Dr. David Fenton Dreis, of Seattle, died Jan. 26 following a brief illness. He was 64 years old.

David was born on March 22, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Rodney and Elizabeth Dreis. He was raised in St. Paul. He received his BA from Macalester College and his MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School. David moved to Seattle in 1978 and was a physician at Virginia Mason for nearly 35 years.

David and his wife, Ann, met at Virginia Mason where Ann was a nurse and David was serving his residency.

During his training, David received the Joseph H. Crampton Award for outstanding intern at Virginia Mason Hospital. Over the years he served as Associate Director of Respiratory Care, Chief of Medicine and in various leadership roles related to quality and safety. He was a much sought-after consultant in pulmonology and quality control. He served as President of the Washington State chapter of the American Lung Association and on the board of Bailey-Boushay House.

David loved boating, travel, good food, good wine, good conversation and good cigars. Most of all he loved his family especially his children Andrew and Sarah. His welcoming home was a gathering spot for extended family and friends. Although he struggled all his life with juvenile-onset rheumatoid arthritis, he never let it get in his way. The only condition he presented to the world was an inherently positive-minded approach to life. He was known for his wit, intelligence, generosity and kindness.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Bulmer Dreis, son Andrew Dreis (Seattle), daughter Sarah Dreis (Seattle), sister Susan Henningsgard and her husband Jim, (Amery, Wisconsin), in-laws Karen Conoley and Art Verharen (Bainbridge Island), Kurt and Miriam Bulmer (Mercer Island), Bonny and Doug Becker (Seattle), Lisa and Doug Shaeffer (Issaquah), Odette Bulmer and Bob Welshons (Cedar Falls, Iowa) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Remembrances can be made to the Bailey-Boushay House: http://www.bailey-boushay.org/. All are invited to share memories at www.Legacy.com. Memorial services will be held February 28 at 9:30 a.m. on the MV Skansonia, 205 Northeast Northlake Way, Seattle, (206) 545-9109