Albert VanFossen

1925 - 2018

van Fossen, Albert
1925 - 2018
Albert Wayne van Fossen, M.D., died on May 5, 2018. He was born at the former St. Clair Hospital in Columbus to Katherine H. van Fossen and William S. van Fossen, M.D. on January 2, 1925. He was happily married to Bonnie Rickets for 59 years who preceded him in death in 2009. Son Todd accidentally in 1994. He is survived by son, Robert Derck and wife, Michele of Traverse City, Michigan and grandson, Shea and wife, Mariah of Grand Rapids, Michigan and great grandson, Arbor Wayne, and granddaughter, Erin of Traverse City, Michigan and great grandson, Gibson Kinney. Al as he was usually called was raised locally and attended Columbus Public Schools graduating from East High School in June 1943. He was soon inducted into the U.S. Army and served 3 years both in the U.S. and South Pacific Theaters as well as the Philippines in the Signal Corps during WWII. Upon return he enrolled at Capital University for pre-med, transferred to the Ohio State University and graduated with a B.S. degree and later a Doctor of Medicine degree. Interning at Mt. Carmel Hospital he went to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit for residency training in ophthalmology. Returning to Columbus he established a solo practice. His special interest in corneal disease and training led him to be among the earliest corneal transplant surgeons locally. Later he was on the medical advisory board for the donor eye bank when it was established. He became an associate professor at OSU Department of Ophthalmology for many years. Governor James Rhodes appointed him to a 7 year term as commissioner of the newly formed Rehabilitative Services Commission and he served as Chairman the entire seven years of his appointment. Al enjoyed his family and traveling. He was especially fond of his vacation home in Harbor Springs, Michigan, which he spent both summers and winters. In later years he spent more winter times in Naples, Florida. Many fond family and friends have good memories there. He retired from active practice in 2010 from the Arena Eye Surgeons finding that he missed greatly the long standing relationships he had developed in caring for his patients over the years. However he had been in practice for 52 years. He thought that was long enough. Belonging to the Athletic Club, Rocky Fork Country Club, and Columbus Club locally, he was also member of the Club at Pelican Bay and the Moorings Country Club in Naples, Florida. As a founding member of ROMA, a medical specialty social group, he remained an active participant. Also member of AMA, Ohio State and local academy of medicine and as well as the American Ophthalmology Society. His interest in historic architecture led him to support the Local Landmarks Group and he was a council member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington D.C. A service celebrating Al's life will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd., where family will receive friends from 4-7 P.M. Friday. Interment Green Lawn Cemetery immediately following service Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Al's memory to the charity of your choice. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.