Died peacefully at his home November 10, 2018 in Paso Robles, CA. He was 90. "Will" was born on January 29, 1928 in Pasadena, CA to his parents, Wilton Wells Webster and Aunita Webster. Will graduated from the California Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. He married Helen E. Miller in 1948. They were married 67 years and resided primarily in Altadena, CA. Will was instrumental in developing innovative medical technologies. After experience 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 went on to work 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 then other, more common arrhythmias. This therapy came to be known as radio frequency ablation and has become the standard procedure today. After rapid growth, Webster Labs eventually became part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, known as Biosense Webster. Later in life, Will and Helen founded the Helen & Will Webster Foundation, which provided funding for many critical projects throughout the United States, including education, food banks, hospitals, libraries and other social entities. The humble nature and generous spirit of both Will and his wife Helen, who passed away last year, and the entire Webster family is reflected in the Foundation's giving. At UC Santa Cruz many of the family's gifts were made in the names of others, including the establishment of five presidential chairs, the renovation of the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, and the naming and endowment of Rachel Carson College. Through the work of the Webster Foundation, the family has improved the lives of thousands of individuals. Will spent the last 20 years living in rural Paso Robles. While enjoying a quieter, rural life, Will continued steering the Webster Foundation and became passionate about his vineyard and the environment. Will was a good man. He always worked diligently to 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. Will is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Alec and Claudia Webster; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard Webster and Kimberly Kenne; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his sister, Mary Tyson; his brother William Webster; and his son, William W. Webster. A celebration of his life will take place early in 2019. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the UC Santa Cruz Foundation, Wilton W. Webster Jr. Natural Reserves Presidential Chair. UC Santa Cruz Foundation, 1156 High Street MS: SVC/UR, Santa Cruz, CA 95064.
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