In Memoriam Donald Edward Girard 10/20/1943 - 09/18/2025

Donald Edward Girard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, physician, teacher, friend, died September 18 surrounded by family. He passed peacefully - and fittingly - at OHSU, where he had spent 41 years as a physician and educator, helping countless patients, families, and residents with their journeys. For most of us, Don was the most joyful and invested person we knew, who devoted himself wholly to the service of others. Patients had his cell phone number; friends relied on his counsel in their most troubled moments; his family became better people by watching how he conducted his life. While he received innumerable awards for his teaching, for his founding role in the Oregon Wellness Program, for his role as a member of the Oregon Medical Board, and his championing of physician wellness, he will be most remembered for fully embodying the principles of kindness and love that he cherished most. He is survived by his wife Marlys; his children John, Katy, and Melissa; his beloved nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Don left the world a better place than he found it, and we are all better people for having our lives touched by his. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Don by devoting a day to more fully living the principles he held so dear: be more kind to one another, be more loving towards all, and be more joyful in everything you do.