Leon Wallace Obituary

Wallace, Leon
August 12, 1920 - November 27, 2009
Born in New York City to Rose and Abe Wallace, Leon moved to Los Angeles in 1935 where he attended Beverly Hills High School and the University of Southern California. He graduated from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1944 and did postgraduate training at Bellevue Hospital in New York and Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He was one of the first physicians to be Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Cardiology and became a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Cardiology.

Leon entered private practice in July 1947. He was known as a consummate internist and cardiologist based at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for 60 years (except for honorable service in the United States Army during the Korean War where he earned the rank of Captain) until his retirement on December 31, 2007, at the age of 86. During this time, Leon cared for over 30,000 patients and combined clinical acumen with a passionate and caring disposition. He took his own weekend and night calls and made hospital rounds every day for all 60 years. A modest individual who never promoted himself, it did not matter to him whether he volunteered at an indigent clinic or acted as the internist to Hollywood luminaries. He was always available to provide funny stories, puns, solace, and access to the best consultants for his patients. His research included publications and pioneering work in electrocardiography and pulmonary hypertension, and he lectured around the world.

Leon was passionate about art all his life, starting with lessons at the Pratt Institute of Art in New York at age 5. He loved to paint and was a founding member of Manus at UCLA's Fowler Museum of Cultural History. He was also active in the L.A. County Art Museum, Fellows of Contemporary Art, and the Ethnic Arts Council, among others.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who always answered the question how are you feeling, with "great", he was predeceased by his brother William Wallace (daughter Meredith Rish) and leaves his wife of 64 years Fern Wixen Wallace, their children Laura and Dr. Daniel (Janice) Wallace, grandchildren Naomi, Phillip, Sarah and Gillian, new great grandson Samuel, and cousin Rachel Waller. Services will be private and a memorial will take place in a few weeks. Donations are to be sent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Division of Cardiology or Rheumatology.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Dec. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Wallace

3 Entries

Steven Kunes

August 30, 2020

Dr. Wallace was my internist for many years and I often think about him to the day. He was truly a great doctor and an equally great human being who represented a better time and place, a more interesting and decent era. I wish I could turn back the hands of time long enough to see him just once more. Sweet dreams, Dr. Wallace. Until we meet again...

December 7, 2009

Dear Dan,

I am so saddened to learn of your father’s passing. Even though I did not have the pleasure and honor of meeting him, your father’s life and legacy --- as reflected in the LA Times article about how wonderful and devoted a parent, husband and physician he was --- will live on through you and your family. He must have been so proud of you, Dan, in terms of how kind, caring and brilliant an individual you are, in addition to your distinguished and remarkable career. I have always praised individuals who are gifted and dedicated, and, especially those who are humble and sincere. The few times that we have met at Alumni gatherings, this is the impression that you have left in my mind when I think about you. And, surely, these wonderful traits have, in large part, been a result of growing up in a supportive environment with caring, loving and giving parents, as yours. It is so difficult to lose a parent, regardless of how full a life they may have led. And, one reflects on how precious the time was when they were there for you. I, too, have lost my parents --- my Mom when she was only 55 and I was still in grad school; and, my father, ten years ago --- and, a day does not pass without my thinking of them. I strongly feel and believe that they are with me all the time, in spirit and in thought. May the memory of your father be an inspiration for you and your family to find peace within yourselves and to continue to live a full life, one with passion and love.

With my deepest condolences,
David Pepper.

liza bercovici

December 2, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Leon's passing. He was a great doctor and a great human being, an inspiration for us all. David and I send our love and thots. Liza Bercovici

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