John W. Estabrook, former president of Omaha, Neb.-based Methodist Health System, passed away Dec. 28, at the age of 91, according to a Live Well Nebraska report.
Mr. Estabrook became administrator of Methodist Hospital in 1959. He served as leader of the organization for 41 years, becoming president emeritus of Methodist Health System in 1992, according to a 2016 Omaha World-Herald report.
During his tenure, Methodist grew into a three hospital system that also includes 21 health clinic locations and a nursing and allied health college. Methodist Hospital was the first hospital in Nebraska to implement electronic data processing equipment for record keeping as well as a 24/7 emergency room. Methodist honored him by renaming its cancer center the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center in 2006.
Mr. Estabrook was inspired to enter into the healthcare administration arena after he stayed at a military hospital for two years recovering from tuberculosis that he contracted during World War II. He saw many inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement at the hospital. He joined Methodist as an administrative intern in 1951.
Mr. Estabrook died at the St. Croix Hospice in Delavan, Wis. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, according to the report.