David Dougherty Gilboe

David Dougherty Gilboe, PhD, Cmdr. U.S. Navy (Ret.), age 78 died on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa of a cerebral hemorrhage. He began his life journey in the family home in Richland Center, WI. His proud parents were Margaret Lucille and Harvey Bernard Gilboe. His father, a Vocational Agriculture teacher, moved his family many times seeking lasting employment but not finding it because of religious discrimination. David was selected to enter the NROTC program at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and graduated with a B.A. and commission as an Ensign in the Navy. He married his chemistry partner, Lyn Kroll in August, 1951. His first orders as an Ensign were on the USS Daly, a ship that was in the process of being recommissioned. His next tour of duty was to Korea. On leaving Korean waters, the ship was allowed to return to home port by sailing around the rest of the world. This instilled in David his love of travel and his curiosity about the rest of the world. He was discharged from active service in 1954 and entered the UW Madison to begin his graduate studies in biochemistry. After receiving his PhD he became an instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery doing neuro-research and retired as a full professor in 2000. He was also a member of the US Naval Reserve - Intelligence Unit. David was proud to be a Rotarian and a member of many scientific and Navy organizations. He was especially pleased to be a Fulbright exchange professor where he taught in the medical school in Santiago, Chile. His love of travel took him to 70 countries in 7 continents and the North Pole. David was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Danny and Robert and three aunts, Clara Dougherty, Frances Meracle and Elsa Wheeler. David is survived by his wife, Lyn; children, Andrew (Anna) and Sarah; and his favorite furry friends, Casey and Daly. A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 4:30 -- 7:00 PM at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 30, 2008 at 10:30 AM at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison. There will be a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 AM. Memorials may be gifted to the Neurological Surgery Research Account at UW Foundation, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726. Happy trails David, we will miss you.