Paul Wilson

1922 - 2015

Paul Frederick

Wilson

November 9, 1922 -

February 8, 2015

Paul Wilson was born in Richland Oregon to Frederick and Lillian Wilson, the second of four children. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Halfway, Oregon where he was raised. As a teenager, he worked at the town's only movie theater running the projectors. Earning $1 per night, he saved up and bought his first clarinet.

Paul attended the University of Oregon, first in the Pre-Medicine program in Eugene, then later at Medical School in Portland. While in Eugene, he worked at the old M & K Market at west 11th and Chambers. He completed his studies in 1947. Following an internship at French Hospital in San Francisco, he moved to Mapleton, Oregon to begin his private practice in 1949. There he served as the town's first doctor and stayed until he was called to active duty by the US Navy in 1951. The townspeople did not want to lose their doctor and petitioned the Navy for him to stay another year, which he did.

While living in Mapleton he met Jean (Nickel) who was teaching at the local high school. They were married on April 5, 1952. They soon moved to Vista, California where they had two sons, Richard and Robert. After completing Paul's military obligations, the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota where he began training in Psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic. Subsequently, he took the position of Director at the Mental Health Clinic in Rochester. While in Rochester, they had two daughters, Patricia and Judith.

Paul had always wanted to return to Oregon so, in 1966, the family moved to Eugene and settled there. Paul began a successful career in private practice until he retired in 1991. During this time he also served as Medical Director of the Psychiatric Unit at Sacred Heart Hospital (1971-1975). After reaching 65 and "retiring" from private practice, he worked with the Lane County Mental Health Clinic. He had a very special and cordial relationship with the staff there who later named one of their group homes in his honor. The 'Paul Wilson House' was located in the east part of Springfield. Paul was a kind and generous man, and well liked by those who knew him. He was a lifelong learner and had many interests including electronics, astronomy, genealogy, and played the organ and sang in his church choir. While in Minnesota he built an electronic organ from a kit which he used for several years until he needed a larger one on which to take lessons.

He is survived by his wife Jean Wilson, his four children, Richard Wilson, Robert Wilson, Patricia Rufo, and Judy Schumacker, his brother Galen Wilson, and 5 grandchildren.