Search by Name
Search by Name
DONALD F. GAISER, M.D.
May 20, 1933 ~ November 9, 2017
"Don will be remembered for his kindness,
intelligence, sense of humor, and compassion."
Don Gaiser passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully Thursday, November 9th in Salem, OR. Born May 20, 1933 to Paul and Miriam Gaiser, Don graduated from Vancouver High School in 1951, spent two years at Clark Community College where his father was President, graduated from University of Washington in 1955, and U.W. Medical School in 1959 as a surgeon. He was a loyal member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. It was at the U.W. that he met his wife and partner for life, Nadine Willard. They just celebrated 60 years of marriage.
To complete his medical training, Don was an intern at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital, a resident at University of Rochester Medical Center/Strong Memorial Hospital, and served at Nellis U.S. Air Force Base in Las Vegas. He began private practice in Salem, OR in 1966 and retired in 1998. He was revered in the medical community and known for excellence in his field.
Don was committed to giving back to community and was an example to his family. He was on the Board of Trustees at Salem Hospital for 10 years. He also served on the Board of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Salem School District Budget Committee, the Community School Steering Committee, United Way Board, and was on the Board and President of Illahe Hills Country Club.
Don and Nadine purchased a home at Black Butte Ranch in central Oregon in 1974 where they enjoyed decades of vacations with their children and grand children. They went to Maui each year, which Don loved. His interests included golf, fly fishing, outdoor recreation, sports, and fostering relationships with friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife, Nadine; his children, Susan Gudgell (Wally), Beth Sheehan (Chris Walton), Gretchen Odegaard (Bill); grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel, Jo, Annie and Rory; and step-grandchildren, Orion, Tori, David, and Ally. His final week was wonderful, renewing friendships at a U.W. reunion, talking with children and grandchildren, and traveling with Nadine.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 17th at First Presbyterian Church at 770 Chemeketa St. NE in Salem, OR.
Remembrance donations are suggested at the Marion County Food Bank or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service in Salem, OR.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nadine, I am saddened upon hearing of the passing of Don. Remembering fond memories of the opening of Oak St Medical Center in 1966 comes to my mind. Always enjoyed conversing with Don in my pharmacy and valued his wisdom. Both my wife Lynne (deceased 2013) and I have been patients of Don's for surgery.
May God be with you and family.
Terry Parsons
December 3, 2017
A wonderful man of dry humor, heart, family and integrity. A soul of great character. God bless him.
-Orion Gudgell and Brad Bixby, Whidbey Island, WA
November 18, 2017
Don was always fun to be around. He adored his family and truly enjoyed their company. He will be missed.
Kathy Dickinson
November 17, 2017
A great man of integrity, humor, intelligence and a huge heart that inspired anyone who met him. All of our love and support to his family and friends who now move on with a beautiful lasting legacy and hold close his wise, loving and eternal guidance.
Mike and Peggy Gudgell
November 16, 2017
I remember some talks we had as he prepared words for my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. He was so careful in planning just how to capture their spirits and who they are as people. I have heard stories for years about "Dr G" and have always been struck by the perfect triangle of wisdom, humor and heart. Susie, Beth and Gretchen were lucky girls to have him as their Dad, and Nadine to have him as her perfect partner in life. He will be missed by so many...
Annemarie Mainwaring-Sandhu
November 12, 2017
I have fond memories of Dr. Gaiser throughout my high school years, spending time at your home with Beth and Gretchen. He had such a good sense of humor, and touched so many lives. I'm thankful that we will see him again in heaven.
Becky Stone-Hardiman
November 12, 2017
Nadine and family, we are saddened by Don's death.
We hope you find comfort together and in your memories of Don. Please know we share in your sadness and we are thinking of you.
Fondly, Dave and Sally Elmgren
Sally Elmgren
November 11, 2017
Dr. Donald Gaiser and I met in Rochester, NY in 1963 where we were surgical residents together. I was 6 months ahead of him as chief resident and left for 6 more years in the USAF in 1966. We had played golf together every other Sunday morning when the snow allowed. We met later in Philadelphia in 1971 at a National surgical meeting. I had decided to leave the air force in order to enjoy surgery more and Don invited me to join Drs. Richard Upjohn, John Ross and Don in Salem. After visiting and falling in love with Oregon and Salem I accepted in 1972. We had almost 25 years of fun, companionship, and accomplishment in practice and on the golf course. Drs. Mike van Ronzelen, Beth Dayton and Jonathan Durning joined us as others retired. I will miss Don in many, many ways. Calvin J. Collins, MD
Calvin Collins
November 11, 2017
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more