July 3, 2009

David McDaniel

     David McDaniel, 74, died June 27, 2009 at home, peacefully in his sleep with family at his side after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
     A lifelong resident of The Dalles, he was born in his family home on Oct. 30, 1934, the youngest child of Wiley and Dorothy (Schwab) McDaniel. He attended Colonel Wright grade school and spent time playing along Mill Creek. He graduated from The Dalles High School in 1952, and then went to the University of Oregon, graduating from U of O Medical School (now OHSU) in 1959 before continuing on to his ophthalmology residency at University of Illinois.
     After finishing his education, he entered the US Air Force as an ophthalmologist. He was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. Following his military service he joined his brother Donald McDaniel’s ophthalmology practice before opening his own office. He maintained his practice in The Dalles for 32 years, retiring Dec. 31, 1998.
     He married Marilyn Masterson in La Grande in 1961. Together they raised their three children in The Dalles. He very much enjoyed hiking the trails of the Columbia River Gorge, photography, gardening and travel. He also took a keen interest in creating string figures and learning their origins and history.
     He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn; daughter Shauna, Seattle; son Craig and wife Laurie, Philomath; son Brent, Portland; six grandchildren; his sister Willagene Edel, Portland; brother Richard, Portland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     A memorial celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 11 at 4 p.m. at Sorosis Park. A private interment will be held.
     Remembrances may be made in memory of David McDaniel to: The Parkinson’s Center of Oregon, OHSU Foundation, 1121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97205; or online at http://www.ohsu
.edu/ohsuedu/about/foundation.
     Arrangements are under the care of Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home.