Bill and Margie Odell

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George Washington University University of California| Berkeley University of Chicago University of Utah University of Washington

Bill Odell Obituary

William (Bill) Douglas Odell and Margaret Florence (Reilly) Odell

In Loving Memory

Our parents, William (Bill) Douglas Odell and Margaret Florence (Reilly) Odell, died at home in Ivins, Utah; Bill on November 22, and Margie the next day, November 23. Bill was 93 years old, and Margie 91. They were inseparable for their 72 years of marriage, and passed away within 24 hours of each other. Bill was born in Piedmont, California on June 11, 1929 to Emma and Ernest Odell and Margie November 26, 1930 in Los Angeles, California to Catherine and John J Reilly.

They met in art class at UC Berkeley, and married in 1950. Dad went on to medical school at the University of Chicago, completing his MD in 1956 and residency at the University of Washington in internal medicine. He earned his PhD from George Washington University in endocrinology in 1965. Dad then went on to develop internationally recognized expertise in reproductive endocrinology, publishing over 350 scientific articles, book chapters and books. He trained 55 postdoctoral fellows during his tenure at UCLA Harbor General Hospital and the University of Utah. He chaired the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah from 1980-1996. He received numerous teaching, leadership, and research awards and is remembered by many for his excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Mom majored in art and music at UC Berkeley, taking a long break to rear their 5 children. She returned to college in 1972, earning a BS in nursing at Cal State Long Beach. After moving to Utah, Mom graduated from the University of Utah as a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, specializing in diabetes education. She was an accomplished pianist and artist. Her watercolor paintings are a delight, and grace all of our homes.

They loved to travel all over the world together or with family, and were passionate about golf, fishing and the outdoors.

We are thankful beyond measure that Mom and Dad were able to live at home as they weathered multiple medical difficulties related to old age. We are particularly grateful to all the incredible caretakers who provided loving care for them in their home for their last several years, as well as the numerous medical providers. We, Mom and Dad's children, are Michael Odell from Bend, Oregon; Timothy Odell (Sharon), Guilford, CT; Dennis Odell (Camille), Logan, Utah: Debbie Burns (Phil), Salt Lake City, Utah; and Charlie Odell (Laurie), Bainbridge Island, Washington.

A private ceremony was held for them at the Tonaquint cemetery in St George, Utah on November 30, 2022.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Odell

9 Entries

Theodore S Roosevelt, MD, PhD

August 22, 2024

Sorry to see this. Dr O'Dell was my mentor when I was an endocrine fellow at Harbor-UCLA medical center. He was everything you would want as a role model, physician, and scientist. I remember accompanying to SLC when he was being vetted to assume the Internal Medicine Department at the University of Utah Medical School. The highlight of that trip was a several day backpacking trip to the Uinta Mountains where I was was happy to teach him my old haunts and how to fish mountain trout (Royal Coachman on a bubble). A great man, I was honored to have him as my teacher.

Ronald Swerdloff

January 8, 2023

With great sadness of the passing of Bill and Margie Odell. Bill Odell was my mentor and model of what I hoped to be in my own medical career. He was a brilliant physician and scientist and a leader in his chosen field of Endocrinology but of equal importance he was a kind and caring for all that worked for and with him. Bill's many trainees at Harbor-UCLA medical Center, University of Utah owe a world of thanks to all he taught us about sharing ideas and caring for patients. Many of us enjoyed evenings at their home in Palos Verdes during their time in Southern California. They were devoted parents and taught us you could be a committed professional while being loving and guiding parents.
We have lost two special people; they gave us so much
Ron Swerdloff

David Heber, MD, PhD

January 2, 2023

I was privileged and honored to know Bill Odell and Margie when I was an Endocrinology fellow and a PhD graduate student at UCLA Harbor General Hospital from 1974-1977 before joining the UCLA faculty in 1978. Bill was a role model of a physician scientist and research leader who maintained deep curiosity to uncover nature´s secrets. I remember his mentorship and the wonderful parties at their home in Palos Verdes and most of all Bill´s optimism. He will have a special place in my heart always.

Mike Battistone

December 27, 2022

What an amazing story--I'm not at all surprised they left this world just as they had lived: together. Tim, I owe you and your father the debt of gratitude that a student always feels to the teachers that have shaped them. I am fortunate to have learned from both of you, and can't express in words what you both have meant. Please know you and your family are--and will always be--in my thoughts and prayers.

Dr Ian Holdaway

December 25, 2022

Sorry for the delay, only just aware of Bill and Margie´s death. Very fond memories of their time in Auckland, New Zealand, where Bill´s exceptional teaching and clinical skills made him our best ever visiting Professor. RIP my good friends.

Robin

December 19, 2022

What an obituary. How lovely that they lived life so fully and passionately and died within a day of one another. I have been looking at the obituaries for 30 years and this is very lovely. I am truly sorry for your loss. May their memory be eternal.

Diane Opp (friend of Deb)

December 19, 2022

Thinking of you and sending gentle thoughts.

R. Summerhays

December 18, 2022

Didn't know your parents or your family, but wow, lives so well lived! You must be very proud! So very sorry for your loss.

With warm regards,Nora

December 17, 2022

For Tim Odell...What amazing parents you had. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I remember so fondly all the years we worked together at Madsen.

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