John Daniel Wilkes was born February 11, 1932 in Damascus, Arkansas. A Southerner at heart, he was proud of his conservative roots, judged a man by the firmness of his handshake, and a lady by her children’s manners. He spent his youth in Little Rock, AK surrounded by loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins, beagles, and glorious pigs!
Dan was a student of life, always curious and always learning. He completed his undergraduate degree in three years, attending Georgia Tech his freshman year and graduating from the University of Washington in 1952. He went on to medical school at George Washington University, where he graduated in 1956 with distinction and was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha, “signifying a lasting commitment to scholarship, leadership, professionalism, and service.” He served his country in the US Army and then began his career as a Pathologist at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD. In 1972, the West was calling, and Dan moved his family to Las Vegas, NV to build and grow Laboratory Medicine Consultants where he worked tirelessly and passionately for 23 years. He supported his community as Chairman of the Nevada State Board of Health and served as a Governor for the College of American Pathologists for eight years. Upon retiring in 1995, Dan moved to Pebble Beach, CA. He was an active member of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and President of the Del Monte Forest Foundation.
A committed husband, Dan was married to Barbara Wilkes for 51 years. They had five children and eight wonderful grandchildren. They shared a passion for travel, a love of the arts, and a taste for good wine. Their journey was filled with unconditional love, undying commitment, and belly-aching laughter. A true gentleman to the very end, he pulled out her chair at the dinner table every night.
Dan is survived by his wife Barbara, his son Jim Wilkes, wife Laura and grandson Jackson; his son Paul Wilkes, MD, Megan Wilkes and their three children Katie, Ryan and Charlotte; his son Patrick Wilkes, wife Philippa and their daughter Teagan, and his daughter Sarah Purple, husband Ross Purple and three grandsons Sam, Henry and Mack.
A private family Celebration of Life will be held in his honor. Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Monterey County, the Monterey Bay Aquarium or The College of American Pathologist.
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