Donavon Schwisow, M.D. passed to his rest Saturday, October 11, 2008, in Kennewick, Wash., 83 years to the day from his birth in Kadoka, South Dakota, October 11, 1925. He died peacefully at home with his wife and children, three months after learning that he was suffering from leukemia-a condition that may be linked to his many years of life in high altitudes and exposure to some X-ray fallout in caring for tuberculosis patients. His otherwise excellent health masked early symptoms of the illness, and until two weeks before his death, he continued his lifelong practice of bicycling. At age 66, he biked solo across the United States, from Oregon to Virginia. A memorial service will be held October 18, at 3 p.m., at the Kennewick Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7105 W. 10th Ave., preceded by interment in Sunnyside, Wash., Friday at 1 p.m. Arrangements are by Mueller's Funeral Home. During his final illness, he understood the gravity of his condition and told family members that he hoped to reach his 83rd birthday. His wish was granted when 12 days before his death, he received anointing by local church elders and in a remarkable turn-around, rallied for nearly two weeks of pain-free life. Many visitors and friends phoned and visited him at home, during that time, and attended a pre-birthday celebration in his honor, Oct. 4. In years preceding his death, he reflected that his 13 years in overseas mission work with the Seventh-day Adventist Church were the highlight of his 38 years in medical practice. During those years overseas, beginning in 1961 in Bolivia, he was acknowledged for his excellent track record as a surgeon and medical diagnostician, and was consulted from throughout the nation. He also mentoring younger physicians, who have gone on to distinguished achievements. He was pleased that in nearly 40 years of practice, no patient ever sued him for malpractice. The son of Edwin W. Schwisow and Grace Boicourt Schwisow Field, Schwisow is the first in his family to complete college. He graduated from Walla Walla University and Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1951 and interned at Adventist Medical Center in Portland, Ore. He practiced from 1952-1956 in Condon, Ore.; as an Army captain from 1956-1958 in Igloo, S.D.; from 1958-1961 in Goldendale, Wash.; and from 1961-1970 in Chulumani, Sud Yungas, Boliva. He then returned to practice in Goldendale from 1970 to 1983, before accepting a call to mission service in Juliaca, Peru. In 1986 he moved to Cross Plains, Tenn., and practiced there until his retirement, in 1991. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marcella Ellen Hendrickson Schwisow, and children Edwin Albert Schwisow, of Portland, Ore.; Marilyn Schwisow Montenegro, of Silver Springs, Md.; and Betty Louise Villarreal, of West Richland, Wash.; brothers Melvin of Sunnyside, Vern of Chehalis, Wash., and Norman, or Portland; and five grandchildren. His family is committed to pressing forward in his spirit, secure in the Christian hope of eternal togetherness with their Savior.