Stan Brock: "anything that he can possibly give to others, he does.”

August 29, 2018 5:36 PM

Stan Brock, the co-host of the TV program Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, left Hollywood to found Remote Area Medical in 1985. In 2017 they offered free medical, dental and vision care to over 40,000 underserved and uninsured individuals who do not have access to or cannot afford a doctor. Sixty percent of the people served are via mobile medical clinics in the US heartlands. Brock donated his entire monthly social security check to the organization, which runs thanks to 120,000 volunteers. He passed away today at the age of 82. [previously]
posted by jessamyn (38 comments total)

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posted by jim in austin at 5:41 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by Ickster at 5:59 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by Thorzdad at 6:01 PM on August 29, 2018

It’s really amazing that he recognized the need way back in ‘85. I dare say the need is even greater today.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:10 PM on August 29, 2018 [2 favorites]

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posted by Foosnark at 6:10 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by Freeze Peach at 6:16 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by fluffy battle kitten at 6:38 PM on August 29, 2018

. I got glasses through one of these once (and dental cleaning). I wouldn't have had it otherwise at the time.

Great, important work.
posted by AlexiaSky at 6:45 PM on August 29, 2018 [11 favorites]

Wild Kingdom was an important part of my childhood.

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posted by 4ster at 6:46 PM on August 29, 2018 [4 favorites]

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posted by calamari kid at 6:58 PM on August 29, 2018

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Wish we didn't need RAM, but grateful that Brock created it.
posted by shiny blue object at 7:00 PM on August 29, 2018 [3 favorites]

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posted by introp at 7:16 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by LobsterMitten at 7:22 PM on August 29, 2018

I found out about Brock's passing because I noticed someone had changed his Wikipedia page which I had, at some point in the past, added a "needs photo" link to. Today I was happy to add a citation to the article that proved that yes, he really did discover a new species of bat. I watch the videos of them setting up on airfields and giving people glasses and medical/dental care and get inspired to do more good things.
posted by jessamyn at 7:35 PM on August 29, 2018 [5 favorites]

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posted by Making You Bored For Science at 7:37 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by lalochezia at 7:55 PM on August 29, 2018

Loved Wild Kingdom as a kid.

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posted by zengargoyle at 8:36 PM on August 29, 2018

I rember Stan on Wild Kingdom. I had no idea he'd gone on to do such important humanitarian work. What a decent and good human being. (Thanks for the post.)
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:40 PM on August 29, 2018 [1 favorite]

He always came off as a truly nice guy. And I share the sentiment that I'm grateful for his charity work while at the same time being angry that it was needed.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:48 PM on August 29, 2018 [1 favorite]

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posted by one teak forest at 8:49 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by hap_hazard at 10:12 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by Silverstone at 10:17 PM on August 29, 2018

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posted by praemunire at 10:53 PM on August 29, 2018

Wish we didn't need RAM, but grateful that Brock created it.

This this this. One man should not have to do the heavy lifting that everyone, together, can much more easily do.
posted by zardoz at 11:09 PM on August 29, 2018 [2 favorites]

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posted by bcd at 11:43 PM on August 29, 2018

. . . . . . . . . . x 10000
posted by jabo at 1:20 AM on August 30, 2018 [1 favorite]

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posted by lapolla at 2:38 AM on August 30, 2018

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posted by camyram at 2:58 AM on August 30, 2018

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posted by jadepearl at 3:34 AM on August 30, 2018

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posted by bonobothegreat at 4:09 AM on August 30, 2018

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posted by filtergik at 4:47 AM on August 30, 2018

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I just checked and it seems Jim Fowler is still with us.
posted by TedW at 5:05 AM on August 30, 2018 [2 favorites]

Stan Brock is what a saint is, quietly doing good, not some pious "holier than thou" judging everyone else. RIP Saint Stan.
posted by mermayd at 5:11 AM on August 30, 2018 [2 favorites]

I met him once—very humble yet very emphatic that this is important, vital work.
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posted by bookmammal at 7:02 AM on August 30, 2018

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posted by holgate at 11:04 AM on August 30, 2018

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Flags should be at half mast for a good man.
posted by BlueHorse at 12:34 PM on August 30, 2018

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posted by Lynsey at 1:13 PM on August 30, 2018

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posted by Johnny Wallflower at 3:21 PM on August 30, 2018