Dr. Donald E. Rickabaugh
October 24, 1922 - October 23, 2010
Obituary
Dr. Donald E. Rickabaugh was the middle of five children,
with two older brothers, and twin younger sisters. He was born October 24,1922.
Max, the oldest, was a pilot and instructor in Big Springs, Texas for many
years. He survived one crash by a student, but not the second, many years
later. Al was a builder for many years and lived in Corona del Mar in his
latter years until he died of cancer in his 70s. Betty Harmer and May Frazee
are identical twins and both became nurses taking their training in Boulder,
Colorado. May currently resides in Wildwood, GA and Betty in Witt Springs, AR.
Don graduated from the Loma Linda Medical School in 1945 as
Physician and Surgeon and joined his father, H.B. Rickabaugh in his medical
practice in Alhambra for many years. HB used to say that Don was his favorite
partner! They loved working together. Don continued the medical practice after
his father died until he retired in 2004, in Newport Beach.
While in medical school, Don became very good friends with a
classmate, Alan Harmer. He told the twins that one of them needed to marry this
man, he just didn't know which one! Betty did, and was very blessed.
Since Willeta May Rickabaugh, Don's mother, had 5 children
in 5 years she came up with the bright idea of having a family orchestra. The
children loved playing together and became well known in the Alhambra
community, playing for churches, country clubs and many other places. Both
parents played musical instruments with them. When they got older and went
their separate ways they often reminisced of the orchestra times and thought of
these as some of their most pleasant childhood memories.
Don had a spark of mischief. He was not above teasing his
younger sisters. It really is a wonder they survived him. Yes, they loved him dearly.
He even visited them during their nurses training in Boulder, Colorado, and
comforted them in their homesickness. As he matured he developed the attitude
of complimenting and praising people for their accomplishments or their
thoughtfulness. He was a cheer leader in that sense.
Don lived a very active life and enjoyed running, swimming
and lifting weights. He loved music and played piano, and cello in his youth.
He was a member of Oxford Club, Los Angeles Griffith Observatory, The
Performance Art Center in Orange County, the National Rifle Association and the
552 club at Hoag Hospital. He was a conservative Republican. He was a Mormon at
heart.
He had a passion for reading, and his last book was
Moby-Dick. He did not finish it, but read 435 of 851 pages.
He knew the names of many stars and constellations, and
loved everything about the Universe. He could tell you all about the Stars and
Planets and their names and places. Saturday, October 23rd was a full moon.
Don loved listening to music, and was especially fond of
Classical Music. His favorite composer was Mozart. The day of his death he was
listening to Piano Concerto No 21. in C Major.
Don will be greatly missed by his wife Mireya, children,
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and brother, nieces, nephews and
loving friends.
Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial
Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.
Dignitymemorial.com
