OGDEN, David Taylor

David Taylor Ogden, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on June 7, 2007 after a 2 year bout with cancer. He was born in Cleveland, OH on January 18, 1941 to George and Frances Ogden. He was a resident of Phoenix, AZ for 23 years. He graduated from William and Mary College in 1963 then onto serve in the Air Force for 2 years. He completed his education at the D.C. Watson School of Physiatry in Pennsylvania. He then moved to San Francisco where he began his career as a Physical Therapist at a children's clinic then later went into private practice and partnership with Johansen's PT in San Francisco. He moved to Phoenix in 1984 to begin a new phase of his life working as a Physical Therapist at Maryvale Samaritan and later at Banner Thunderbird (Samaritan) where he accumulated many associations with co-workers and life long friends. His love for his profession made him stand out amongst his peers as a mentor and teacher. Aquatic PT would soon become his forte. In addition to being a published author for aquatic therapy he also wrote many children's stories and poetry. Many of his poems have been submitted in various poetry publications. Dreambirds was his first published children's book, a story inspired by David's own spiritual interests as well as legends and myths read to him by his mother and grandmother. David shared his house with a menagerie of exotic birds, dogs, cats, fish and turtles. David is survived by his lifelong partner Gary, his brother Daniel from Upsala, Sweden and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held on June 23, 2007 at the Church of the Beatitudes located at 555 W. Glendale Avenue. A private ceremony to scatter his ashes will be held at a later date in Sedona, AZ. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The American Cancer Society. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/15/2007.