July 3, 2001
Dr. Paul Strandjord, UW Laboratory Medicine founder, dies at age 70
Dr. Paul E. Strandjord, who founded the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine, died Friday, June 29, 2001, at age 70. The cause of death was a stroke.
Dr. Strandjord was born April 5, 1931, in Minneapolis, the son of Edphil Nels Strandjord and RuBelle Corneliusen Strandjord. He grew up in Minneapolis and earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Minnesota in 1951 and 1952. From 1952-55 he served as a naval officer during the Korean War.
In 1959 Dr. Strandjord received an M.D. from Stanford University. After completing a residency in internal medicine at the University of Minnesota, he was appointed head of the Clinical Chemistry Division and subsequently associate director of Clinical Laboratories in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Minnesota.
In 1969 he was invited to join the UW School of Medicine as professor and founding chair of the then-new Department of Laboratory Medicine. Under his leadership, the department grew to encompass the broad spectrum of laboratory specialties, developed nationally recognized training programs and nurtured new directions in research. He held this position for 25 years until retiring in 1994.
Dr. Strandjord was highly regarded by his academic colleagues and received several honors during his professional life. He was active in the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists, where he served in many capacities including president. An endowed young investigator program was developed to provide opportunities for young men and women to present their research work annually at the Academy’s national meeting.
These research awards are now called the Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Awards. Many of the award recipients are now serving as faculty members in medical schools across the nation.
Dr. Strandjord is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret Strandjord, and two sons, Thomas, UW associate professor of pediatrics, and Scott, a vice president at Swedish Health Services; two daughters-in-law, Dana and Linda; and five grandchildren: Kristin, Tyler, Kirk, Corrie and Sarah.
Dr. Strandjord was intensely interested in several hobbies outside of his professional work. He enjoyed growing roses, sailboat racing and cruising with his family, photography and more recently, fly-fishing. However, his chief passion always was helping young people to achieve their goals.
In keeping with Dr. Strandjord’s wishes, his body has been donated to the Willed-Body Program of the Department of Biological Structure at the UW medical school.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 7, at Grace Lutheran Church, 9625 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, Wash. A celebration of Dr. Strandjord’s life will be held at the UW later this month.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Strandjord/Clayson Endowment Fund in Laboratory Medicine, Medical Affairs Development Office, Box 358220, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-8220.
