Dr. Foster Clinton Kordisch Jr. dedicated his life to the well-being of others, both as a pediatrician and a family man. His medical journey began at McNeese State University and the LSU School of Medicine, culminating in a residency at the LSU School of Pediatrics at Charity Hospital. He returned to his roots in Southwest Louisiana, driven by a profound desire to serve families. This commitment manifested in 1975 with the opening of his solo pediatric practice, which later merged with the Children’s Clinic in 1980 to become the Children’s Clinic of Southwest Louisiana. For the next five decades, Dr. Kordisch consistently exceeded expectations in his care for his young patients.
Dr. Kordisch’s dedication extended beyond medical expertise. He exemplified compassion by treating children even when families struggled financially, accepting tokens of gratitude like oysters in lieu of payment. This generosity reflected his core values and highlighted the deep connection he forged with the community he served. His daughter, Allison Kordisch Tucker, remembers him as a vibrant and devoted husband and father, a man who consistently prioritized his family. Whether creating an ice-skating rink in their flooded yard, orchestrating impromptu Disney sing-alongs using the car dashboard as a piano, or simply being a constant source of support, Dr. Kordisch poured his love and energy into his family.
Following a year-long battle with complications arising from knee replacement surgery, Dr. Kordisch passed away on October 10. The day of his funeral was understandably steeped in grief for his wife Barbara, their four adult children, including Allison, and his grandchildren. However, amidst the profound sadness, a moment of unexpected beauty emerged. As the funeral procession passed one of the Children’s Clinic locations, the nurses and staff lined the street, hand in hand, paying their respects to the beloved doctor. This spontaneous tribute offered a glimmer of comfort and solace on an otherwise heartbreaking day.
Allison, overcome with emotion, captured the poignant scene on video, her sobs audible over the images of the clinic staff standing united in their grief and admiration. The gesture deeply touched the family, moving both Allison and her mother to tears. While grief and shock were the dominant emotions that day, Allison also experienced a surge of pride. The outpouring of support from her father’s colleagues reaffirmed the profound impact he had on their lives and served as a testament to his exceptional character.
The video, shared by Allison, became a symbol of Dr. Kordisch’s legacy, a reminder of his generosity and his unwavering commitment to helping others. His life, though perhaps not widely known, touched countless individuals through his selfless acts of kindness and support. The simple act of the clinic staff lining the street became a powerful illustration of the importance of human connection and the enduring power of kindness. In a moment of profound sorrow, it offered a ray of hope, emphasizing the importance of showing up for one another in times of need.
Dr. Kordisch’s life serves as a reminder that true impact is measured not by grand gestures but by the countless small acts of kindness and compassion that ripple through communities, leaving an enduring legacy of love and service. His dedication to his patients, his unwavering devotion to his family, and the profound respect he earned from his colleagues all paint a portrait of a man who lived a life worthy of remembrance. The spontaneous tribute from his coworkers, captured in that brief video, encapsulates the essence of his character and serves as a lasting testament to the difference one person can make in the lives of many.
