Laurence John WIWATOWSKI M.D.

Laurence John Wiwatowski, M.D, (age 86) died peacefully, surrounded by family on June 15, 2025, at Rockwood at Whitworth after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born on April 22, 1939, to Edward Ignatius Wiwatowski and Willna Lucille Friske in Sparta, Wisconsin. In 1944, the family moved to Nevada, then Oregon, finally settling in Powers Oregon in 1955. Laurence attended Powers High School, University of Oregon, and University of Oregon Medical School (now OHSU), graduating as a Doctor of Medicine in 1964. After finishing Medical School, he served his internship at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, N.H. Upon completion of internship, he served 2 years in the military at McChord Air Force Base. He then pursued a specialty in Dermatology at the University of Oregon Medical School and Los Angeles County/USC Medical School and Hospitals.

While in medical school Laurence met his future wife, Dian Davidson. After moving to Spokane to establish a private medical practice in Dermatology, their family expanded with the addition of 2 sons, Darren and Layne. Laurence was a devoted husband and father, sharing many adventures--hiking, camping, fishing, as well as his favorite pastiimes of photograph and music on "good" stereo equipment. Laurence loved fly fishing, especially on the pristine cutthroat trout rivers in North Idaho.

Laurence opened the first dermatology office located in north Spokane and quickly built a busy practice. He was totally dedicated to his patients, even making house calls and visits to nursing homes when needed. He frequently treated family and friends who were visiting in his home, often taking them back to the office, to ensure the best results. He served on the adjunct faculty for the University of Washington Medical School for the Family Practice Residency program, giving lectures as well as instructing residents in his office for their clinical experience. He was dedicated to his office staff and considered them family. He was a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Dermatopathology, Pacific Dermatological Association, and the Spokane Dermatology Society.

Laurence's Catholic faith was central to his life. Whether at home, camping, or traveling the first order of business was to find a Catholic church and the mass times. Even in Tokyo he found a church, mass times and a map-walking to the service. He served as a Eucharistic minister, and in retirement volunteered to take communion to shut-ins, as well as to nursing homes. He also delivered Meals on Wheels.

Laurence is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dian; his sons, Darren (Nicole), and Layne (Tanya); grandchildren, Kayla and Jeremy. He is also survived by his sister, Dolores Leon, and brother, Alan Wiwatowski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Willna Wiwatowski; sister, Gloria Parkinson; and brother, Adrian Wiwatowski.

Laurence's family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the outstanding care and comfort he received from the staff in Memory Care at Rockwood at Whitworth and from Hospice of Spokane.

A funeral mass will be held on July 16, at 2 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with a reception to follow in the church activity center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Laurence to Hospice of Spokane. or Catholic Charities of Spokane.