It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Willard James Wyman (Will) on November 5, 2023. Will was husband to his most beloved wife, Mariam, loving Daddy to his six daughters, Melissa Dutra (Lee), Susan Horwitz (Scott), Patricia Nielsen (Paul), Gretchen Gallaway (Brian), Jennifer McMeans (Adam), and Keira Bauer (Peter), a cherished Papa to his 21 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, and loving brother to his sister, Janis Schmidt (Don).
Will was born in Tacoma, Washington, May 23, 1933 to Willard Benjamin and Elvada Wyman. His baby sister, Janis, was born 16 years later. He spent much of his youth outdoors, hunting and fishing with childhood friends. He attended Bellarmine H.S., studied pre-med at The University of Gonzaga and received his doctorate at Marquette University. In 1959, he became a licensed physician and surgeon in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was also elected A Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 1965.
Will spent over 40 years practicing obstetrics and gynecology, delivering babies and caring for his patients. During this time his practice delivered approximately 15,000 babies. His medical practice, colleagues and patients were central parts of his life and happiness. During his tenure at Washington Hospital, Will also served as OB/GYN Department Chairman and Medical Staff President. He was a lifetime member of the Oakland Alameda County Medical Society.
After graduating from Marquette he began his internship/residency program at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco. Shortly after starting his rotation at Mary's Help Hospital, Will met the love of his life, Mariam, who was a surgical nurse. They recently celebrated 63 years of marriage. He dearly loved his daughters, always making time to attend their numerous basketball, volleyball and track events. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, gardening and playing golf well into his 80’s. He was also a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors and Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Will was a kind and compassionate man with a calming disposition and dry sense of humor. He was a man of deep faith. He was involved in his church, a regular Sunday Usher, and active participant in his community. Will served on the Holy Spirit School Board and was an acting physician at Moreau Catholic High School football games, where his daughters attended school. He also served on the Board of Directors at the Dominican Convent in Mission San Jose. He was an active member of the Fremont Seniors in Retirement (SIR) and always looked forward to their monthly meetings.
Will’s life will be celebrated in a funeral service on November 20, 2023, at Mission San Jose in Fremont, California. Rosary services will start at 10:00am, followed by the Funeral Mass. Burial services will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, CA, following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
Mission San Jose
43300 Mission Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94539
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
26320 Mission Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94544
