Franklin Dalton Aldrich, MD, PhD, FACP

1929 - 2008

The life of a very special man is remembered today. Franklin Dalton Aldrich MD, PhD, FACP, born January 25, 1929, died May 26, 2008. Frank was more than a husband, father, and stepfather; he was more than a boss to the many people who worked for him at M.I.T., in Cambridge, MA, the Climax Mine, in Leadville, CO, as well as IBM in Boulder, CO, he was also a great friend. He was born to Ruth Markham Dalton and George Franklin Aldrich in Detroit, Michigan.

He was husband to Gertrude Aldrich. Frank and Trudy spent more than 20 years in Boulder, CO, where Frank headed the Health Effects Research Department for IBM. Frank was a medical researcher, one of the pioneers of understanding indoor air quality. He and Trudy lived in beautiful Gig Harbor, WA, for the last two years of his life. He was a medical doctor, a lover of music, and a lover of words, and languages, a life member of the National Rifle Association, as well as a licensed amateur radio operator.

Frank is survived by his wife Trudy, sister, Constance Kerwin, children, Allison Aldrich, Janet Aldrich, and George Aldrich, and grandchildren Dylan Cobb and Margaret Cobb. He was stepfather to Wendy Scott, Erik Stieg, and Jennifer Stankus. He was a grandfather to Taylor Scott, Parker Scott, and Emaline Nell Stieg.

While Frank's many accomplishments were extraordinary. He was a man of God, and spent many years devoted to Christ. Frank's many hobbies included HAM radio operator, accomplished rifleman, fisherman, and traveler, as well as a collector and lover of fine classical music. He had an exceptional background in medicine, toxicology, plant physiology, and was a graduate of Michigan State University, Oregon State in Corvallis, OR and Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. He authored many medical publications and other works in his research. Frank lived an exceptional life, and will be long remembered for his incredible contributions to the betterment of life in many areas. We remember him for his wry sense of humor, his intelligence, and his kindness. He is greatly missed by his many friends and family.

Memorial Services will be held at Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor, WA, Saturday May 31 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Frank's memory may be sent to the Organ Fund for Agnus Dei Church, 10511 Peacock Hill Avenue NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332.