Robert L Howisey, MD

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert L. Howisey, MD, at the age of 76 on March 28, 2025.

Born in Seattle on March 15, 1949, to Robert W. and Marion Howisey, Bob spent his early years in Seattle and graduated from Ingraham High School. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in 1971, where he was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Bob received his medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and returned to Seattle to complete his surgical training at the University of Washington.

Bob specialized in general surgery and was a co-founder of Northwest Surgical Specialists. Later, he played a key role in establishing Proliance Surgeons. Over his 24-year career at Northwest Hospital, he also held a teaching appointment with the University of Washington Department of Surgery. He was a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery, performing Seattle’s first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1990. He trained many surgeons in these minimally invasive techniques and was also an advocate for breast-conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy.

As a founding member of the multidisciplinary Seattle Breast Center team at Northwest Hospital, Bob remained committed to innovation and collaboration in surgical care. He was affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, North Pacific Surgical Association, Seattle Surgical Society, American College of Surgeons, and the Henry Harkins Surgical Society.

Bob found great joy in time spent with family and friends. He valued and remained deeply committed to family traditions at the beloved Beaver Lake property, where gatherings with more than 50 close relatives created lasting memories. His greatest passion, however, was boating the waters of the Pacific Northwest, from Washington and British Columbia to Southeast Alaska. His boats, all named Surfrider, were a constant in his life and a source of countless treasured moments. He was honored by the Seattle Yacht Club, where he was a lifetime member, with the title of Honorary Lifetime Sportfisherman.

In 2014, following an early retirement due to a hepatitis C diagnosis, Bob underwent a successful liver transplant at the University of Washington. He and DeAnne spent many happy years post-retirement in Hawaii, enjoying fishing and diving from the Surfrider. He remained active until 2023, when he was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy – Cerebellar.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, DeAnne, who worked alongside him in his medical practice. His children—Terry Leigh Howisey and Robyn Anne Howisey (Dan Voelker)—were his loyal crew. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Henry Howisey, Gwyn Howisey, and Emma Voelker, who learned the joys of fishing, boating, and exploring places like Desolation Sound, Haida Gwaii, and Lake Chelan under their grandfather’s guidance. His belief in “paying it forward” and supporting higher education is a legacy they will carry forward.

Bob is also survived by his sister, Diane Oertli, and was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Seattle Yacht Club, 1807 E Hamlin St, Seattle WA 98112.