William Stanton Obituary
September 12, 1943 - June 16, 2021
San Diego
Dr. William Stanton died peacefully on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Born in Atchison, Kansas, Dr. Stanton attended Harvard University, studying Philosophy, then went to Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine. He continued his education at the University of California San Diego where he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, specializing in hematology and oncology. While pursuing his career and education, he served his country in the US Army, with a tour of active duty in Saigon, Vietnam, and then Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco. Dr. Stanton established a private practice with Dr. Richard Ugoretz, they shared an intense devotion to patients' wellbeing. Their round-the-clock commitment, concern and care were well-known by patients and peers. In his later career, Dr. Stanton committed his passion to Scripps Mercy Hospital, including the development of the soon-to-be-opened Scripps MD Anderson Prebys Cancer Center. The Center has been a labor of love for Dr. Stanton and his colleagues, bringing together oncology's best practitioners to create a state-of-the-art institution. Dr. Stanton's dedication to his patients mirrored his abounding love of his many friends, colleagues and family - including Lois (Del Mar, CA), his wife of 56 years, daughter, Lisl (Austin, TX) grandchildren, Gerald and Brayden Doherty, and two sisters, Ruth Stanton Hucke (San Diego, CA) and Martha Stanton (Bedford, MA). Dr. Stanton found great solace in music, especially the classical guitar, and often said, "Where words fail, music speaks." A tribute will be held later this summer, and donations can be made to Scripps MD Anderson Prebys Cancer Center at Scripps Mercy Hospital in his honor.
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Cindy Crist
June 17, 2025
I miss you every single day. Oh how I long to talk to you...
Veronica Hernandez
June 17, 2024
Dr. Stanton... I will always remember you and miss you.
I will never forget how much you care and your kindness during my moms desease and also your support with my doughters.
The world lost a great doctor and person. God have you in a wonderful place.
Sincerely,
Veronica Hernandez
Veronica Hernandez
November 18, 2021
I am deeply sorry for a great Doctor and human being. I have so much to thank you for Dr. Stanton. You will always be in my heart and prayer....
Betsy Rowell Buckner
August 6, 2021
I am so saddened to learn of the loss of such a great man. I was an RN in Mercy's Oncology unit in the 80's, and had the privilege of working with Dr. Stanton. I had the utmost respect for him and looked to him as a mentor. Not only was he a highly regarded Oncologist; he was a truly compassionate person, who spent personal time with his patients. He livened up our unit with his cheerful attitude and funny stories.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family.
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Robin Grossman
July 22, 2021
Dr. Stanton was my Oncologist and he was an amazing loving human. I am so grateful to him. He saved my life and 17 years later I am alive and healthy due to his clinical expertise. However, what I remember most about him is his compassion, his empathy and and his heartfelt caring for his patients. He also had a great sense of humor! I am so grateful to him and I am so very saddened by his passing. He should have lived to be 100!!! My condolences to you Lois, I did meet you once, and to your entire family. May he rest in peace forever.
Risa Brown
July 5, 2021
Dr. Stanton was a very kind doctor. He loved music. He used to stop by the piano @ Scripps Mercy to listen to me play. I appreciated that. He lifted my spirits.
Yvonne and Alan Williams
July 1, 2021
Dr. Stanton was our physician during a time when he opened his practice to Internal medicine patients. He told us that diagnosing my pregnancy was his best and happiest diagnosis. We will never forget him. (Our son is now 37 years old!). Our sincere condolences to his family.
Gary Marrokal
July 1, 2021
I will always remember and be grateful for Dr. Stanton´s kindness and caring during my bouts with Lymphoma. He went above and beyond what you would expect a physician to do. He truly cared!
He instilled calm, peace, serenity and confidence. I especially enjoyed when he played his beautiful music on his guitar.
May God bless your family,
Gary and Becky Marrokal.
Michael and Sarajane Milder
June 28, 2021
Lois, we were shocked and saddened to learn of Bill´s passing. As you know, we started our medical training together and followed similar career paths. He exemplified what is best in medicine: intelligence, commitment and compassion. On top of that he had a great sense of humor. I know you must be feeling a profound emptiness now, but you can take comfort in the memories of your 56 years together. We will miss him.
Mike and Sarajane
Kim Lyon
June 28, 2021
In the late 1990s, Dr. Stanton treated my now-late brother-in-law, Joe, at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. Joe had multiple myeloma. Dr. Stanton was very professional, supportive and kind during Joe's treatment. Joe was a Beatles expert and lifelong fan, so he and Dr. Stanton had some great discussions about music. In the years that followed, Dr. Stanton was my mother's oncologist. I was fortunate enough to talk with Dr. Stanton, and he was very thoughtful and engaging. I'm grateful that he took such good care of my family members, and that we had the honor of knowing him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Danielle Luster
June 28, 2021
Dr. Stanton gave us peace, comfort, wisdom, and humor in the most difficult of times. I am forever grateful for the care he gave our mother and the music filled moments in his office. I hope you still hear his music and find comfort.
Caroline McCourt Raymond
June 28, 2021
Dear Lois, we were sorry to hear for Bill ( I still think of him as Billy!!) passing. I forwarded the info to Pat, who lives in PA and Mary, who lives in El Cajon. Just know that we are thinking of you and your family. We could always catch up sometime. I live in Escondido. Take care, Caroline
James Conner
June 27, 2021
Dr. Stanton treated my Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1986 when I was a 26 year old preparing for graduate school. His compassion in this trying time was amazing. The best example I can lift up was when my treatment was delayed due to health issues and it looked like I would miss my first couple weeks of classes. Dr. Stanton came in on the weekend solely to give me my treatment so that I could start school on time. Over the last 30+ years I have mentored many aspiring doctors / premed students in my positions at UCSD and Salk Institute and I always lift up Bill Stanton as a role model for the kind of doctor they should aspire to become. My condolences to Bill's family. He was a wonderful doctor and amazing person.
Madeline English
June 26, 2021
I worked for San Diego Hospice and made many calls to Dr. Stanton over the years. I so appreciated his care and knowledge in regards to his patients. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good man and an excellent physician.
Noemi Forman Hanono
June 26, 2021
I am so sorry for his loss. I offer my condolences to his family and may his memory be for blessing.
I was a patient of his 25 years ago. He was the best! His calming nature always put me at ease along with his opera singing when the nurses couldn't find my tiny veins.
He will definitely be missed.
Noemi Forman Hanono
Noemi
June 26, 2021
I am so sorry for his loss. I offer my condolences to his family and may his memory be for blessing.
I was a patient of his 25 years ago. He was the best! His calming nature always put me at ease along with his opera singing when the nurses couldn't find my tiny veins.
He will definitely be missed.
Noemi Forman Hanono
jim roberts
June 26, 2021
It is not an exaggeration to say that few have done more to help their fellow man during their lifetimes or left a greater legacy than Bill Stanton while at the same time each and every day setting an example of kindness and caring for those he met on his life journey. To those who were suffering or scared while dealing with cancer, he brought comfort and healing. In working with his almost lifelong friend Jim Allison he brought a partnership with MD Anderson to San Diego that will exponentially improve care for thousands in the future. I just hope he knows how much we all appreciated what he did and loved him for who he was.
Meredyth L Devin
June 25, 2021
Sending a message of love, respect, and thanks to Dr. Bill Stanton and his family. He and my husband, Joe, were colleagues and friends at Scripps-Mercy Hospital and were "sympatico" in their care and concern for their patients. Bill was a great comfort to Joe as death neared. May those strains of the classical guitar, which they both loved, play forever in their souls.
Susan Schock
June 25, 2021
Lois and Lisl, my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I hope that your many years of memories are a comfort to you now and always.
Michelle Meyer
June 24, 2021
I can attest to Dr. Stanton´s round-the-clock commitment, concern, and care for his patients. My father was a patient of his associate, Dr. Ugoretz. My dad become very ill in Mammoth and need of a medication the hospital there did not have. Dr. Ugoretz was away, and Dr. Stanton wrote the prescription for my father and left it on his home´s doorstep for us to pick-up, fill, and deliver to him in Mammoth. If not for Dr. Stanton, my father would of had to be airlifted to San Diego. Our family is forever grateful to Dr. Stanton for his kindness and compassion.
Sammy Gross and Trent Smith
June 24, 2021
Dr. Stanton was truly one of the best in his field and more. We knew all from Piret's and Canes day's...also SD Hospice. Twice Dr. Stanton saved my Trent's life...he always came from a good place and was truly born to be a doctor...yes with that bedside manner that you don't learn...it is within.....a calling. Lois and Lisl thank-you for sharing him with all of us....he will be missed and yet I know George Munger and Dr. Doris Howell are showing him around his new home...and asking him to play the guitar for all the other saint's...blessings!!!
Toni (Fields) Hull
June 24, 2021
May you find Comfort and Peace during this difficult time. Bill was always kind and respectful in High School, I can only imagine how his patients and staff must have adored him.
Alphe and Jeanne Lachance
June 24, 2021
Alphe & I met him at our daughters Roxanne wedding & fell in love with him so kind & happy go lucky.
Our deepest sympathies to the family
Marsha (Owings) Hurst
June 23, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Sending love to you and your family, Lois❤
Sally Margulis
June 23, 2021
Beloved friend and mentor, his dedication and compassion brought so much to so many.
Rita Callahan, PhD, RN
June 23, 2021
It was indeed my pleasure working with Dr. Stanton as an oncology nurse. He will be remembered for his remarkable warm and gentle personality. I always enjoyed his sweet, kind smile.
Marilyn (McLenon) Anderson
June 23, 2021
Lois and family, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers in your loss. Bill was a great man, as evidenced in our high school and far beyond in his studies and career choices. May God give you strength during this time of grief. Marilyn (McLenon) Anderson
Connie Ellyson Enzbrenner
June 23, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sally Mize Garrett
June 23, 2021
We are so very sorry to learn of this very sad loss of a a very fine man. Bill certainly lived a life devoted to caring for others. We send heartfelt condolences to Lois and all of his family. We treasure memories of him that go back to our early years. With love, Sally Mize Garrett
K Hirsch
June 23, 2021
Representing the generations of Mercy GME graduates who trained under Bill, many of whom became colleagues over the years, our deepest condolences to his friends and family. His lasting contributions to patients and the greater San Diego community should be celebrated.
Jessica McGee
June 23, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. He was the very best at what he did and will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathies to his family and all who were ever lucky enough to know him.
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