This site is dedicated to the memory of David Prescott.

Dr. David Marshall Prescott died in Boulder on February 19, 2011, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Clearwater, FL on August 3, 1926 to Lillian and Clifford Prescott. He graduated from high school in Waterbury, CT and served in the Merchant Marine as a radio operator during World War II. Following honorable discharge in 1945, he earned a BA from Wesleyan University and a PhD in Zoology from the University of California, Berkley. He completed his postdoctoral work in Copenhagen, Denmark as an American Cancer Society Fellow. David began his career as an Assistant Professor of Anatomy at the University of California, Los Angeles, with subsequent appointments as Biologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Professor and Chair of Anatomy at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Professor and Co-founder of the Institute for Developmental Biology at CU Boulder, and Chairman and Distinguished Professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at CU Boulder. David retired in 2002, having mentored hundreds of undergraduate students, many of whom have become prominent physicians, scientists and educators. His career was highlighted by his many seminal contributions to the field of molecular biology, which are detailed by the more than 240 published books and manuscripts he authored. He was a President of the American Society of Cell Biology, a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow, an American Cancer Society Scholar and a President of the Society of Protozoologists. He was the recipient of many prestigious teaching and research awards, including an Alexander von Humboldt prize, a Hazel Barnes prize, Stearns award, two SOAR awards from undergraduate students at the University of Colorado, and he was a University of Colorado President’s Teaching Scholar. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and to the National Academy of Sciences. David enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, Sudoku puzzles, classical music, and building model ships. He was kind and generous and a man of great patience and integrity. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. David is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Gayle, his daughter, Lavonne (Brian), his sons Jason (Christina) and Ryan (Judy) as well as four grandchildren, Hayden, Henry, Alexandra and Zack. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Prescott Scholarship for undergraduate arts and sciences students at the University of Colorado Foundation, 4740 Walnut St., Boulder, CO, 80301.

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I was a student of Dr. Prescott at CU in the late eighties, early nineties. He was a great teacher, one of just a couple that have stayed with me for many years. I wanted to let him know I've returned to a career in science after 25 years as an architect, and his teachings continue to inspire me. Rest in peace Dr. Prescott, you are greatly missed and not forgotten. - Richard Pearse
richard pearse
1st June 2014
I have many wonderful memories of Gayle and David as loving and devoted parents of two very special little boys - Jason and Ryan. It was a delight to have both boys in our home as their "day care" provider. We enjoyed having them with us but never had a doubt of the strong family connection that existed between all of you. We know that in addition to all the accomplishments that David had as a professional, he never forgot his primary roll as a father and husband. I'm sure you will miss him but we hope hat the many wonderful memories will help to fill your hearts and make you smile. All our best. Frank and Ann Stewart
Ann and Frank Stewart
19th March 2011
We are deeply saddened about the loss of a good friend. I don’t need to extol David’s incredible scientific contributions; they are well known and documented. He was an agnostic atheist, but cared more for others than most of those who call themselves religious. He cared for the nature more than many environmentalists. He was an extraordinary family man who was happily married for 41 years to a woman that he loved and respected. Both raised their children to become successful and responsible adults. David’s interest was not limited to his professional areas of expertise. We remember delightful and eloquent conversations about music and literature, gardening and food, painting and antiques over a good self-prepared dinner. David was a humanist in the truest sense of its meaning: despite his remarkable achievements, he remained unassuming and respectful of others and their interests and values. These attributes, his sagacious mind, and a never-ending interest in new findings made him a credible role model for many of his mentees and enabled them to discover themselves and develop their full potential. We remember him fondly and will miss him deeply, but his legacy will live on for a long, long time. Brenda and Uli
Uli Klein
14th March 2011