John Wetherby Obituary
John Wetherby
April 18, 1948 - March 28, 2023
John Wetherby embarked on his final adventure on March 28, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at home. Wherever his journey takes him, those who loved him are confident he will get distracted by a bookstore along the way.
Born in Los Angeles in 1948, John's life was one of exploration, be it riding his bike across the U.S., piloting his helio courier across Alaska, backpacking with llamas in Montana, sailing Pacific Northwest waters, or solo kayaking the Danube and Missouri Rivers. There were, as John would like you to remember, plenty of misadventures too.
When plans to enlist for the Vietnam War and finish his undergraduate History thesis at boot camp went awry, he returned to school and later studied medicine at Penn State University. John's love of Alaska began in Bethel, where he served as a physician with the Public Health Service in the 1970's and 1980's. It was Bethel that set the stage, through a fortuitous win in Scrabble, for his marriage to wife, Linda. Daughter, Aelwen, joined the family a year later.
John's decision to become an anesthesiologist led the family to California, followed by two years aboard a sailboat in the San Juan Islands. After eight years in private practice in Montana, John's desire to serve a more equitable health care system brought him back to Alaska's Public Health Service in 1998. After calling Anchorage home for 20 years, John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019 and relocated with Linda to Carter Lake, Iowa, to be closer to their daughter. John met granddaughter, Saoirse, in 2021, who came to adore her "Papa."
John leaves behind thousands of books and almost as many four-leaf clovers. He is survived by wife, Linda Wetherby; daughter, Aelwen Wetherby; granddaughter, Saoirse Wetherby; and sisters: Laurie Valentino and Kate Wetherby Barr.
A celebration of John's life will be held later this year. If you have memories of John, we ask that you share your stories and photographs at [email protected]. Donations in his honor may be made to South Sudan Medical Relief, whose work he strongly supported in life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Hilary Fairbrother
May 5, 2023
I met Dr. Wetherby when I was just a kid, but he quickly became one of the physicians I looked up to and wanted to be more like as I myself progressed through college and medical school. Dr. Wetherby was always calm, kind, and he introduced me to the biggest dogs I had ever imagined. He was an excellent role model and will be missed.
James Maher MD
April 19, 2023
My colleague and friend, John Wetherby will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends for your loss. My wife and I will think of him each time we walk the Eddye McClure trail in Clancy MT. So long John.
James Maher MD
Wayne Chamberlin
April 19, 2023
John was the best anesthesiologist Helena has ever had. Beyond his work as a physician he was compassionate, funny and interesting in so many ways as a traveler, explorer, cyclist.
He will be missed by so many.
Chuck Anderson
April 19, 2023
I remember John as being a quiet, thoughtful and compassionate member of the medical staff at SPH. Truly sorry he was stricken with one of the cruelest diseases at the end
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