Carver Liberty Moosman

Dr. Dave (Carver) Liberty Moosman, 92, died peacefully on January 4, 2017, at his home in Central Point, Oregon, surrounded by his wife and 7 children. Dave was born in Logan, Utah, on April 19, 1924, to David Daniel Moosman and Efcy Powell. In 1929, the family moved to Berkeley, California, where Dave and his 2 sisters, Joy and Ruth, grew up. In 1942, Dave entered the University of California, Berkeley, only to leave for service in the army in February 1943. Much of his time in active duty was spent at Walter Reed Hospital as a corpsman on the surgical ward. Following his discharge, Dave moved to New York, to complete his pre-med studies at Columbia University. In 1946 he married Sarah La Rosa, and soon became the father of 2. He received his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1951. He moved his family to California to complete his residency, and eventually settled in Pleasant Hill, where he established a medical practice. Over the next 13 years, the family grew to include 7 children. In 1974, Dave and Sarah divorced. Dave married Lucille Parshall, and shortly after that, discontinued his private practice to work at the VA. This change precipitated a transfer to the VA hospital in White City, OR, in 1985. That transfer enabled him to build a home in the country on the Applegate River. In the years that followed, Dave wrestled with his alcohol addiction. In 1993, he successfully began treatment for his disease and has been an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous since that time. As he put it, “Practicing and learning to live the AA way, has blessed me with the happiest most fruitful time of my life. It has also helped me develop an intimate relationship with my God.” AA also brought Dave and his third wife, Pat Finnie together. They married in 1997. Dave instilled in his children a respect for and awe of the world around them. They shared the joy he found in the beauty of nature through annual camping and fishing trips, ski vacations, and national park explorations. These experiences have profoundly affected the lives of his children, creating in them all a sense of adventure and a craving for the outdoors. Dave spent much of his life serving and ministering to others. First, he served as a General Practice doctor, providing medical care to families and veterans. Then he served as a volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul, AA, hospice, and Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church. He helped many homeless, sick, and disenfranchised people in the Medford area. Dave’s clear acceptance of all people, regardless of their circumstances, appearance, or faith preferences, drew the needy and hurting into his life, where he always displayed compassion and love. His amazing example of loving God and loving his neighbor is a lasting legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and all who knew him. Faith, family, service, and education were extremely important to Dave. He didn’t often miss an opportunity to support his family, friends and acquaintances in their life pursuits. He shared his insight, but most effectively modeled a life well-lived, one lived for others. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Pat Finnie; his sister, Joy Brorsen; his 7 children: David Moosman, Janet (Larry) Jenkins, Nancy Cussler, Grace (Joe) Wilson, Diana Moosman, Paul (Alice) Moosman and Mary (Pat) Ford; 7 step-children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Dave is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ruth Hart. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Medford, OR. A memorial service will be held at the Medford St. Vincent de Paul Society on March 4 at 9:30 AM.