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David M. Barton. M.D., died peacefully at his home on April 5, 2008. In his last days he was surrounded by his wife Dorothy, family and friends; he left behind countless people he had touched in one way or another throughout his accomplished life. David was born in Rockford, Ill., on March 16, 1931, to Helen and Leon David Barton. He received two bachelors' degrees from the Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, and his Doctor of Medicine from the Univ. of Illinois in Chicago. In 1964, after a residency at Indiana Univ. Medical Center and service as a flight surgeon for the United States Air Force, he began a long and illustrious practice as an obstetrician/gynecologist in Boise. His hands brought literally thousands of children into the world. He had a thirst for knowledge and a scientific mind that never lost touch with the passion that surrounded his chosen profession. He took great pride in helping couples who faced difficulty conceiving children. More than anything, though, David was a constant teacher. He helped found and nurture for decades the WAMI program, a program that secured seats for Idahoans at the Univ. of Washington's medical school. He was a Clinical Professor with the Univ. of Washington, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and directed a community clinical unit that taught medical students and residents. He initiated a continuing medical education program in Ada County. In 1995, he received an excellence in teaching award from the Univ. of Washington. He was always eager to share his knowledge with others and it showed throughout his life's work. His professional accomplishments could fill several pages. Some of these include: Member of the Idaho State Board of Medicine and the American Medical Association; Examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Past President and Board of Trustees Member of the Idaho Medical Association; Past President of the Ada County Medical Society; Physician Consultant for the Boise Veterans Administration Hospital; Past Chairman of the Breast Cancer Task Force and Board Member of the American Cancer Society (Idaho); Past Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both St. Luke's Regional Medical Center and St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise; and author of numerous peer-reviewed medical articles. However, David valued the earned respect and friendship of his colleagues much, much more than these titles and awards. Equally important to David was his family. He and his first wife raised three beautiful and talented children in Boise. He married Dorothy Werth in 1986 and they were later married at St. John's Cathedral. They were fortunate to have 22 happy years together. They shared a love for skiing, playing bridge with their friends, and spending time on the lake in Cascade. He was devoted to his children and embraced Dorothy's family as his own. Throughout his life, David shared a close bond with his brother, John Barton, who is also a medical doctor. David loved his family dearly and was always there in times of need. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Lolly Kalin Wyatt. He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy of Boise; brother, John Barton, of Marengo, Ill.; son, David Michael Barton of Boise; daughter, Anne Barton Schonhardt (Craig) of Boise; daughter, Mary Barton Rose (Chris) of Palo Alto, Calif.; and four step-children: Bradley Werth (Marla) of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Marsha Clark of Merritt, Fla.; Douglas Werth (Holly) of Hailey; and Julie Wipper (David) of Boise. David leaves behind more than a handful of children who knew him as grandpa or "Pop Pop" and will greatly miss his warm smile and gentle touch: Kelly Anne Barton; Katherine "Katie" Ellen Barton; Laura Anne Rose; Emily Christine Rose; Sarah Marie Rose; Jason Marshall Clark; Audrey LuAnn Wipper; Jude David Werth; and Trent Edward Werth. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2008 at St. John's Catholic Cathedral, 775 N 8th St., with Father John Legerski presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made, in his name, to the Bishop Kelly Foundation, Scholarship Fund, 7009 Franklin Rd., Boise, Idaho 83709 or to a favorite charity. Services are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 4/10/2008.
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