Stephen N. Wilson M.D.

Stephen N. Wilson, M.D.
August 20, 2023
It is with the greatest sorrow that his family announces the death of Stephen N. Wilson, M.D. at age 79.
Steve was the oldest son of Betty Wilson and William Wilson, M.D. and grew up with his brothers in Denver, CO. During these childhood years the family spent summers traveling, most of the time in Europe and the Middle East. These travels would become perhaps the most defining experiences of Steve's life and inspired a life of passionate pursuits and service to others.
In the 1960's Steve studied at the American University of Beirut and developed a deep attachment to the peoples of that region and their human struggles. In the 1970's, after receiving a medical degree from Northwestern University, Steve served in the US Army, where as a general medical officer, he treated casualties of the Vietnam War. He returned to the US to pursue the treatment of individuals with extreme food allergies, following in his father's innovative footsteps. From there, he focused on understanding human behavior by completing a psychiatric residency at Olive View UCLA Medical Center. For more than 35 years, Steve treated individuals with serious and persistent mental illness and spent decades designing and implementing compassionate, supportive and recovery-based treatment for this population. He believed profoundly in the human spirit's ability to grow and change for the better.
Steve continued to travel throughout his life, making fast friends with street vendors, camel drivers, tour guides and local people everywhere. Steve was particularly drawn to the archaeological sites and cultural traditions of the many countries he visited. The family photo albums are filled with these many images and their happy memories.
Steve was energetic, high-spirited, and known for his humor, his insatiable curiosity and a few fun-loving hijinks along the way. Despite his outgoing persona, Steve was an introspective person, who thought deeply about the world and relationships. He never ceased working to make life better for us all.
Steve is survived by his beloved Cathy; stepchildren Alexandra (Papu) and Andrew; his much-loved grandchildren, Sebastian, Liam and Mila; brothers David and Bill Wilson; sister-in-law Diana Wilson; cousin Beth Most, and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.
At Steve's request, there will be no public services. An uncommonly kind and generous person, consider offering an act of kindness in Steve's name.