Donald Benjamin Wells, M.D.

Donald B. Wells peacefully passed at home on July 29,2023 at the age of 90. Don was born in Cleveland, Ohio, child of Herbert S. Wells and Helen (Durbin) Wells on August 29, 1932. He grew up in Willoughby, Ohio with his siblings who pre-deceased him, sisters Anne Dronzek, Janet Killian and brother David Wells. His father was a physician in Willoughby and his mother a nurse. Don followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio from 1951-1955. He then attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal Quebec, Canada from 1955-1959, during which he married Jessica Winiarski and to that union his three children were born. Sons -D. Christopher Wells (Barb), Peter C. Wells (Jennifer) and daughter Julie A. Wells DeSena (Paul) who survive him.

Don studied General Practice at the University of Colorado from 1959-1962. Upon graduation he began Associates in Family Medicine (AFM) family practice in Fort Collins, which quickly grew to become one of the largest independent family practices in Northern Colorado. Don served as Medical Director and Clinic Administrator from 1962 until retirement in 2000. Don was on staff at Poudre Valley Hospital as Chairman of Pediatrics, Chairman of Obstetrics, and Chief of Staff. In the 1970’s Don had an early vision toward the concept of managed care and health maintenance organizations (HMO’s). This led to AFM joining forces with Peak Health HMO in the early 1980’s. The union further evolved into United Physicians of Northern Colorado (UPNC), at which time Don stepped down from AFM to become Medical Director-CEO of UPNC. In 1985 Don married Janet Schwartz, who he would share the rest of his life.

During his years practicing, Don was also Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, Cigna HMO, and Pacificare HMO. Don was a charter member of the Academy of Family Physicians and a long-standing member of the American Medical Association. One of Don’s proudest times practicing medicine was as physician aboard the study abroad ship, Semester at Sea, which sailed around the world in 100 days, accompanied by his wife Janet.

Don was a lifelong recreator who enjoyed sailing and canoeing, skiing, tennis, and racquetball. Upon retiring, he took up golf and started a men’s group known as the Tuesday-Thursday Seniors of the Fort Collins Country Club. Don and Janet enjoyed years of travel to various countries, often with family members and dear friends.

Throughout his life, Don marveled at seeing past patients around Fort Collins who reminded him he had delivered their children, grandchildren and sometimes 3rd generations. Don delighted in having had the honor to deliver 2 of his own grandchildren before retiring.

Don wishes to be remembered for the good he brought to the community and says he’s truly had a remarkable life, not wanting sadness and sorrow to be a final memory. “Go play golf, travel, and follow your dreams. Set your goals high and never give up believing in yourself. “

Don’s final wishes were to be cremated and forgo a formal service. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to United Way of Larimer County, Pathways Hospice and the Nature Conservancy.

Don leaves behind his wife Janet (Schwartz) Wells of 38 years, his children and 3 grandchildren. Grandsons; Whitney Wells, Geoff (Ashley) DeSena and granddaughter Sydney Wells. Also Jan’s family; sister Judy (Guy) Engell, brother Dan (Carla) Schwartz, nephews Jeff Engell, Brandon Schwartz, Kyle (Abby) Schwartz, niece Janell (John) Lambrecht and several other nieces and nephews from his Ohio relatives.