Alfred Lee Nuttall (Fred), age 82, died peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family, in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 2, 2026.
Fred was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family above all else. Fred and his wife Bonnie were married in 1965 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year.
They have two daughters and two granddaughters, all of whom Fred deeply adored. Fred valued time together and brought joy to his family daily, with his smiles and hugs, sharing articles he had read or recipes he wanted to try.
He loved world travel, classic and vintage cars, coffee, good food and wine, and meeting new and interesting people. He possessed a brilliant mind, and he was witty and funny with a wonderful sense of humor. He approached life with humility, curiosity, and generosity, and his optimism and love of life were contagious.
Fred earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1965 at Lowell Technological Institute, which is now part of the University of Massachusetts. He then enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Michigan and earned a Ph.D. in bioengineering in 1972. He became a professor at the Kresge Hearing Research Institute, also at U-M.
In 1996, Fred was recruited to the Oregon Health and Science University to become director of the Oregon Hearing Research Center in Portland, Oregon, a position he held until July 2024.
During his tenure as director and as vice-chair for research in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Fred oversaw tremendous growth in hearing research at OHSU, establishing the OHRC as one of the premier hearing research groups in the nation based on federal funding and the impact of its research.
In 2013, Fred was appointed as the Jack Vernon Endowed Professor in Hearing Research. He is professor emeritus at both U-M and the Oregon Health and Science University. Throughout his career, he was known for intellectual rigor, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to mentorship.
Fred will be remembered not only for a phenomenal career and enduring contributions to science and education, but also for the warmth and kindness he brought to every relationship. He will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Fred was predeceased by his brother, George, and his parents, George and Anita. He is survived by his brother, Mark, his wife, Bonnie, his daughters, Christine and Anne, and his granddaughters, Ellery and Hannah.
