David Willian

1931 - 2015

David Eugene Willian

David Eugene Willian of Brookings, Oregon, passed away at home on June 20, 2015. David was born on November 15, 1931, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Ruth and Clyde Willian. David married his sweetheart, Dianne Eccles, on January 5, 1952. They first lived in Bloomington, Indiana, where David attended Indiana University and earned a business degree in 1954. David then attended dental school at Indiana University and, after graduating in 1958, the family moved to northern California where David was stationed at Mather Air Force Base. David served as a dentist in the United States Air Force and rising to the rank of Captain. The family returned to Indiana after he completed his Air Force service and David returned to Indiana University graduating with a Master of Science in Dentistry (Orthodontics) in 1963.

David and his family fell in love with California during his time at Mather Air Force Base. David returned to California and started his own orthodontics practice, creating many beautiful smiles in Chico, Paradise, and Willows from 1963-1994. David was active in his profession and served as president of the Northern California Dental Society. David developed both professional relationships and friendships with several dentists in Paradise, California who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Inspired by these wonderful families, David and his family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. David eventually was called to serve as Bishop and also on two missions to Martin's Cove, Wyoming, with his wife Dianne.

David loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and skier. David spent many hours on the ocean fishing with family, friends, and neighbors. David's children and grandchildren learned to fish under his guidance. David was also well-known for his love of sweets and ice cream. Visiting grandchildren could always count on Dilly Bars from the local Dairy Queen waiting in the freezer for them and Grandpa to share, sometimes multiple times a day. David's kindness and generosity impacted many lives and he will be sorely missed.

David is survived by his wife, Dianne (Eccles) Willian; his four children--Mark (Mary) Willian of Fair Oaks, CA; David (Charlotte) Willian of Bloomington, IN; Ann (Dale) Sargent of Springfield, MO; and Evan (Tammy) Willian of Pittsburg, TX; thirteen grandchildren--Katie, Monica, Charla, Lissi, Rachel, Bethie, Davy, Melissa, Ryan, Nicole, Stephanie, Marisa, and Kayla; nine great-grandchildren--Enzo, Charlotte, Harper, Holland, Reese, Alexandra, Sarah, Charlotte, Catherine, a new great-granddaughter due any day; and his brother, Clyde Willian of Winnetka, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Coastal Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 493, Gold Beach, OR 97444 or Doernbecher Children's Hospital, 1121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite 100 | Portland, OR 97205.

Services are scheduled for 11:00am on Monday, June 29, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 770 Elk Drive, Brookings, Oregon. Viewing will precede the service at the Church at 10:00am.

Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.