"font-family:">FOLEY, Alabama — South Baldwin Regional Medical

Center Chief Financial Officer Keith Newton announced with sadness

the passing of Rich McAuliffe, the hospital’s chief executive

officer. McAuliffe, 43, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8, following

a battle against cancer.

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"font-family:">“Our leadership and staff are overwhelmed with

sadness due to this sudden loss,” Newton said. “Our first concerns

and thoughts are with his four children, his mother, his sister and

family. They were truly the center of his life, and our prayers are

with them in this difficult time.”

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"font-family:">Hospital representatives said that peace was found

in the “certain knowledge of Rich’s faith.”

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"font-family:">“He was an inspiring leader who had a strong and

devout faith,” Newton noted. “Rich was a wonderful man, beloved by

many. He was a strong leader for our hospital, and his

contributions here will leave a long lasting impression on all of

us.”

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"font-family:">McAuliffe served as assistant CEO and CEO of South

Baldwin Regional Medical Center from January 2004 until July 2007,

rejoining the hospital in July of 2010 as chief executive officer

after serving as vice president of special projects supporting

other CHS hospitals.

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"font-family:">During McAuliffe’s tenure, he focused on expanding

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center to become a leader in the

provision of quality health care for Baldwin

County.

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"font-family:">He was also active in a host of civic and

professional organizations. A member of Saint Patrick’s Catholic

Church, McAuliffe served on the board of the South Baldwin Chamber

of Commerce, and was actively involved in the Central Baldwin

Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of

Commerce.

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"font-family:">He had also been affiliated with the American Heart

Association, United Way, March of Dimes and numerous other health

care organizations.

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"font-family:">“Rich's life ended much too soon, but we can all

take comfort in knowing that he embraced life and lived it fully,”

Newton said. “He leaves behind a legacy of wonderful relationships.

Those of us who have been touched by his friendship are better

people, simply because of his presence in our lives.”