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Douglas Wolfe Obituary
November 20, 1944 - December 29, 2024
Douglas Randall Wolfe, known to friends and family as Randy, passed away peacefully in his home on December 29, 2024. He had celebrated his 80th birthday in November with his daughter Jes, son Nick, and grandson Asher.
Randy, son of Bernard and Beverley Wolfe, grew up in Hillsborough, CA. At an early age, he became interested in science, literature, and everything mechanical. His alma maters included Dartmouth, Harvard, M.I.T., Stanford, and University of California San Francisco, with advanced degrees in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Medicine. While attending medical school at Stanford University, he also studied Cardiology in Scotland, Obstetrics in Ireland, and Surgery in Tanzania. During this phase, he developed a keen interest in world travel. After his medical residency in Ophthalmology, he completed Fellowships in Neuro-Ophthalmology and Retinal Surgery while working at Moorfields and Queens Square hospitals in London, England.
Randy and his wife Gill moved to Corvallis, OR in 1980. He worked as an Ophthalmologist for 35 years, providing exceptional surgical and medical ophthalmic care to his patients. The couple purchased a working farm, named it "River Oaks Farm" and raised their two children, Jessica and Nicholas, as well as Hereford cows, hay, Christmas trees, fruit orchards, vegetables, dogs, and chickens.
Once retired, Randy moved to Sonoma, CA to live closer to his children. He spent considerable time traveling, sought adventures, and explored many countries over all 7 continents. Always with a camera in hand, he took thousands of pictures of all things great and small. He had a great love for food and cooking - the spicier the better! At 69 years old, he climbed Mount Fuji, just one of many feats reflecting his adventurous spirit. A lifetime enthusiastic outdoorsman, Randy rowed crew and swam competitively at Dartmouth, continued to swim almost every day, and found joy in hiking, camping, skiing, and scuba diving.
Randy is survived by his two children, Jessica Wolfe of Larkspur, CA, Nicholas Wolfe, his daughter-in-law Madison Wolfe, and grandson Asher Wolfe of San Diego, CA. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen Wolfe and sister Patricia Wolfe. A private family service will be held to scatter his ashes.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Wolfe
5 Entries
James M Nusrala
February 7, 2025
I am sad to hear of Randy´s death. As a former partner at the Corvallis Clinic I appreciated his service for our pediatric patients for many years. His presence in the Physician´s lunch room was so much fun with his knowledge and humor displayed.
We send our best to his children.
Jim & Mary Anne Nusrala
Nancy Miller
January 26, 2025
Dr. Wolfe was our eye doctor. We appreciated his knowledge, professionalism, and wry sense of humor. Condolences to his family and friends.
Irma & Pat Canan
January 24, 2025
Renaissance Randy - how fortunate we were to have known him; Pat who had Jessica and Nicholas in his Physics class at Corvallis High and Irma whose vision was rescued more than once by Randy. Conversations with him were filled with depth and joy. We are grateful to have known him and to learn that he passed from this life well. Our condolences to the family. Rest in peace, Randy.
Lacy Lang
January 23, 2025
Randy was a wonderful addition to Sonoma. He was genius in so many ways- a fascinating conversationalist and a great provider of all things delicious -from home cooked meals to tempting jars of candy and treats all over the house. I'm so glad he recently did the world tour with his college buddy- (even though it took some coaxing on his buddy's part)- to go in "style." He was a satisfied man- had successful, happy, healthy children and LOVED watching Asher in the pool and hosting family get togethers. We often joked about how to go about insuring an easy death, and he got the last laugh because he did it without any of the crazy schemes we thought up. I'm sure his last thoughts were full of joy and gratitude for the rich and rewarding experiences he had.
Sue Guss
January 23, 2025
I knew Dr. Wolfe from making referrals to him from the office of J. Bruce Wiliams, MDPC where I worked for many years. I was also a patient of Dr. Wolfe and found him to be a compassionate and caring medical provider who always welcomed his patients with genuine warmth & sincerity. I am so sorry he is gone, but delighted to read that he enjoyed his life after leaving his office behind. He was truly one of a kind, a super nice guy.
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