David Sherman Deutch, BHS 70David Sherman Deutch, MD was born August 5, 1952, in Tyler, Texas, to Sherman and Lois Dixon Deutch. His father was a lawyer and his mother a secretary.
He was raised in Burbank, California, where he attended public schools. Dave didn't play sports at his high school but as a fifteen-year-old, he pitched a perfect game for a local recreation league team. "They couldn't hit my fifteen mile-per-hour fastball," Dave would quip with a wink. During this time he forged a bond with a dozen or so friends known to themselves as the Deutch Gang. They held forth in Dave's garage, buoyed by music, pool, high jinx, and conversation. According to one member, "It was a cross between the serenity of Walden Pond and the atmosphere of Cheers, where everyone not only knew your name but who you were deep down inside." The fifty-year connection between members continues to this day.
Dave attended the University of California at Davis where he majored in physiology and went on to earn his degree in medicine and ophthalmology. He practiced ophthalmology for thirty years in Eugene, Oregon, and Cottonwood, Arizona.
Dave and his wife, Chris Clarke, met while working together at PeaceHealth. A mutual interest in ballroom dancing led to dance classes and then moved on to collaborating on home improvement projects. Finding they could navigate challenging partnerships such as these with ease, Dave and Chris made it permanent by marrying in 2009. The joy found in their friendship spilled over onto all who knew them. Chris describes Dave as a remarkable man whose kindness and love radiated through every moment they shared. His adventurous spirit and sharp intelligence inspired those around him, while his sense of humor could light up any room. She remembers him as the best dancer in the world, effortlessly making her feel like a princess every time they took the dance floor together. "His memory will forever be cherished in my heart", says Chris.
Due to the ravages of Parkinson's Disease on mind and body, Dave passed peacefully at home on December 14, 2024 surrounded by those who loved him dearly. Even in decline, the extent of Dave's influence cannot be overestimated. It was seen in his concern with how everyone else around him was doing. Dave was unfailingly kind, but honest ... with a sharp wit, ready for real conversation on wide ranging topics. He was an avid traveler and constant learner, expanding his knowledge and game for adventure. He loved gathering friends together for good food, excellent drinks, carefully selected music, and good times. His calm demeanor, welcoming personality, and mischievous grin with a twinkling eye, endeared him to patients, family members, colleagues, and friends ... many of whom regarded Dave as their best friend.
Dave loved being a father and his daughters were bright spots in his life. Ashley's words: "I idolized my dad growing up. He was active, funny, creative, and outgoing. He never nagged us, and I was never afraid to tell him what was going on in my life. He made me feel comfortable going to him with problems. I knew that he would help me with anything and I would not feel judged for it. Dad was always making things fun and creative for us. When I was in college, we made an entertainment center together out of copper piping. It's moved from Eugene to Denver to Seattle and to Bend with me. It's still in my living room. I think of the fun we had making it together often. Dad also came with me to buy my first fake ID on the street in San Francisco!"
And Emily: "He led by example, never putting any pressure on us to be a certain way, but because he was so great, we wanted to be like him in many ways. My dad is one of the easiest people to be around. He was fun without being overbearing or attention seeking. He always had a well-timed joke and was charming in an unassuming type of way. He treated people well, everyone. I'm not sure that I've ever met a less judgmental person. He sees the good in everyone and had friendships with people with vastly different world views, bringing people together. He was highly intelligent and accomplished yet also the antithesis of a snob, genuine and incredibly down to earth."
Due to his love of science and learning, Dave requested his body be donated to OHSU Medical School. Donations in Dave's memory can be made to Parkinson's Resources of Oregon or End of Life Choices of Oregon.
Published in The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, January 01, 2025
