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DAVID M. LINK

1930 - 2018

DAVID M. LINK obituary, 1930-2018, Weston, MA

BORN

1930

DIED

2018

DAVID LINK Obituary

LINK, David M. One in a Million It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of David M. Link who passed on December 23, in Massachusetts General Hospital. David was born in Brooklyn in 1930, but spent his youth living on Spy Pond in Arlington, Massachusetts fishing, boating, birding and generally messing around in the water before graduating from MIT in Physics. He received a Masters degree from the University of Illinois through the Air Force ROTC program and spent three years doing research and development for the Air Force before attending Harvard Business School. Although he didn't attend medical school his career was spent in medical devices, most significantly as the first director of the FDA's Bureau of Medical Devices from 1974-1980 where he ushered critical amendments through congress and oversaw approval of the devices we all depend on including heart valves, intraoccular lenses, joint replacements and women's contraceptive devices. Later medical device regulation and quality assurance roles at Cordis, Millipore, Expertech and Boston Healthcare Associates moved him to Florida and then back to Massachusetts. His industry contributions were recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and Medical Device Manufacturers Association. Independent of the job or location, summers usually found him at AMC Camp at Echo Lake on Mount Desert Island - literally his favorite place on the planet. Hiking the Bubbles, listening to the loons call, visiting Thunder Hole and popovers at Jordan Pond House were annual pilgrimages. His love of nature was only matched by his love of family. He took us hiking in the summers, skiing in the winters, played tennis  and expected us to be the best people we could be. A modern renaissance man he could do anything from making a great pot of pea soup, hunt pheasant and deer,  and fix anything from watches to automobiles.  Even though he enjoyed being outside in the fresh New England air, he was the consummate homebody where he enjoyed his daily WSJ, sneaking peanut butter from the jar and reading action thriller novels. He was also an incredible fighter who survived a Colorado avalanche,  a totaled car, two strokes, 50% amputation of his foot and four heart attacks.  He taught us never to waste anything - money or food. Over the past few years his curiosity, keen intelligence and medical device knowledge (particularly in cardiac devices) made him a great partner with the amazing doctors he embraced at MGH while his sweet, accommodating nature made him a dream patient for the staff. He was simply the best. The best patient, the best dad and the best model for how to treat people, pursue your dreams and always stay engaged with the world around you.  He was to the end master of his fate, captain of his soul. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his son David and daughter-in-law Angelia, his daughter Susan, granddaughter Samara, and his sisters Tyler and Joanne. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrews Church in Wellesley, Massachusetts on Saturday, January 20, 2017 at 1:30 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Appalachian Mountain Club or The Jane Goodall Institute.

View the online memorial for David M. LINK

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2018.

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3 Entries

Rick Foy

January 20, 2018

What a wonderful, giving and caring man. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting him but heard about him through Dave. Please accept my deepest sympathy. You were blessed to have him in your lives.

Andy and Maggie Ferrara

January 13, 2018

Dear Shirley, Susan, Samara, David and Angelia,

Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you at this time.

David exuded kindness, gentleness and extraordinary professional insight. He was a man who was highly respected by all who knew him and worked with him. He was "a man for all seasons".

Although we are unable to be with you next week, you are in our thoughts from afar.

Blessings, always,

Andy and Maggie Ferrara and family

Barbara House

January 11, 2018

The family has my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Link.

Sometime as we pass through life's journey we cross paths with a person whom displays the kindness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness of Mr. David M. Link. He will always hold a special place in my heart and my life's memories.

Sincerely,

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Memorial Events
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Jan

20

Memorial service

1:30 p.m.

St. Andrews Church

Wellesley, MA

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