Dr. Herbert Joseph Semler, z”l, a pioneering cardiologist, inventor and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, one month and a half shy of his 97th birthday. Born in Portland August 30, 1928, Dr. Semler attended Grant High School and Reed College before graduating from the University of Washington in 1949 and earning his medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine in 1953. He completed his internship at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis prior to his service in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-56.

On a blind date orchestrated by his mother, Herbert fell head over heels for Shirley Lesman. They married in 1955 and, while stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, the first of their five children was born. In 1956, Dr. Semler joined the Mayo Clinic as a fellow in internal medicine and cardiology. He returned to his Portland roots in 1960 to begin his distinguished 60-year career as Oregon's first cardiologist in private practice, affiliated with St. Vincent Hospital, while serving as Professor of Cardiology at OHSU.

Dr. Semler is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Shirley Lesman Semler, of Portland; his two daughters: Shelli J. Semler (Kyle Bach), of San Francisco, CA and Jill S. (Rick) Rubinstein, of Parkdale, OR; his three sons: Gregg T. Semler, of Belvedere, CA, H Eric (Tracy) Semler, of New York, NY and Matthew D. Semler (Ashley Campion), of Portland, OR; along with his cherished 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson. His life was marked by compassion, ingenuity, and an indomitable spirit to improve the lives of others, a legacy which will endure in the hearts of his loving family forever.

Donations may be made in Dr. Semler's memory to the Shirley and Herbert Semler Scholarship Fund at the Mayo Clinic or Save A Child's Heart. (saveachildsheart.org)