In Memoriam: Steve Larned, MD

The Konbit Sante community is saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Steve Larned. We send our condolences to Steve’s family along with our gratitude for his many contributions to this organization.

Steve played many roles in Konbit Sante. Recruited by Michael Taylor during Konbit Sante’s early development, Steve came on board with enthusiasm, visiting Haiti many times, and always looking for new ways to create sustainable improvements.

Steve used his medical skills to teach and support physician colleagues and medical residents at the Justinien Hospital. He also shared his management and strategic skills with Konbit Sante.

Seeing the need firsthand, Steve and Polly helped organize Konbit Sante’s first container of medical supplies and equipment. It was the first of dozens of containers of supplies Konbit Sante has sent, and is one of the most appreciated parts of our work.

Both Steve and his wife, Polly, a pediatric nurse, were board members for many years, and Steve served as the second President of the Board. His mastery of “chaos theory,” which recognizes the unpredictability and complexity of the world, provided us with many important insights as we developed, Haiti being a particularly complex context to work in.

Steve is remembered not only for his kindness and understated generosity but also for his keen intellect, wisdom, graciousness, and good humor. His DNA is truly embedded in the work of Konbit Sante, and continues to find expression as part of his legacy.

Please read his full obituary in the Portland Press Herald.