‘Larger Than Life’ Armen Haig M.D. Passes Away at 90

Armen Charles Haig, M.D., former chief of staff at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, New York, passed away on August 2, 2022, in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the age of 90. His family said that Haig was “Larger Than Life” in everything he did.

As an orthopedic surgeon, he served the Westchester County, New York, for more than 50 years. During his career at Lawrence Hospital, Dr. Haig was chief of orthopedics for two terms and chief of staff for another two. He also was assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City.

It was always his childhood dream to become a surgeon. He loved what he did so much, he often spent holidays, even Christmas day, at the hospital visiting patients, even when he wasn’t on call.

Haig was born on March 9, 1932, in New York City, where he attended Stuyvesant High School. He then earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in Manhattan. He received medical degree at Yale University School of Medicine in 1956. Dr. Haig served as an active duty U.S. Air Force Captain for two years and then in the Air Force Reserve eight years.

“Despite his academic and professional achievements, he was a humble man who earnestly cared for and appreciated people from all walks of life,” his family wrote in his obituary.

Haig also was a lifelong learner and avid reader and had a passion for music and film. Many in his life described him as “Larger Than Life.” He was always the “master of ceremonies” at family gatherings where he would keep everyone entertained.

Family was also important to him. He and his wife raised five children together. Haig is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Johann Ruzzier Haig, M.D., who died on August 14, 2015, as well as his parents, two grandchildren and other relatives. He is survived by his five children, thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.