Don Robert Wiesner MD

Don R. Wiesner M.D., age 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Portland, Oregon, on June 17th, 2024. Born January 27th,1948, in Palo Alto, California, Don lived a life full of curiosity, laughter, and love.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Janet Richens Wiesner and Wayne Wiesner. He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Carolyn and Alison, and his cherished granddaughter, Anne, who brought him immense joy.

While attending medical school, Don was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and lost his sight. Undeterred, he continued his studies and became a compassionate psychiatrist, proving that vision is far more than what the eyes can see. He was a proud graduate of Oregon State University and the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Yet his true passions extended far beyond medicine.

Don loved building things with his hands, tending his backyard popcorn crop, and savoring a good glass of wine while listening to The Rolling Stones. He was an avid sports fan who never missed cheering for the 49ers and relished the thrill of horse races. He loved telling jokes; often terrible, but always memorable. He loved introducing his friends and family to new tastes and good food, especially because of his blindness, he found deep joy in experiencing the world through flavor, sound, and touch. He treasured new experiences, embracing life with a sense of adventure that inspired everyone around him.

He had great admiration for Abraham Lincoln, a love for classic films like Miracle on 34th Street and Jerry Maguire, and a deep devotion to travel. He delighted in taking his daughters to Disneyland and exploring the world with them, affectionately calling them his "seeing-eye kids."

Don’s humor, resilience, and love of life will be profoundly missed.

He taught his family and friends to find joy in the unexpected, to laugh often, and to always seek out the next great meal or new experience.