David Telasha Obituary

David Telasha was born in Scranton, PA, a grandson of Lithuanian and Polish families who had emigrated to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in the coal mines of Northeastern Pennsylvania. David's father escaped the coal mines by attending pharmacy school in Pittsburgh then moving the new family to Washington, DC.
David, the eldest of three, grew up in the District of Columbia and its suburbs. He graduated valedictorian from Gonzaga College High School. At Georgetown University, he received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry then his medical degree from Georgetown Medical School. As a second year medical student, he met a sophomore co-ed through a mutual professor. The pair were married at Georgetown the year after graduation.
Intrigued by the idea of dry summers and natural beauty, David had the notion to move to the Pacific Northwest. After completing his residency in Philadelphia, the couple moved to Milwaukie, Oregon to start his private practice. He achieved board certification becoming a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He served the medical community as President of the Clackamas County Medical Society and as a delegate to the Oregon Medical Association.
An early adopter of computer technology, David wrote a practice management program for his office to create a better patient experience. He was active in the Portland PC Users Group and was its Membership Database Manager. David led the OS/2 System Special Interest Group which he hosted in his office. His wife came one day to help out and stayed for the next 18 years as Practice Manager.
In 2004, David suffered a life-threatening stroke which abruptly ended his clinical career. After working diligently to reshape his brain and body, he joined the first cohort of students in a joint Oregon Health and Sciences University/Portland State University Healthcare Management MBA program. He then became a co-founder of Apidae Technologies, LLC and worked with Bauer Labs on projects to improve healthcare. During this time, David was on the Board of Directors of the Providence Milwaukie Hospital Foundation and President of the Portland Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
In retirement, David joined the lively Knights of Columbus council of Resurrection Catholic Parish. He achieved the level of Third Degree Knight and was a former Grand Knight. He remained active until his death.
David and his wife enjoyed growing their own fruit and vegetables, traveling around Oregon tasting wine and photography. He was keenly interested in current events and was an avid reader of the New York Times.
Dr. David Telasha is survived by his wife of 45 years and two siblings. A funeral mass is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Resurrection Catholic Parish, 21060 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR 97062. A reception follows. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Portland Fruit Tree Project, the West Linn Food Pantry, Oregon Public Broadcasting or a remembrance of your choice.