Richard B. Wilson, an emeritus professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC, died Monday (Nov. 18) from complications after surgery. He was 81.
A Lincoln native, Dr. Wilson built a successful career in pathology, earning his medical degree in 1945 from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He was one of the earliest kidney pathologists to take advantage of electron microscopy.
“Dr. Wilson was a pioneer in kidney pathology and electron microscopy and was an outstanding pathologist and individual,” said Sam Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of pathology and microbiology.
Despite his retirement, Dr. Wilson maintained an office on campus and continued to participate in the teaching program, Dr. Cohen said. “He was so dedicated to teaching and liked being involved and working with the students,” he said. “He was meticulous in everything that he did.”
Dr. Wilson served in the U.S. Army until 1947, then spent five years as staff physician at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Health Services. Following a second, eight-month stint in the Air Force, Dr. Wilson returned to the University of Nebraska hospital for a residency in pathology. In 1957, he became an associate in pathology in the College of Medicine, where he was later promoted to professor. He retired in September 1989.
In 2000, he received the UNMC College of Medicine Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. At the time, UNMC pathologist Jim Newland, M.D., referred to Dr. Wilson as a “pioneer in electron microscopy” who was “a bear for accuracy, meticulous in reports and precise in attention to detail.”
Dr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Charlotte. He is survived by his brother Bob; daughter and son-in-law Cheri and Paul Hansen; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Sue Wilson; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John A. Gentleman Mortuaries, 1010 N. 72nd St. Services will be Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Dundee Presbyterian Church, 4312 Underwood Ave. A private family burial will be held in Lincoln. Memorial gifts should be directed to the Richard Barr Wilson Scholarship Fund at UNMC.