J. David Curb dedicated much of his life to exploring the mysteries of human longevity and garnering resources for the investigation of women’s health. Along the way, he proved an willing mentor to dozens of young scientists.

Curb died Jan. 8 at age 66.

Through long associations with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kuakini Medical Center and the Pacific Health Research Institute, Curb was instrumental in bringing numerous research projects to Hawaii, none more significant than the national Women’s Health Initiative, a long-term study of women’s health.

In 2008 Curb was part of a team of researchers, headed by his protégé Dr. J. Bradley Wilcox, that linked the FOX03A gene with longevity. The research was based on data culled from the Kuakini Hono­lulu Heart Program, which has tracked the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke in Japanese-American men. 

“Dr. Curb was an internationally renowned investigator in aging, with special emphasis on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease and women’s health,” said UH physician Patricia Blanchette. “He was also an excellent teacher and mentor for new researchers and was thrilled to see them succeed in their own careers.”