David F. Wilson, M.D.
December 7, 1936 to November 13, 2018
David Franklin Wilson was born in Millville, Iowa, to Beulah (Grimes) and Richard “Bob” Wilson. Born December 7, 1936, he was delivered by his physician grandfather, who traveled 12 miles through snow by a horse-drawn sleigh.
David grew up in Colesburg, played on the Colesburg baseball team when the Trojans won the Iowa State Championship in 1952. He attended the University of Iowa for undergraduate and medical school. His residency program in otolaryngology occurred at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. During his residency, David was selected to serve in the U.S. Navy and assigned to Navy Medical Services in Washington, D.C. In 1971, he was appointed a fellowship at the House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, where he specialized in neurotology.
David spent his career as a neurotologist, the first in Portland. Due to his specialty, many patients remained with him his entire 45 years of practice. His wife, Leigh, began working with him as an audiologist and then as the practice manager. They worked and retired together after 42 years.
One of David’s greatest career accomplishments was his election as the president of the American Otological, Rhinological and Laryngological Society, aka the Triologic Society.
Throughout the years, David enjoyed time with family and friends, his home in Indian Wells, golf at Portland Golf Club, traveling, entertaining, cooking, wine tasting and annual fishing and golf trips with the Royal Wulffers, a group of ear, nose, throat physicians from throughout the United States.
David died November 13, 2018, just a few weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Leigh Mills Wilson; brothers, Dr. Richard J. Wilson (Elizabeth), Frederick C. Wilson and Col. Stephen D. Wilson (Phyllis); his four children, Adam Wilson, Maggie VanQuill, Annan Naumann (Peter) and Byrne Wilson (Petra); five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. David was predeceased by Mary Goen (married 1960).
David’s lifelong motto was “It’s all about family” and he modeled that to the fullest. He was a kind spirit, a loving man, had a dear sense of humor and a joie de vivre.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral or William Temple House, both in Portland.
A memorial service was held at 4 p.m., Friday, December 7, 2018, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Portland, OR.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits.
