Daniel James Ledbetter

Born May 5th, 1956 in Missouri, Dr. Daniel Ledbetter was raised with his two sisters by Fern and Floyd Ledbetter in Orlando, Florida. He flourished in the Sunshine State and was inspired by his uncle and namesake, Dr. Daniel Wisely, to pursue a career in surgery. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Florida. While there, he played for the UF soccer team and became a life-long Gator fan.

In 1981 he moved to Seattle for his General Surgery residency at the University of Washington. While working as 'trauma doc' at Harborview he met his future wife, Dr. Sandra 'Sunny' Juul, a pediatric resident. They married on February 29th, 1984 and had two beautiful children. He completed his fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at the UW in 1991 and was triple Board-certified in Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Critical Care.

He worked at the University of Chicago and the University of Florida but ultimately returned to Seattle in 2000 where he worked at Seattle Children's Hospital until his death. At the UW and SCH, he dedicated his time and energy to caring for patients and their families, mentoring surgical residents and fellows, and teaching medical students. His trainees and colleagues will remember a leader who embodied humility, grace, truth and excellence.

Dan died unexpectedly on Wednesday February 27th, 2019 while on vacation in Thailand with his wife of 35 years. Together with Sunny he spent his last week exploring the temples of Angkor Wat, riding elephants, taking cooking classes, and receiving the blessings of Buddhist monks. He lived a full and meaningful life and will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father who had a passion for World Cup soccer, golfing rain or shine, weekend walks at Marymoor park with his beloved golden retrievers, wine tasting, and non-fiction.

Dan is survived by his wife who will love and cherish his memory forever as well as by his two children, Kelly - who is continuing his legacy as a surgical resident at the UW and Brian - who inherited his dad's broad intellectual curiosity and dedication to family. His sisters share his love of teaching and mentorship: Nancy as a STEM instructor in North Carolina and Susan as a family practice physician in Florida.

Dan's memorial will be held on Saturday April 13th, 2019 at Lake Union Cafe in Seattle (doors open 11am, service at 11:30am, followed by reception until 3pm). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Dan's deeply held causes: the UW Medicine Scholarship Fund or S.O.D.A. Marymoor Park.

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Mar. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Ledbetter

Sponsored by The Family.

35 Entries

Andrew Pollen

May 27, 2022

Many of the posts remember Dan as a gifted doctor and teacher - a testament to the impact he made on his community. I knew him simply as a cool dad to my friend Brian. Brian's family did not deserve to lose Dan so soon. Life is cruel. But he is certainly remembered.

Susan Her

October 25, 2020

I have met Daniel a few times at Seattle Children's Hospital. He was our surgeon for our 7 month old. Dr. Ledbetter is an awesome doctor. He cared for our family pre and post surgery. He kept us at ease. He cared about his team and his patients. Thank you for everything you've done. Please rest in peace.

Jay Colling

June 1, 2020

I just now saw this, and when I saw the photo of my childhood friend, Danny, I smiled and was sad at the same time.
Danny and I grew up together as classmates at Lakemont Elementary School in Winter Park. Danny lived about 4 blocks away from the school on Aloma (I could walk you to the house today even though its been >50 years).
We played thousands of holes of golf at Winter Pines and the 9-hole course and we were very best friends for a few years.
Danny was always one of the smartest kids in school so Im not surprised he did great things as a doctor.
Rest In Peace my good friend, my old friend. Wow, that photo! You havent changed a bit. I hope your family is doing well and cherishes all the warm memories of you.
Your friend,
Jay Colling

Terri Britten

April 13, 2020

Dr. Ledbetter saw my granddaughter's Nylie's chart on the counter at Children's Hospital. She needed a Doctor to perform an emergency surgery and didn't have one.
Doctor Ledbetter said, I'll do it. She was the last surgery that day and it went past the dinner hour.
The minute I met him I knew Nylie was is good hands. He was an answer to this grandmothers prayers. I asked for the very best and God delivered Doctor Ledbetter to us.
We are so sorry to hear of his sudden passing.
Today April 13, 2020 is when we heard of his passing after requesting that Nylie see Doctor Ledbetter due to more physical issues. Doctor Ledbetter was so kind, professional and caring.
Our Deepest Condolences.
Terri Britten and Nylie

Karen

April 9, 2020

He saved my son's life 19 years ago. You were an amazing doctor and the reason I went on to become a nurse. Thank you!

E Holtz

December 17, 2019

He saved my life when i was 3 years old in Seattle 2006, i wouldn't be here if it weren't for him, I'm devastated to have learned of his passing. May he rest peacefully.

Cliff Robinson, M.D. (UF Class 81)

June 17, 2019

During medical school at UF, Dan was always kind and helpful to me. He smiled all the time. I have good memories of him.
I extend sincere condolences to his wife, children, and family. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you ongoing.
Remember the good times you had together with him.

Daniel Cohen

June 7, 2019

I remember Dan quite well when I was Cardiothoracic Surgery resident and he was a General Surgery resident. He was a very civil, softly-spoken and likeable man. Clearly he had an illustrious career and accomplished great things. My condolences to his wife and children and may his memory be a blessing. Daniel M Cohen, MD

Dan Cooper

April 14, 2019

Dr. Ledbetter was my college mentor at UW. My classmates and I always marveled at his broad medical knowledge. We felt very fortunate to have a mentor who was so knowledgeable but also patient and kind. He was very dedicated to teaching and was always accessible by email to answer questions or lend advice. Thank you for all you did to advance medical education, Dr Ledbetter. Your mentorship and support will be greatly missed.

sharon lambert

April 13, 2019

So sorry to hear that Dan passed he was a gifted human being. I remember when he first came to Children's Hospital in Seattle and would come up between cases sit on the floor in my cubicle and tell me about them. Then bam he would be gone to his next case...God Speed Dan...

Vivian Allen, M.D.

April 8, 2019

Kathy Leavy,M.D., retired anesthesiologist in Denver, CO and I, Vivian Allen, M.D., currently practicing Ophthalmology in Jacksonville, FL wish to express out condolences to the family. Dan was one of the nicest men in our Medical School class of 1981. We have fond memories of being in Med school classes with him. We hope that all of his family and friends in Seattle will share their memories at the Memorial. We are both unable to attend. But we will be thinking of all of you. It is hard to lose such a good friend and physician at such a young age.

Renu K

April 5, 2019

So sorry to hear of Dr. Ledbetter's passing. He saved the life of my 2 year old son by performing an emergency surgery under very difficult circumstances. I shudder to think about the possible outcome if Dr. Ledbetter was not present to perform the complex surgery with such excellence. He also provided excellent care and treatment post surgery and during the very long recovery process. We will always be grateful to him and will not forget him as long as we live.

My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Lexa Frazier

April 3, 2019

Prayers to the family of Dr Ledbetter. He was an amazing doctor and saved my sons life. I am forever grateful for his passion, professionalism and care. My heart goes out to you, may he Rest In Peace.

April 1, 2019

I really loved that Dan was a colleague in our College System. He was quiet and he was kind, as was his humor. When he talked, I listened. To his family: I am so so sorry for this irreplaceable loss.
Sharon Dobie MD

Jenny De Groot

April 1, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss and for the loss of such a gifted surgeon. My daughter was under Dr. Ledbetter's care and is with us today because of his capable hand. Dr. Ledbetter handled every aspect of my daughter's care with professionalism and compassion, and in turn, I shook his hand and thanked him - small gestures that inadequately expressed the gratitude I felt for saving my child's life. Rest in peace, Dr. Ledbetter. To our family, you were our savior.

scott helton

March 25, 2019

So sorry Sony to hear of Dan's passing.
he was a great fellow resident. I will always remember him as Mr. Calm, cool and collected and tireless in the heat of the battle and probably the funniest guy in our class. He was crazy smart and practical. Wishing you peace and solace and hope to see you at his memorial.

Scott Helton

Mark Del Beccaro

March 14, 2019

Dan was a physician, colleague, friend and teacher to an uncountable number of people here in Seattle and before that in Florida. His passing is such a great loss and shows all of us that we need to live for the joy and love of what we do and who we interact with every day. Dan and Sunny would want that. I will miss Dan and can only hope that his family will find a bit of solace in knowing Dan lives on in the thousands of people he touched in some way.

March 13, 2019

I was a Family Medicine intern on Dan's surgery team at Providence - in the early 80s. I remember that he was particularly kind and non-threatening. He even wrote our chart notes on the weekends - to help ease our workloads! Attending physicians aren't usually like that! Blessings to him and his family. Linda Gromko, MD

Suzanne Skoda-Smith

March 13, 2019

I was a pediatric resident at University of Florida when Dan and Sunny were there and I recall their amazing energy and joy. When I moved to Seattle, I was delighted to find they were here, enriching the lives of patients and colleagues at Seattle Children's. There are many many sad Gators (I have talked with them) who now know that Dan is no longer physically among us. There will not be a person who can replace him - Sunny, our hearts are with you.

Silvia Guardado

March 13, 2019

I'm grateful to have known you, Dan, and to have shared many family reunions with you. You were always around, making sure that we were all looked after...Your quiet presence will be dearly missed.

Sunny, Kelly, Brian... my heart and thoughts are with you.

Love, Silvia

Big Sky Colleagues at UW

Sherilyn Smith

March 13, 2019

Dan became like family through his love of teaching, medicine and his colleagues. I feel true gratitude to have shared time with him, learning more about medicine and the art of caring for people. He inspired me through his generous spirit, his great sense of humor and quiet competence. He opened his heart to his co-teachers and guided students through both difficult and joyful times. He truly inspired them. He helped me as a colleague with patients and I had deep trust in his judgement. He also shared his great love for his family. He was so proud of Kelly and Brian and deeply loved Sunny. I will always remember his smile and his willingness to try new things. I am a better person because I knew him. I will miss him greatly.

Gene McGahren

March 13, 2019

Sunny, Kelly, and Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Dan was a wonderful man. He was a guiding light and mentor to me as we shared a year of Fellowship together in Seattle when I was in my first year. When I became a senior fellow, I then learned all he had protected me from! His thoughtful, gentle, and humanistic guidance was valued by me and all who know him. I am lucky to be one of them. (It was great to share the 1994 World Cup semifinals in New Jersey with him as well!)

Rick Arnold

March 13, 2019

Dan was a trusted friend and colleague in the UW School of Medicine College system. He and I joined at the same time. He mentored countless medical trainees and modeled how we should treat one another.
Dan was kind and respectful to all. A calm presence in sometimes turbulent times. I will miss him and felt blessed to have known him.
condolences to his family and friends.

Judy & Jim Trockel, S.O.D.A. (Serve Our Dog Areas)

March 12, 2019

On behalf of S.O.D.A. (Serve Our Dog Areas), we would like to express our sorrow to Sandra and Family. As long time Dog Park supporters, Sandra & Daniel spent many joyful hours through the years, walking their dogs at the the beautiful 40 acre off-leash recreation area at Marymoor Park. Daniel will be greatly missed, but we hope that the memories of good times with your dogs at Marymoor Dog Park will console you during these difficult times. With sympathy ...

Ken & Robin Suarez

March 11, 2019

Sunny, Kelly, & Brian: You are in our thoughts and prayers.

With love,
Ken & Robin

Denise Joffe

March 11, 2019

Dr. Ledbetter was a pleasure to work with. He was always gracious and respectful of everyone around him. May your good memories help ease your pain.

Vicki Stringer Wright

March 11, 2019

From playing cowboys and Indians to husband, Dad, Doctor...you touched so many lives with your caring, kind loving way....You will always reside in the hearts of your Farber cousins - Bob, Roger, John, Kathi, Patti, Vicki and Aunt Jean

Cheryl Yoakum

March 11, 2019

Hey Danny, I remember you at Clif's while we were growing up and at UF. Go Gators. I'm sure your family is very sad and you will be missed by all. You can reunite with the rest of your family now. RIP.Cheryl McGuire Yoakum

Agnes Ho

March 11, 2019

Hold on to the memory and know that he is there with you always.

Suzanne Barry

March 11, 2019

So sorry for the loss of your brother, Nancy. Praying for all the family.

Paula Dascher

March 10, 2019

Dear Family of Dr. Ledbetter,
I wish you peace and comfort at this difficult time. I was an associate of Dr. Ledbetter at Seattle Children's and always appreciated his insight and support. Through his skilled hands and understanding of medicine he made an enormous impact on so many youngsters who sought his help & expertise at Seattle Children's. My heart goes out to the family for the tremendous loss of your husband, father, brother. Sincerely, on behalf of the medical transcription department, Paula Dascher

Susan Ledbetter

March 10, 2019

Love you always big brother Susan

Rebekah Cerio-Rauseo

March 10, 2019

I am so sad to hear of Danny's passing! Love and prayers to all of you.

Tori Keller, CMT

March 10, 2019

I was stunned and saddened to hear of Dr. Ledbetter's passing. As a medical language specialist at Seattle Children's, for the past 16 years, I've had the pleasure of editing Dr. Ledbetter's chart notes. The knowledge I have gained by simply listening to him is immeasurable. He will be sorely missed at Children's and I send my deepest condolences to the family.

Karen Lambeth

March 10, 2019

I am so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. From my heart to yours, I send love, strength, and healing to all of your family in the coming days as you remember Dan.

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