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Conklin, others walk in father’s honor

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations 
For the past five years, Jeff Conklin has anticipated his time walking across the Cooper River Bridge. Not only is his effort healthy, but every step across the four-mile concrete path  allows him to physically honor a lifetime hero, his father.

An active military man, Virgil Patman Conklin was used to taking and giving orders working as an artillery soldier and loadmaster in the U.S. Army and Air Force for 22-years. Growing up in a military family, the younger Conklin grew up in a regimented but loving household. Yet, nothing could prepare him for handling a final directive passed from a father to his son. 

In February 1994, Virgil Conklin was diagnosed with skin cancer at age 58. He died two months later from surgery complications. In previous discussions regarding his death, Conklin had expressed that he wanted to buried honorably—complete with a military honor guard and his casket facing east. On the eve of his surgery, Conklin asked that his body be donated to science.

“I remember being totally surprised,” Conklin said. “Somehow, dad recognized the positive effects of my academic education and what MUSC has done for me throughout my six years as a student. In a way, his final request shows how proud he was of me and this institution.”

While at MUSC, Conklin was able to earn his undergraduate degree in medical technology while working in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. A certified histologist and medical technologist, Conklin went on to earn a master in hospital administration degree in 1992. He currently works as business manager for the Department of Radiology.

After much family discussion, Conklin was able to secure the necessary paperwork from MUSC’s Anatomical Body Gift Program sponsored by the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy. 

The program allows individuals to donate their bodies or bodily organs for science, specifically teaching freshman medical students. Donations are accepted under special guidelines: 

  • Weight must be proportional to height (not to exceed 200 lbs.); 
  • No contagious diseases (hepatitis, meningitis, tuberculosis, HIV, etc.); 
  • No amputations of upper or lower limbs. 


“The decision gives others a chance to learn from my father the way I did,” Conklin said. “It’s an opportunity to give a gift that lives on in the knowledge and career of an aspiring physician. You never know how or what this knowledge can do. Perhaps it can help a physician find a cure for cancer.”

Following his father’s death, Conklin participated in various remembrance events including the university’s annual memorial service for families who have donated to the Anatomical Gift Program. It was within the same year that Conklin decided to honor his father by participating in the annual bridge event.

“He loved visiting Charleston,” Conklin said. “He always marveled at  the size and presence of the Cooper River Bridge.”

Conklin, his wife, Marie, and 12-year-old son, Steven, have rallied others including friends, neighbors and family to walk in his father’s memory. The group plans to be out in full force on the morning of April 1.

“Every year, the event just gets more exciting,” said Conklin. “There’s great camaraderie and support from everyone involved.”

Anatomical Body Gift Program
 Individuals who wish to become donors to MUSC’s Anatomical Body Gift Program can obtain a request and background information form from: MUSC Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy
173 Ashley Ave.; P.O. Box 250508; Charleston, SC 29425-2204
Note: MUSC reserves the right to refuse donations depending upon the condition of the body and/or the needs of this institution. Please have alternative contingency plans made to cover this possibility.