School of Medicine

Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy

Peter David Oliver passed away peacefully at his home, with his wife and son at his side, on Saturday, August 20, 2016, after fighting a noble and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 29, 1952 in Washington, D.C. He was the son of the late Palmer Hayes Oliver and the late Helene Margarete Hecker Oliver. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Sayegh Oliver, his son, Nathan (Seana),and his grandchildren, Ronan and Ria. He was brother to Yetta Wright (Larry), Edwin Oliver, and Leonard Oliver (Colleen). He was uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, son-in-law to Myrl Ann Jagot, brother-in-law to David Sayegh and Lisa Sayegh. Peter received his B. S. Degree from the Dept. of Zoology at the  University of Texas , in Austin, in 1975 and his Ph.D. Degree from the Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Southern California in 1981. From there he was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institut d'Emdryologie, Paris, France, where he worked until 1984. He finally found his way to N.O. In 1989 where he was a Sr. Research Scientist at Touro Infirmary. In 1995, he was Research Associate, first in the Department of Pediatrics and then the Gene Therapy Program at LSU Health Science Center, during which time he published numerous research papers. In 2004, he found his true calling as Assistant Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy Department at the LSU Health Science Center. He served as Anatomy Professor to the allied health, nursing, dental and medical students. After Hurricane Katrina, the Health Science Center was displaced to Baton Rouge. Peter helped play a major role in maintaining the anatomy courses' standards of high quality. In 2014, due to his effective and tireless efforts, he was awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from 1st year dental students. In 2015, he received the Dr. Allen A. Copping Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Basic Sciences. This is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a faculty member at LSU Health Science Center. When Peter moved to New Orleans, he learned Cajun/zydeco dancing and ultimately began helping with lessons. Through his dancing, he assembled an amazing group of friends, who became his surrogate family. Peter loved sailing, traveling and all things science. He enjoyed his family, home and garden. He loved cooking and his Big Green Egg, but most of all, he loved to make people laugh!

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