WILLIAM INSULL JR., MD
1924-2018
An amazing husband, father and a dedicated physician, he was a lover of medical research, the family lake house, and his New York Times. He lived a life filled with curiosity and intention and died peacefully on February 11th in Houston, Texas. Born November 11, 1924 in Lafayette, Indiana to William Insull and Madge Morris Insull, he grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio. He graduated with a BS from the University of Michigan and was awarded an MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1949. During the Korean War he served as an Army physician in Denver, Colorado where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Verplank, to whom he was married for sixty-one adventurous years.
Throughout his career, he undertook research projects focusing on coronary artery disease and cardiovascular research, serving on the faculties of Case Western Reserve University Hospital, Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, and jointly at Cornell and Rockefeller University Hospitals in NYC. Bill’s intensity and thirst for knowledge led him to pursue research projects in medical schools in London, Stockholm, and Tokyo before he and Phyllis settled in Houston with their family in 1977, when he joined the faculty as Director of the Lipid Research Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine. Bill supervised clinical trials, authored and co-authored more than 590 peer-reviewed publications and received a patent for his innovative work. He served on policy advisory committees for the National Institutes of Health boards of clinical trials, The Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association. Working steadfastly Bill remained devoted to his vocation until he was 81 years old, when he retired Professor of Clinical Medicine from Houston Methodist Hospital.
Bill enjoyed his work throughout his long career, but his real joy was his family. He shared summers at the beloved lake house in Michigan; family dinners full of conversation and laughter; crosscountry-driving vacations; and trips around the world to various medical conferences with each of his children. No matter where he was, he never passed up an opportunity to learn from anyone he met – anywhere – he was always asking questions.
Bill treasured his late wife, Phyllis, and he leaves a lifetime of wonderful memories to be cherished by their four children: Lisa Rebori, Brita Talk and her husband Chuck, Bettina Sullivan, Brent Sullivan and William Insull III and his wife Christi, and grandchildren Stephen and Jordan Rossi, William and Patrick Insull, and Jessamine Sullivan. His children and grandchildren always held a special place in his heart. He was a supportive friend and family cheerleader, and he valued his community of extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank Anna Rodriguez, and the staff of The Village of River Oaks Senior Community for their care, consideration and attention, enriching his life during these past two years.
Friends in Houston are invited to celebrate Bill’s life on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 11 am – 1 pm at Lamar Tower at 2929 Buffalo Speedway. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to The American Heart Association or to the charity of your choice. The world lost an amazing mind and warm presence in Bill, but his memory won’t be forgotten.