Dr. King Wai David Ma

Dr. King Wai David Ma lived a life in service to others as a practicing physician for nearly 50 years, and as a thoughtful and loving family member and friend. He passed away on February 5, 2025, at his home in Bloomington, Minnesota, from complications of heart failure. He had just celebrated his 84th birthday.

David was born in Hong Kong on January 9, 1941, to Dr. Raymond Ma and Lai King Ma. He graduated in 1965 from University of Hong Kong’s medical school. A family friend and fellow physician in Minnesota urged David to consider a new medical internship opportunity in Minneapolis, and in 1967 David moved to the Twin Cities. He was one of four physicians in the first internship cohort at Northwestern Hospital (now Abbott Northwestern) in Minneapolis. David then moved to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he specialized in nephrology and worked for 47 years before retiring in 2015. During his tenure at the VA, David taught nephrology to University of Minnesota second-year medical students, and he also mentored residents and fellows who worked at the VA.

Dave, or Dr. Ma, as his patients and colleagues knew him, cared deeply about providing excellent medical care to his patients — veterans from across the Midwest who served in World War I to present. Dr. Ma is remembered for his gentle demeanor with patients, his unmatched thoroughness in medical care, and his ability to think through medical complexities, often under difficult circumstances. It was in the VA’s nephrology unit that he met Nancy, a nurse who would become his wife. Their first date was to an Orchestra Hall concert, and the couple shared a love for music, baseball, jogging, art, travel, exploring restaurants and, of course, the practice of medicine. Dave and Nancy were married on August 2, 1980, and a few years later moved to their current home in Bloomington.

In 1984, their daughter, Michelle, was born. Over the next 18 years, their lives were filled with walks with the dogs, trips up north, sporting events, movies, concerts, weekly dinners at their favorite Chinese restaurant, and trips abroad to Australia and Hong Kong to visit family. They were fortunate to host visits from Dave’s mother, brother and family over the years. They enjoyed a rich life and formed traditions with friends and family in Minnesota, including Chinese New Year gatherings, camping and fishing with friends, birthdays and holidays with Nancy’s family, Twins games at the Metrodome, and more. Dave always found time to stop by a second-hand CD shop or bookstore to browse, and he was an avid collector of music, books and artwork. He also kept close tabs on new movies and looked forward to the Twin Cities’ annual international film festival. He and Nancy frequently attended Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club concerts, and plays at the Guthrie Theater.

Dave retired from the VA in 2015 at the age of 74. He and Nancy pursued their shared love of travel, attending family celebrations in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Sydney; class reunions in Hong Kong; and seven trips with brother, Sam, and sister-in-law, Shirley, to places such as Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Croatia and Italy. They also visited Seattle to spend time with Michelle and her husband, Brian. After travel became difficult, Dave enjoyed the serenity of their backyard, birdwatching, games of Hearts and Solitaire, baseball and football on TV, and Chinese takeout meals.

Dave died at home the evening of February 5, 2025. Nancy, Michelle and Brian were by his side. His family wishes to thank Dave’s compassionate care team with Allina Health Hospice, and the many physicians who cared for him over the years. His beloved extended family remembers him as a gentle soul with a ready smile, a proud father, and a kind, warm and joyful man who enjoyed a full and accomplished life.

Dave was preceded in death by infant brother and sister, King Cheung and King Han; father, Raymond; mother, Lai King; brother-in-law, William; and many beloved relatives and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy; daughter, Michelle (Brian); brother, Sam (Shirley); sister-in-law, Darlene; nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends. Dave and Nancy are longtime members of Hope Church in Richfield.

Dave’s memorial service will be held Thursday, February 20, at Hope Church (7132 Portland Ave. S., Richfield). Visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. The service will also be streamed online and available afterward as a recording.