R. David Ellerson, M.D., 87, of 1152 North Street, Montpelier, died on Monday, September 25 th at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was born in Amsterdam, New York, son of the late Harold F. and Gladys M. (Dressler) Ellerson. He married Darragh M. (Miller) Ellerson in 1951. He was a graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951, and of the Albany Medical School in 1955. Following his schooling, he then joined the U.S. Army, completing his residency at The Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was honorably discharged, as a Major, in 1963. He and Darragh then moved to Montpelier where he worked as a pediatrician until 2000. Its not surprising that David chose pediatrics as his career as there was little in life that brought greater joy to him than watching his patients grow from newborns to toddlers to teens, and then into parents themselves who then brought their own children to see David. A deeply caring man, David loved his family and the community that embraced him as their physician for so many years. He took immense pride in being named the Physician of the Year in 1997 by the Vermont Medical Society. David felt passionately about our world, keeping it safe for everyone including all living things. He was an avid bird watcher, loved dogs and events like the Stowe Dog Show, and the Tunbridge Worlds Fair, and was a member of numerous wildlife organizations. David was predeceased by his son Eric David Ellerson and his sister Elaine Ellerson and is survived by his wife Darragh and his children Deirdre Ellerson and spouse, Marie Comtois, Evan Ellerson and spouse, Terry Cioffredi and their children Mateo and Lucia, Mai-lis Ellerson and spouse, Miccal McMullan and their children Rowan and Keara, Alex Ellerson and his children Rachel and Sera, and his nephews Eric Engle, Kurt and Chris Miller. During the last days of his life, he and Darragh were helped immeasurably by so many wonderful care givers, too numerous to list, but to whom his family is eternally grateful. David will be buried in a private ceremony on October 6. A memorial will take place on October 6 at 5:00 PM at The Unitarian Church in Montpelier [followed by a reception also at the church]. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Davids life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Washington County Youth Service Bureau at 38 Elm Street #1, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 or the Alzheimers Association of Vermont, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Williston, Vermont 05495. (which can be done very easily from their websites)