Their family moved to Corvallis, Oregon when Tim was 5 years old. He completed elementary and high school years in Corvallis, Oregon, where he then attended Oregon State University, graduating with Honors. He earned his M.D. degree at Oregon Health and Sciences University and interned at Highland General Hospital in Oakland, California. Tim completed his Residency in Opthalmology at OHSU- Casey Eye Institute. He joined Lower Columbia Eye Clinic in Longview in 1981. Not only did Tim provide excellent care for his patients, but he also truly valued learning from them and their interests. Each patient Tim treated was special and received his expert care and concern.

Tim enjoyed following professional sports, especially basketball, baseball and tennis. His biggest thrill was watching his "grand-girls" compete in soccer and basketball. He truly loved spending time with his wife, family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Debbie, sons, Joe (Jenny), Alex (Ashley). Also, his bonus children, Rob Watkins, Nicole Carter (Brandon) and his brother, Stephen (Janine), six grandchildren, numerous nieces and a nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Vrtiska, MD. and Nina Vrtiska and sister, Roxanne.

Please come honor Tim at the Longview Community Church, 2323 Washington Way in Longview, on Tuesday, January 10 at 2pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County Building Fund at P.O. Box 172, Longview, WA, 98632.

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

Published by The Daily News on Jan. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Vrtiska

11 Entries

Steve Scott

December 12, 2023

Tim was a fraternity brother in my class at OSU. He was one of the smartest people I knew and helped many of us get through our science-oriented classes. He will be missed.

Dr. Martha S Bibb

May 6, 2023

What a great guy Tim was. I met him during my dental school years when Weylin and Sebastian were at The Hill Learning Center with Jessica and Michael. He was my Opthamologist and go to guy for anything eye related. A brilliant and caring physician. He has had a special place in my heart all these years. So sorry his family has lost him.

Steve Scott

April 14, 2023

I won't go into the particulars, but Tim helped get me through college. He was one of the smartest people I knew. He also was a character and will be missed.

Debbie Ward

January 13, 2023

I was Dr. Vrtiska's first nurse at St. John Medical Center. We worked many long days together, but I truly loved every minute of it. He and his family also became friends of ours. We shared dinners, fun times and have many lovely memories. We will miss him greatly. Too soon gone.

Dan Gradin, MD

January 10, 2023

He was a wonderful colleague to work with for more than 10 years at OHSU/Casey Eye Institute Longview. His love for patients, his 40 years of service, an outstanding example of a caring physician.

Rodney and Tanya Nelson

January 10, 2023

Dr. Vrtiska was our Dr. for many years. His kind, respectful and thoughtful care always made our day when we visited him. We always felt like we were going to visit an old friend who would give us good advice. He will be truly missed. May you know and feel somehow just how much we care. May you find comfort in happy memories.
Most Sincerely,
Rod and Tanya Nelson

Dan Hecker

January 9, 2023

I was a patient of Dr. Vrtiska for many years, always finding office visits comfortable nd relaxing. He will be missed. Rest in peace..

Denise & Janet

January 9, 2023

Dr. Vrtiska was a kind and amazing man. Always interested in a persons being, activities, farms,everything. He enjoyed hearing about our dogs, their show careers, the puppies, everything. He was our doctor, but he was also our friend. Our best to his family.

LaVonne Dawson

January 8, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Tim. He and Debbie were sweet neighbors and dear friends. Tim was the sweetest and kindest person. He genuinely cared for his patients. His smile was infectious and lite up a room I will miss his waves and conversations. All my love and prayers to his dear family.

Brent Bishop

January 6, 2023

Debbie and Family, Tim gave such wonderful care to Dad and Mom and myself. He will be missed greatly. You are all in our prayers. Brent Bishop, for Dr. Fred and Barbara Bishop

Jan Beck

January 5, 2023

I´m so sad to hear about Dr. Vrtiska´s passing. He was so wonderful to work with for all those years at St. John Medical Center. I knew my day would be good when I was working in the eye room with him. He was a light in our world.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results