In Memory

David Dahl - Class Of 1949

David Dahl

David Dahl was generous, thoughtful, and big-hearted. He was a talented and respected surgeon and was also known for his kindness. He reveled in the scientific part of medicine, but also treasured helping people in a time of need. He was devoted to family, friends, and patients, treating all with dignity and respect. A loving father and grandfather, he instilled in his family a love for the outdoors and physical activity. He was an avid skier, tennis player, fisherman, gardener (hosting legendary chrysanthemum exhibitions), sailor, and traveler. He always had a tennis game on his schedule. He and his wife, Annabelle traveled widely before and after retirement to nearly every continent. His love for the Sierras prompted him to build a cabin in the Eastern Sierra where the entire family could gather. David was also a gifted musician, and played piano throughout his life, composing in his later years. His creative spirit allowed him to write the occasional poem, often as a birthday gift, or put to music.

Born March 9, 1931 in Los Angeles to Dorothy Pratt and Sheldon Dahl. David died from natural causes, peacefully at home on June 20, 2020, with his wife and family by his side. David and his older brother Frederick Dahl (SPHS '48) grew up in South Pasadena. David attended South Pasadena schools, graduating from South Pasadena-San Marino High School in 1949. He attended Stanford University and Stanford Medical School. David and Annabelle began 65 years of marriage in June 1955 at St Edmund's Episcopal Church in San Marino. He was graduated from medical school in 1956. They moved to New York City for David's internship at St Luke's Hospital. He completed his residency in San Francisco at the Stanford Lane Hospital and French Hospital. During his internship and residency David and Annabelle had four children. After passing his Medical Boards he served as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corps. He was stationed in Germany from 1961-1963. While overseas he served in a MASH unit in Iran following a devastating earthquake.

At the end of 1963, he began private practice in Pasadena, on staff at the Huntington Memorial Hospital for over 30 years. Ultimately, he served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery. Other affiliations included Arcadia Methodist and St Luke Hospital. David felt it was incumbent upon physicians to train resident physicians. He fulfilled this commitment to training both at the Huntington Memorial Hospital and as volunteer associate professor for Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. He frequently took call at the trauma center. After retirement David became an inspector of surgical centers in hospitals. He traveled statewide for the State of California and the Institute for Medical Quality (IMQ). He also served on the LA County Civil Grand Jury for one year. He considered his duty as a grand juror a great honor and made lasting friends on the panel. He was a longtime member of the Caltech Athenaeum. He was also a member of Live Oaks Tennis Club of South Pasadena, the Twilight Club, and the Valley Club.

David is survived by his wife of 65 years, Annabelle Horchitz Dahl (SPHS '51), four adult children and their spouses, James (Mary Colmar), Susan (Bill Cohn), Gregory (Jo Dee Koller) and Janet (Grant Willcox). He leaves behind his five beloved grandchildren.

Pasadena Star-News, July 19, 2020