime member of the First Free Methodist Church of Saginaw, where he could often be found playing the organ on Sunday mornings. He was a lifelong learner, with shelves full of books on a wide range of topics, with a particular interest in Winston Churchill’s leadership during World War II. Throughout their years together, Malcolm and Lois enjoyed summers on the lake, at their tranquil Upper Peninsula cabin, and time with their many beloved pets. They cherished the company of many dear friends and family.

Malcolm is survived by his loving wife Lois, his nieces and nephews, Darrel and Margaret Field, Darlene and David Berry, Sheryl and Arnie Delamater, Joy and Bill Evans, Mark Field and Phyllis Keymer, Jeanine and Jeff Rairigh, John and Bonnie Field, and Jay and Marla Field, and many cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is also survived by a multitude of close friends, including Carl and Peggy Burk, Tom and Cheryl VanOoteghem, Dr. Waheed Akbar, Dr. Gary Dunbar, and Demos and Jennifer Demosthenous, whose support will never be forgotten. Many treasured colleagues throughout the years had the privilege of working with Dr. Field. Though too numerous to name each one, his legacy continues through all who learned from and served alongside him. He was predeceased by his parents, Irving and Alta, his brothers Frank, Irving, and John, and their wives Vera, Carel, Rose, and Janice, nephew Jonathan, and niece Phyllis. Malcolm’s family and friends would like to thank the physicians and staff in the neuro units at MyMichigan Saginaw for their kindness, as well as many special individuals who cared for them in their home.

Above all, Malcolm lived his entire life guided by his faith, immersed in humility, and in devotion and service to others. He truly exemplified the words of scripture instructing to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. at W. L. Case & Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw. The funeral will be private.

Charitable donations can be made to The Malcolm and Lois Field Foundation to promote Dr. Field’s vision of finding treatments for injuries and diseases of the brain and spinal cord or to Field Neurosciences Institute at www.mymichigan.org/fni

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com