In Memoriam:
Curtis Burnham Wilson, Jr. (1936-2013)

Curtis Burnam Wilson, Jr., professor emeritus in the Department of Immunology and Microbial Science at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), died on March 24 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 77.

“I met Dr. Wilson when I arrived at Scripps and had the privilege of sharing his deep knowledge of kidney immunopathology and receiving his extensive advice on my first paper,” said Argyrios Theofilopoulos, chair of TSRI’s Department of Immunology and Microbial Science. “Curtis always impressed me as a man of honor and meticulous science who was highly recognized for his contributions. His reviews in the area of kidney physiology and pathology are classics. 

“After he retired, I missed him very much and frequently sought his advice, which was always generously given. Over many years, Curtis also developed the IACUC offices and procedures, which have been extremely helpful to us all. His dry humor was always welcome, and he has many friends here who are very sad to hear of his passing. My deep condolences to [his wife] Coyla and his entire family.” 

Born February 12, 1936, Wilson earned his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and MD from the University of Iowa. He completed a tour of service in the United States Air Force before coming to TSRI (then called The Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation) in 1968, for a postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Frank Dixon, who was then the head of Department of Experimental Pathology. 

After joining the Scripps faculty in 1971, Wilson rapidly advanced to the rank of professor based on his research of immune complex and other immune response diseases of the kidney. During his long and productive career, he published more than 270 papers and chapters in textbooks. 

Wilson also was a member of numerous honorary and professional organizations and served on the editorial boards for the American Journal of Nephrology, Clinical Nephrology, Kidney International, and the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

He is survived by his wife, Coyla; son, David; daughter, Diane; and five grandchildren. 

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