Classes & Obits

Douglas Randall Wolfe ’56

Issue

January-February 2026

Douglas Randall Wolfe ’56, an ophthalmologist in Oregon for 35 years, passed away peacefully in his home in Sonoma, California, on December 29, 2024. Raised in Hillsborough, California, Randy became interested in science, literature, and everything mechanical. After Dartmouth, where he rowed crew and was in Cabin & Trail and Delta Psi Delta, he earned an M.A. in physics from Harvard and an M.A. in electrical engineering from M.I.T. During his studies at Stanford Medical School, where he graduated in 1974, he also studied cardiology in Scotland, obstetrics in Ireland, and surgery in Tanzania. After his medical residency in ophthalmology, Randy completed fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology and retinal surgery while working at Moorfields and Queens Square Hospitals in London. Randy and his wife, Gill, moved to Corvallis, Oregon, in 1980 and launched his ophthalmology practice, which included surgical and medical care. The couple raised Jessica and Nicholas on a working farm along with Hereford cows, hay, Christmas trees, fruit orchards, vegetables, dogs, and chickens. Once retired, Randy moved to Sonoma to live closer to his children. He spent considerable time traveling and explored many countries on all seven continents. He took thousands of pictures, loved food and cooking, and found joy in hiking, camping, skiing, and scuba diving. Randy is survived by Gill, Jessica and Nicholas, daughter-in-law Madison, and grandson Asher.

 

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