Dr. Weldon R. Correll, Optometrist, Inventor With `An Incredible Mind'

The strongest memory is one of brilliance.

"He had such an incredible mind," says Robert Correll of his father, Dr. Weldon R. Correll of Seattle. "He was a tremendous student, a scientist, an inventor.

Dr. Correll, "Ray" to friends and family, died Oct. 31. He was 68.

Gifted with a photographic memory as well as a great mind, Correll excelled at Fordham University School of Engineering, and then again at Northern Illinois College of Optometry.

After college he set up practice in Cle Elum and Ellensburg, at a time when coal trains still rumbled through the towns and there wasn't another optometrist for miles around.

"He was virtually the only one serving the area," his son says. "He was more than a doctor to many, many families; he was their friend."

Dr. Correll undertook numerous scientific research projects and began experimenting with ways to improve the tools of his profession.

All of life intrigued and challenged him, friends recall. His tinkering extended in many directions and eventually would lead him to design the water-ski launch.

Then Dr. Correll's life veered sharply.

During World War II, he had served with the 329th Combat Engineers of the 104th Timberwolf Division.

In France, Belgium and Holland, Correll moved ahead of the front line, building bridges and paving the way for the Allied forces. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge.

He was proud of his service, but the nightmare that is war blighted his dreams. In 1961, he suffered what now is known as permanently disabling post-traumatic stress.

"His career ended, he never really recovered and life changed for all of us," his son says. "But my memory of him, my strongest impression, is that he was a brilliant man."

Dr. Correll is survived by his sons Robert of Bothell and Michael of Anchorage, Alaska, and daughters Patricia Brogotti of Purdy, Pierce County, and Kathleen Haley of Kingston. He also is survived by a brother, Leo, of Arlington, Snohomish County, and sisters Alvina Pugmire of Kennewick and Norma Olsen of Roseburg, Ore. Six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Services were scheduled for noon today at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home.

Inurnment will be at Willamette National Cemetery, for veterans, in Portland.