Clifford Edward Wilson, M.D. died peacefully at the age of 88 on April 24, 2012, at his beloved Mumford Cove home after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Wilson was born on December 18, 1923, at the Sunshine Maternity Home in Norwich, the firstborn child and son of the late Clifford E. Wilson and Hazel Fletcher Wilson Wyman of Norwich. He attended Norwich elementary schools, Norwich Free Academy, Bowdoin College and the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, where he graduated in June 1950. He served in the Navy Air Corps.
He completed his internship and residency at Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury, CT from 1951-1956. Thereafter, he started his medical practice of internal medicine and cardiology in Norwichtown, CT, where he resided and practiced from 1954-1994. While at the WW Backus Hospital in Norwich he was Senior Attending Physician, Chief of Internal Medicine and President of the Medical Staff. Dr. Wilson was Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates and Councilor to the Connecticut Medical Society. He was past president, vice president for the New London Medical Association, and served as secretary/treasurer and on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Wilson served as chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Connecticut from 1969-1993, as well as being on the Board of Directors and a member of the pension fund. Dr. Wilson also worked as a medical consultant for Blue Cross & Blue Shield in New Haven for five years, until retiring at the age of 80. He was a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians for over 50 years and a delegate to the New Jersey Medical Society. He served as medical examiner for a number of years for New London County.
Dr. Wilson was past president and on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Norwich and a delegate to the world convention in St. Louis of Rotary International. He was honored with the Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow award. He was past president of the Norwich Heart Association and the Board of the Connecticut Association, past president of the Norwich Cancer Society and on the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut Cancer Society.
His other club memberships included: Westbrook Fish & Game Club, Groton Long Point Yacht Club, Ram Island Yacht Club, Off Soundings Yacht Club, Thames Club, and the Mystic Seaport. He was a member of the Park Congregational Church in Norwich for over 50 years where he also served as a Deacon, and a member of the Mystic Congregational Church.
Some of Clifford's fondest memories were walking everywhere, driving his Dad’s big car, and cleaning silver for his Dad’s Bliss Jewelry Store. He remembered flying solo in a Pipercub. He loved sailing and won the Tartan regatta at Plymouth, MA, in his sloop Minstrel, which also won him many silver trophies in the Yachting circuit. He enjoyed yard work and his tractor. His passions were reading, sailing and traveling. He traveled to Europe, the Caribbean Islands(St Croix being his favorite), and made summer tours with his Grand Banks Trawler, Gemini, to the many islands off the New England coast.
Clifford was fun-loving, enjoyed playing pranks, and especially loved to tell his family stories. He was a serious, passionate, dignified man who was admired, respected, and loved by his family, friends, and his community. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.
Clifford E. Wilson is survived by his four children from his first wife of 24 years, Helen Gilbert Schink: Stephanie Wilson Ablondi of East Sandwich, MA, Gwendolyn Wilson Gundlach of Jaffrey, NH, Clifford Edward Wilson, III of Longmont, CO and Christopher Gilbert Wilson of Sandwich MA. He leaves behind six grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Phyllis Coldwell of Niantic, CT, Camilla Dahl of West Mystic, CT, two nieces and seven nephews. His brother, Robert, predeceased him. He is also survived by three step-children from his late wife of 28 years, Jean Warner Wilson: Lynn O’Donnell of Easton, CT, Todd O’Donnell of East Lyme CT, and Jane Tyler of E. Longmeadow, MA, eight step-grandchildren, and three step great-grandchildren. His stepson Fred O'Donnell and son predeceased him. He also leaves behind his loving and devoted companion, Elsie Johnson, with whom he spent many happy times and went on this “best vacation ever” to Africa.
Dr. Wilson was thankful for the caring of the Hospice Bob Gauthier, RN, and the Christian Caring Women team of Sondra, Loreen, and Liz who made it possible for him to remain in his home during his illness. Also special thanks from the family to all the friends who visited and sent cards. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Christian Caring Women, 74 Chestnut Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340 and Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.
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