Wilson Walker Leake Sr.

Wilson Walker Leake, M.D., passed away on April 24, 2022, from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on August 28, 1930, to Chauncey and Elizabeth in San Francisco, California. He spent his youth in the city but developed a fondness for camping after attending two summer camps. A week-long mule trip with his older brother in the high country of Yosemite ignited a special appreciation for the beauty of Yosemite National Park.

In 1942, Wilson moved with his parents to Galveston, Texas. He attended school in Galveston until he transferred to The Lawrenceville School, New Jersey for the final three years of high school After graduating, in 1948, Wilson attended Stanford University. He graduated from Stanford University, in 1952, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology whereupon he returned to Galveston and attended the University of Texas Medical Branch. Wilson received his Medical Degree and following the Board Exams he obtained his license to practice medicine. He stayed on at John Sealy Hospital for a year of rotating internships and two years of anesthesiology training. While working at John Sealy Hospital, Wilson met and married his first wife, Jackie. Jennifer Ann and Wilson Jr. were born in Galveston, the family moved to Seattle soon after Wilson Jr.’s birth, in 1959. Wilson joined the Associated Anesthesiologists becoming the fifteenth member of this growing group. The couple had two more children – Nelda Elizabeth and Lawrence Walker. The young family enjoyed skiing and camping during the summers until a property was purchased on Bainbridge Island. From then on summers were spent on Bainbridge Island with Wilson making the daily commute to work in Seattle. Summer commuting was challenging even then and it didn’t take long for Wilson to realize he could make the commute by bicycle which provided good exercise and ensured he would always get on the ferry!

In 1987, Wilson married Jewel MacDonald. Jewel brought with her a son, John Allan, a dog, and a cat. The last three years of Wilson’s active practice were as an anesthesiologist for the Seattle Hand Surgery outpatient surgery. Wilson maintained his license after retiring, in 1997, with an “inactive” status. Wilson was an active and robust man enjoying skiing and “civilized” camping. He used the word “civilized” as his camping transitioned from tents to a tent trailer and finally a motor home where they could enjoy campsites and at least cold running water! Wilson was active in his church and found mission work to be extremely rewarding. He participated in mission trips in Panama, Tanzania, Mexico, and China!

In 2003, Wilson and Jewel moved to Kennewick to be close to Jewel’s older sister, Joy Gregg. It was during this time Wilson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. As his Parkinson’s progressed, his activities of skiing, camping, and travel slowed and then came to an end though he continued to enjoy “civilized” camping on Bainbridge Island each summer! Wilson accepted Parkinson’s with grace and dignity. His interests evolved to include doing jigsaw puzzles and Tai Chi twice a week as well as regular exercise and walks as Parkinson’s permitted. As a lifelong learner, Wilson remained an avid reader and an engaged participant in support and church groups.

Wilson is survived by his wife Jewel and Jewel’s son, John. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A respected physician, a loving family man with a gentle and positive presence and a twinkle in his kind, brown eyes – he will be missed and remembered with love. Instead of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be made to one’s own choice of charity. Please sign the guest book.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA