Russell Coleman

Russell D. Coleman, DDS 88, of Millbrae passed away from pulmonary fibrosis on April 26, 2010. A native of Toronto, Ontario, Dr. Coleman received his dental degree from the University of Toronto while he was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces during WWII. He later completed an oral surgery residency at Toronto General Hospital. Desiring to broaden his career, he relocated to UCSF where he had obtained a research fellowship in the department of Dental Medicine, eventually becoming a faculty member of the School of Dentistry. He became a U.S. Citizen in 1959. Dr. Coleman's profession spanned 35 years as an anatomy educator to dental and dental hygiene students, and for his dedication, received the Excellence in Teaching award. Besides his teaching, he was on and chaired committees of the Academic Senate and was a member of OKU National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Coleman conducted research and published on the developmental defects of the face and jaw through grants received from the National Institute of Health. In addition, he was a consultant at Travis AFB and the VA Medical Center in San Francisco. He retired in 1986 as a professor emeritus. In his younger years, Dr. Coleman enjoyed hiking, Fishing and camping with his family especially at Lassen National Park in the Cascades. Until very recently, he took pleasure tending his beloved garden. Dr. Coleman is survived by his wife of 51 years, Arlis, and his family; daughter Anne (Mark) Takemura of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, sons, Tom of Boston, MA and Scott of Sacramento; and his grandchildren, Ryan and Kristen Takemura as well as numerous relatives in the Toronto area. At the request of the deceased, there will be no services. Memorials may be sent to the Parnassus Annual Fund, UCSF, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco 94145.