Wilton Wells Webster Jr. dies at 90
Wilton Wells Webster Jr.
–Wilton Wells Webster Jr. died peacefully at his home Nov. 10, 2018 in Paso Robles, CA. He was 90.
“Will” was born on Jan 29, 1928 in Pasadena, CA. He graduated from Caltech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. He married Helen Miller in 1948. They were married 67 years and resided primarily in Altadena, CA.
Will was instrumental in developing innovative medical technologies. After working with cardiologist, Dr. William Ganz, on the Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter, Will went on to found his own company, Wilton Webster Laboratories, later incorporated as Webster Laboratories. He flourished as an independent inventor working in conjunction with noted cardiologists. After success with his Coronary Sinus Blood Flow Catheter, Will worked with Dr. “Sonny” Jackman of the University of Oklahoma. Their collaboration resulted in the first, highly successful electrophysiology ablation catheter. Use of this device enabled the treatment of heart arrhythmias and provided a cure of WPW (Wolf-Parkinson-White) Syndrome and other, more common arrhythmias. This therapy came to be known as radiofrequency ablation and has become the standard procedure today. After rapid growth, Webster Labs eventually became part of the J & J family of companies, known as Biosense Webster.
Later in life, Will & Helen founded the Helen & Will Webster Foundation, providing funding for many critical projects throughout the US, including broadening educational opportunities, food banks, hospitals, libraries and other social entities. The Webster Foundation has quietly touched the lives of many.
Will spent the last 20 years living in rural Paso Robles. While enjoying a quieter life, Will continued steering the Webster Foundation and became passionate about his vineyard and the environment.
Will was a good man who worked diligently to always do the right thing. As Will said in 2014, “It’s never about you – it’s always about what you do for others!” He will be missed.
His son & daughter-in-law, Alec and Claudia Webster; his son & daughter-in-law, Richard Webster and Kimberly Kenne; 5 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren survive Will. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; sister, Mary Tyson; brother William Webster; and son, William W. Webster.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wilshire Hospice, 277 S. St., STE R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
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