Obituaries

Dr. David Carl Marcusen

9/19/1951 – 6/19/2019 Dr. David Carl Marcusen passed away in Palm Springs, California at the age of 67, lovingly surrounded by his three sisters. He was a compassionate physician and surgeon, gifted classical pianist, respected and accomplished clinical professor, intuitive and imaginative architectural designer, and a professionally trained chef. He delighted in applying his intellect and creative nature to all his professional endeavors. David loved travel and adventure, visiting six of the seven continents while exploring exotic and beautiful places all over the world. Growing up on the family farm in Utah instilled a deep love for nature and all that is living. His aestheticism was immense and all who knew him also knew his appreciation and sensitivity to art and beauty. He had a thirst for learning, with vast appreciation for culture and the arts. His quest for creative expression knew no bounds and as a musician, David experienced the opportunity to perform with the Utah Symphony Orchestra as guest pianist. Possessing a deeply acute calling for arts and humanities as well as science, led David to excellence in all the paths he chose.

David was extensively educated; graduating with high honors from Spanish Fork High School in 1969. His first steps in higher education saw him graduate from Utah State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medical Studies, serving as class president and yearbook editor (while earning the Robbins award chair, making the Dean’s list, competing on the tennis team, and joining Sigma Nu). He continued his education and was active in research and publishing in neurophysiology, earning a Master of Science degree in Physiology and Neuroscience from Brigham Young University in 1975. David achieved his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1980, serving as class president, yearbook editor, and delivered the class address at his medical school graduation. Following medical school, he completed Surgical/Otolaryngology residencies at University of California San Francisco in 1986 while completing additional post-graduate medical training at Columbia University and Harvard Medical School.

For many years, he was a practicing private surgeon and a clinical instructor in ENT/Head & Neck Surgery at Stanford University. In addition to his medical achievements, he professionally pursued his passion for architectural design and digital drafting, completing projects for Langlois Construction and his own firm, David Marcusen Design.

David had a zest for life and a curious nature that knew no boundary. His keen wit, ability to articulate from his heart, and a deep vested interest in educating both himself and others brought great happiness to his soul.

David was preceded in death by his parents; John Carl Marcusen and Florence Frampton Marcusen. He will be profoundly missed by his three surviving sisters; Patricia Wintch, Charlyn Belluzzo, and Sheila Marcusen. Those wishing to honor David are invited to make a donation to the Desert AIDS Foundation in Palm Springs, CA in his name. https://www.desertaidsproject.org/donations/

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