Michael Eugene Mcleod, M.D.

Michael Eugene McLeod passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024, six months after being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Mike spent his final months savoring good food and meaningful visits with close friends, family, and fellow members of the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. During this time, he continually expressed his gratitude for his many deep relationships, the beauty of the natural world, and the thoughtful care he received from the staff at The Forest at Duke. Mike was a relentless seeker, a lifelong learner, and a wise, devoted teacher. He will be missed by many.

Mike was born on March 5, 1935, the son of Ramon and Mytyle (Trapnell) McLeod and brother to Melissa McLeod of Durham, NC and Ray McLeod of Bryson City, NC. Mike grew up in Clewiston, Florida and was the first person in his family to attend college. After three years at the University of Florida, Mike was admitted to the Duke School of Medicine. He later served as chief resident under Dr. Eugene Stead, Jr. and joined Duke’s clinical faculty in 1967.

Mike taught and practiced internal medicine with a specialty in gastroenterology for nearly 50 years. After he retired from practicing in 2000, he continued teaching with the Duke School of Medicine’s Practice Course until 2016. In this role, he worked with medical students to help them understand and master the art of the doctor-patient relationship. Mike loved working with medical students and often said the Practice Course was the highlight of his career.

Mike lived in Durham, North Carolina, and was married to Anita (Swensen) McLeod for 55 years, until her death in 2017. He and Anita loved being outdoors, and spent many years sailing their boat, "Free to Be" on their beloved Pamlico Sound. They shared a passion for mind-body medicine and a commitment to living with meaning and purpose. They also enjoyed hiking and camping together -- and had many adventures in the mountains of North Carolina, Montana, and Wyoming.

In recent years, Mike was an active member of Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where he facilitated and participated in many workshops related to conscious living and anti-racism. Mike treasured his community at Eno River, and was especially fortunate to meet and share several years of companionship with Nancy Couts of Chapel Hill. Mike and Nancy had a lot of fun together; they especially enjoyed cooking, reading poetry, and spending time outdoors. The family is profoundly grateful to Nancy for her peaceful presence and dedicated care of Mike these last several months. She was an enormous source of comfort and joy for Mike, as well as a faithful provider of delicious treats that always brightened his day.

As you likely know, Mike was evangelical about self-discovery and continuous learning. He recently published a book entitled “Coming Home to Yourself: How to Make the Most of Life’s Third Chapter” available through the Resource Center for Women & Ministry in the South (RCWMS Press, 2023 | RCWMS.org). In these last few years, Mike was also fortunate to live close to his sister Melissa McLeod. The family is deeply thankful for Melissa’s loving and steadfast care of Mike -- she was a devoted sister, a passionate patient advocate, and much beloved by Mike. The family is also very appreciative of the staff at The Forest at Duke, who provided outstanding and compassionate care.

Mike is survived by his four children, Chris McLeod of Durham, Scott McLeod and wife Missy of Durham, Greg McLeod and wife Karen of Raleigh, and Laura McLeod and husband Richard Moberly of Lincoln, NE; his sister Melissa McLeod of Durham; his brother Ray McLeod of Bryson City; and his five grandchildren, Scottie and Lucy McLeod, Lola McLeod, and Luke and Henry Moberly.

A service celebrating the life of Mike McLeod will be convened by Rev. Jacqueline Brett on Saturday, March 9 at 3:00 pm at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, located at 4907 Garrett Road, Durham. Friends are invited to visit with the family at a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Mike’s memory may be made to the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (4907 Garrett Road, Durham, NC 27707) or the Catalyst Scholarship fund at The Forest at Duke (2701 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705).