John DeVincenzo Obituary

John Peter DeVincenzo, 73, passed away from an apparent heart attack Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. He was found in the back of his favorite truck, a ''58 Chevy, in the middle of his favorite apple orchard, Gopher Glen Apple Farm in See Canyon. John "Johnny" was born in Shafter, Calif., in September 1936, the eldest child of John and Anna DeVincenzo. He completed high school in 1954 and graduated from U.C. Berkeley four years later. Upon graduation he married "Bobbie" Lauchland. The couple''s three children were born in Loma Linda, Calif., while John was in dental school there. In 1970 John moved his family to San Luis Obispo and bought an apple ranch in See Canyon, which they affectionately called Gopher Glen because of the large number of gophers in the newly planted orchard. In addition to farming "Doctor D," as he was affectionately known by patients and numerous others, also began to practice orthodontics in San Luis Obispo. Later he expanded his practice to include Arroyo Grande. As time progressed Doctor D also acquired other properties and businesses around the area. Together with his second wife, Sally, he owned and operated Avila Valley Barn, SLO Maid Ice Cream and Froggies Cafe in San Luis Obispo. He also farmed apple ranches in Lodi and cherry orchards in Kern County. His creative mind had developed innovative orthodontic treatment plans for his patients for whom he cared greatly. John is remembered as a dedicated family man - energetic, funny, full of life and always pushing the limits on traditional thinking. He was passionate about everything he chose to do in life and always made time for people. He began each day with God and tried to honor God in all he did. He will be greatly missed by family members, patients, co-workers, church friends and all those his vibrant life impacted. Truly he was a unique man - full of innovative ideas, exuberance and seemingly boundless energy. John is survived by his wife, Sally, and her family; his mother, Anna; and sister, Mary; children Mary and Katie of Davis, Calif., and John of Memphis, Tenn.; and eight grandchildren Dane, Dawn, Shay, Luke, Jonathon and Natalie of Davis, and J.P. and Julia of Memphis. A celebration of John''s life will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at the New Life Community Church, 990 James Way in Pismo Beach. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to John''s favorite charities, Radical Reality or Discovery Institute.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Sep. 24, 2009.
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Granddad, I still think of you often. I have fond memories of our time together. I hope that my kids will have as much love & for their grandparents as I have for you.

Dane McDonald

August 2, 2017

I remember the first time I met him he stayed after hours to see me. I was 8 at the time. I grew up with him and my mother referred patients to his practice all the time. He was a brilliant man whom his patients could always trust. He had other peoples best interests at heart always. We will miss him.

Mandy Laprade

December 8, 2011

Wow john I cant believe you are gone we had just spoke two days prior to you passing. I am honored to have restored your little old pick up as you would often refer. Thank you for helping make Haleys smile beautiful You will be missed. We love you

David and Haley Forsgren

November 5, 2009

I was a patient of his for 12 years. He watched me grow up. I always loved coming to see him and his amazing painted office. My favorite childhood memory is going to avila barn and picking up apples in gopher glen. He was an amazing man, his legacy will live on.

October 31, 2009

Dr. De and I met in 1976. I worked for him in his lab. Over the years he influenced my life in so many ways.I loved him for his honesty, humor, wisdom and warmth. He was truly a very special man who touched all of our hearts and lives in such a powerful way. I miss him dearly.
My blessings to all of his family.
Shevon Sullivan

shevon sullivan

October 21, 2009

I am 15 and i have known John for all-of 6 years. A small amount to you, but a lifetime to me. There so many words that could describe a man like John, He truly loved, and strived to be like God. Everyone that knows John knows the overwhelming sense of love that he has for everbody that he knows. Dr. Devincenzo did my braces and i got them off a year ago today. I have probbably lost more retainers that anyone in the history of orthodontics, and i dreaded going to see Dr. D. Not because i dislike the office, but because i loved Dr. D and he loved me, and i knew that he would be dissapointed in me, even knowing that no matter what i did, he would still love me. I now wake up every morning and have my retaner in my mouth and do not look forward to taking it out. To this day, i have been putting of going back to his office because i know i will not be able to bear the sight of him not being there. And also because i am hanging on to that one last thing I have of John, I know that at my next appointment i will get a new retainer. The one i have now, Dr.D made himself for me. I cant let that go. I truely cryed for a week over the loss of a mentor, father-like, loving, wonderful, intuitive, caring, happy, and above-all Godly man.

S M

October 19, 2009

Dr. D. was the best!! As an "older" patient it felt awkward to get braces with all the young folk, but Dr. D always made me feel comfortable. He was so kind and his caring and sincerity was felt throughout his office. You could tell that his staff were proud to be working with him and they all cared for their patients. I also have wonderful memories of visiting Gopher Glen and the Avila Barn with my children. How one person can do so much, I don't know, but he did it, and with a smile!! It's too bad he couldn't stick around longer -- the world needs more people like him.

With love and affection,
Angela Borin

Angela Borin

October 7, 2009

Dearest Dr.D,
I am one of thousands of people who have the same story to tell about you dear friend. You were one of those extremely rare individuals that one can only hope to come across in their lifetime! As was mentioned at the service, everyone thought THEY were your best friend. What a remarkable quality you had to make everyone feel so special - I so want to be like that! As a mom, it was so special for me to be able to bring my daughters to the orthodontist that I had gone to as a child, and they too felt the same love for you that I always did. Integrity, love, compassion, boundless energy, and so much more......you had so much of all these things that they overflowed into our lives and we will be forever greatful!

Glen, Shelly(Heeren), Paige and Lindsey Wolf

October 5, 2009

I was a neighbor of John's in Shafter, CA. We farmed one ranch over from his family, on Jack Ave. I am Karen Sanderson-Medeiros, in Fair Oaks,CA. John and his family took us to Church with them on Sundays. We bought the best, and my favorite, Santa Rosa plums from John's family. John, hyimself, picked a box for me the last time I took one home. We would visit his stand in Avila when we were in the area. My mom, Vera Sanderson still lives in Shafter and keeps in touch with John's Mom. We are saddened to hear of his death at such a young age.

Karen Sanderson-Medeiros

October 3, 2009

Dear Mary, Katy and John, I'm so sorry about the loss of your father. I've thought of him many, many times over the years when brushing my teeth or when visiting See Canyon.I hope you can find comfort with friends and family.
Linda Thomson for the Mathiesen Family

Linda Thomson

October 2, 2009

Dr D meant more to me than just being my orthodontist. He started each of my appointments with a hug. He gave me a beautiful smile--a pretty face. There will be no one who can take his place and I will miss him like no other of my doctors.

I have since had an appointment at his office. It was very hard to keep the appointment knowing Dr D would not be there. His staff and Dr Miller were still awesome, but I still cried the rest of the day for such a sad loss.

May God bless his family.

Renee Silvers

October 2, 2009

I cannot begin to describe the sense of loss that my girls and I feel over the loss of you Dr. D.. It has been nearly two weeks since we have heard of your passing and we cry daily, and sometimes for most of the day. You took us in when we had no where to go, and you gave me a job. you smiled at my girls and made them feel safe and cared for and loved in a time when we needed that more than anything in the world. You were hard on me, and demanded all that I could give. I could never thank you enough for that kind of love. You changed our lives forever. You changed who I was, who I am, and who I want to be. You became a foundation in my life and I watched you, and I learned. I always thought I would get to the day when I could stand before you and make you proud of me, but you were never short on praise and encouragement.Thank you for believing in me, even though when you found me I was a broken mess. I truly don't know what to do without you. I have written you so many letters in my mind thanking you for your influence in my life, but they all seemed inadequate now they all just seem too late. I will never forget the day you asked me about my family and I told you I had no one close or helpful and you looked me in the eye and said "Well you are Itallian now". I have never been the same. Thank you for everything. thank you for changing our lives forever.

Sheila and girls

October 1, 2009

Ah,Johnny! You left me with thought of "What if....?" so many times, but I was blessed with a delightful friendship which few people ever will find. A question for you...did you ever suspect that the three predominant themes in these entries would be ADMIRE and FUN and "I LOVE YOU,JOHN"? My sentiments,exactly

Darrell Parks

October 1, 2009

Dear Dr. D,
Thank you for being an extraordinary human being! You came into our lives as orthodontist extraordinaire. You weren't afraid to think outside the box and cleverly moved my son's teeth so that he would have "real" front teeth after an accident. Everytime I look at my sons smile I see your genius. God blessed you with many talents and you used them well to bless others. It was a real pleasure to know you Dr. D.~The DiSanti Family

October 1, 2009

I met Dr. D. in the 1970's when I visited Gopher Glen to get "the best apples in California". He was always around and available to answer questions. I asked him about the Macintosh apple and he said they didn't do well in the West. However, he was experimenting with the Macouns and invited me to board the flat bed trailer and we went out to the orchard. He helped me pick a bag of macouns. The taste was heavenly, and though they never developed commercially, Dr. D let me get a few each year when I came on my annual "pilgrimage". He was so very kind and thoughtful. I am remembering all of the family and many workers over the years during this difficult time.

Prayers for you, Nancy Javore (Santa Barbara)

September 30, 2009

Dr. D we knew you so briefly and knew you were different from the everyday person. Thank you for your authentic caring for your patients and all you have done for our family. We will miss the light you were in this life. Till we see you again.

Waltz Family

September 29, 2009

Dr. D. ...I will miss your jokes, your smile, your incredible sense of compassion and warmth. From the first day I met you helping at BSFCS I knew there was something so special about you. When i look at the beautiful smiles of my boys i will always remember you and all you brought to our lucky community! We are blessed to have known you. The Reed family

Robin Reed

September 29, 2009

John thank you for being such an amazing example to me and others of how to love people unconditonaly. You had a gift to make anyone you spoke to feel loved and important. You will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you and sally very much.
May God Bless you and your Family.

Love,

Tom and Lisa Welton

September 29, 2009

John thank you for being such an amazing example to me and others of how to love people unconditonaly. You had a gift to make anyone you spoke to feel loved and important. You will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you and sally very much.
May God Bless you and your Family.

Love,

Tom and Lisa Welton

Tom Welton

September 29, 2009

Dr. D was awesome! He invented a face thing for my daughter(Aundrea Lint) to fix her chin. She is now 31 at the time she was 6. We certainly did give him a challenge. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Karen(Lint) Bender

Karen Bender

September 29, 2009

One day, out of the blue John stopped by our apple orchard and told my dad that if you hang a bar of Ivory soap on each apple tree, the deer would stay away. My dad and I who were new to See Canyon at the time thanked John for the unusual advice. Later that week we found ourselves attaching soap to each tree. John was right, the deer moved on to the next orchard the following day.

Rest in Peace John

Tom Cleveland, brother of Barrie & Brian Cleveland and son of George and Jean Cleveland (Galt, California)

September 29, 2009

I almost don't remember a time, when growing up, that Dr D wasn't a part of my life. First he saw my little sister, and fixed her smile up beautifully! Then, when I was in college, he made my smile just a beautiful! (In part, I think I was jealous of the care she was getting from Dr D. Always being told you are beautiful, or that your smile is beautiful is PRICELESS.)
Dr D offered SO much more to his patients than simply giving us beautiful smiles. He offered humor, teaching, and love. Thank you for serving God so diligently in all areas of your life. You will be greatly missed!

Amanda Masters

September 28, 2009

Thank you, Dr. D, for touching my life and the life of my family. My children's smiles are do in large part to you. You will always be in our thoughts and hearts.

Love,
Darrell, Linda, Jordan & Stevie

Darrell Goo

September 28, 2009

I will never be the same...he has molded me into the person I am today and I will forever be grateful..He was complex yet simple and loved me unconditionally...He was a father to me and I know he will be present in my heart forever and guide me along...making sure I make the most of my life here on earth...and I will see him again some day...I am forever indebted to him for his giving of himself continually just to make sure I am OK...and even though I have made mistakes he forgave..He was the most forgiving man alive. He meant the WORLD to me and I don't have enough words in my vocabulary to describe the man that he was and will still be to so many of us...He is my Guardian Angel..I love you Dr. D.and not one day will go by that you won't fill my heart with love..You will be with me always. Your other daughter, Liz Cottriel

Elizabeth Cottriel

September 28, 2009

Dr. D was a very generous person. For many years, he donated about 900 crisp Gala apples so every new Cal Poly student majoring in agriculture could taste a fantastic apple and hear the "apple story" of unlimited potential. He was a significant contributor to the local chapter of Rare Fruit Growers, hosting meetings, giving talks, and providing scion wood for the high school grafting program. Dr. D will be missed by all of us.

Joe Sabol

September 27, 2009

Dr.D. the only dentist I have ever known where we actually looked forward to an office visit!
We enjoyed and will miss our special times discussing biblical prophecies, theories, archaeology and history...we wil miss his humor, his kindness, generosity,humbleness,professionalism, and most importantly how he interacted with our children and rewarded them for honesty during their orthodontic care...He was truly a great man and a great doctor.
Dr, D. reminded me of the type of doctor you would find in days past, doctors you would find characterized on shows like Little House on the Prarie or the Waltons...he was a community doctor with great heart that placed an immense value on his patients and their families!
He truly was the quintessential Doctor a truly american classic!
His work will be memoralized in the smiles of his patients for years to come....memoralized at birthday parties, weddings, graduations, family reunions and every happy moment.
For where ever a smile is beaming there by the grace of God is a smile fashioned by the talents and loving care of Dr.D!

He will be missed but just think of the great things he is enjoying and learning now...
Our condolences go out to his wife , his family, his employees, colleagues, and the many,many patients who will miss him dearly!
Love,
Barry, Nancy , Jesse and Kaela Yancosek

Barry Yancosek

September 27, 2009

What an incredible, truly remarkable man. Life here was a better place because of him. He had the courage to really get to know you. His intelligence about orthodontics was greater than any of the numerous other dentists i had seen in 33 years. Many blessings to him and the family he left behind. Sincerely, Jennifer Stowasser

September 26, 2009

Thank you Dr. D for being such a wonderful man, doctor and community member. Rest in peace, dear soul!

Nancy Lofstrand

September 26, 2009

One of my fondest memories of going to visit your office was how you would tell me that I was beautiful and had a beautiful smile. As a teenage girl and hearing it from you made me feel like it was coming from my dad almost. I knew you cared about my teeth, but I could tell even as a child that you cared about my heart. It was an honor have my teenage daughter go to see you because I knew you would make her feel just as special. We are better people because of you, not just our smiles, but the smiles you put on our face and in our heart. You touched our lives like nobody else could. We both hope to go out of this world like you- making the lives of others so much better!
Heidi and Kelsi

September 26, 2009

Thank you Dr. D for my son Kyle's lovely smile. Your kindness and blessings to us have not been forgotten.

Michelle & Kyle Lucas

September 26, 2009

Mary, Katie, and John,
I am sadened to hear of your loss and the loss we all have, with your dad passing to his next life in Heaven. I have know all of you when we were in school. but your dad I also knew both in talent competitions in school and when he worked on my teeth, and both of my childrens teeth.
We as a family and I am certain as a community will miss him, but he is at peace now in a far better place.
The James Bond Family.

September 25, 2009

Our heartfelt condolences to the wife and family of our blessed Dr. D. He was one of the best men on earth.
Sincerely, Dr. Gerry and Marty Main

September 25, 2009

Dr. D, First of all I feel so honored to have had the opportunity of knowing you. You had a tremondous impact on my life and I'm so thankful for everything you did for me. You were such a hard working man and now you can finally rest. I know God has a very special place for you in heaven. My sincere sympathy goes out to your family and friends and all the girls from the office. You will be truly missed but there is comfort in knowing that we will meet again in heaven. Love Vianey Alvarado

Vianey Alvarado

September 25, 2009

Dr. D,
I was a patient of yours so long ago and my kids were patients of yours. I owe my daughters beautiful smile to you! She loved working for you the last two summers and on Saturdays! Her favorite memory is when the patients would ask if she was your granddaughter and what should she tell them. You said, "tell them clearly we are twins." Pretty sweet considering my daugther is only 16.
You touched so many lifes and my daughter looked up to you and she will NEVER forget you. She would like to go into the orthodontist field thanks to your advice...
Heaven is blessed to have you Dr. D. We will miss you so much... The Central Coast truly lost a wonderful man and Orthodontist!

Chantelle & Kendall Holley

September 25, 2009

Dr. D. You will be missed immensely. You are a unique and special man. Thank you for being apart of our lives. Daniela and Ruanne O'Donoghue

September 24, 2009

Uncle Johnny - Yours was a life well lived. We are deeply saddened by your sudden passing. You were an excellent example of someone who walked with God every day. Your pranks will be missed by many (except by those on the receiving end!). I pray that the Lord shines the light of his love and grace on your family and all of those close to you during this difficult time. Rest in peace.

Kathy Ervin

September 24, 2009

WE AT PRIMAVERA MARKETING ARE ALL IN SHOCK AT THE PASING OF JOHN. HE WAS A MAN OF GREAT PASSION AND A FARMERS FARMER!
WE KNOW WHAT HIS ORCHARDS MEANT TO HIM AND HIS ENERGY WOULD RUB OFF ON US AFTER EVEN A SHORT ENCOUNTER WITH JOHN. WE WHO DO NOT KNOW HIM FROM HIS OTHER PERSONALITY - BEING A DENTIST, THAT IS, CAN ONLY BE IN AWE OF A MAN THAT FULL OF LIFE AND LOVE!
ITS NOT OFTEN IN TODAYS IMPERSONAL AND MATERIALISTIC WORLD THAT YOU COME ACROSS PEOPLE WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALLY, SPIRITUALLY AND ECONOMICALLY - A KIND OF A MODERN DAY RENISSANCE MAN FOR SURE!

IN FACT WIKIPEDIA SAYS - The idea developed in Renaissance Italy from the notion expressed by one of its most accomplished representatives, Leon Battista Alberti (1404–72): that “a man can do all things if he will.” It embodied the basic tenets of Renaissance Humanism which considered man empowered, limitless in his capacities for development, and led to the notion that people should embrace all knowledge and develop their capacities as fully as possible. Thus the gifted men of the Renaissance sought to develop skills in all areas of knowledge, in emotional development, in social accomplishments and in both the arts and religion.

SURELY SOMEONE TO BE ADMIRED AND REMEMBERED!

MOST SINCERELY,

ROSS WESTBROOK
PRESIDENT
PRIMAVERA MARKETING INC
LINDEN CA.

Ross Westbrook

September 24, 2009

Dr. D. was the gentle man! He was so kind to my brothers and sisters and me who saw him as an orthodontist. I have known him for about 35 years. Now, my oldest son was seeing him for 2 years and now he has full braces. My son and I miss you, Dr. D. May the Lord be with you. Jamie Corr, Arroyo Grande

Jamie Corr

September 24, 2009

Dr. Devincenzo patiently fixed my TMJ problems as a teenager. I cannot thank him enough for the quality of my life today. I still wear the retainer at night that he gave me when I was 16--and now I'm 40!
Wishing his family comfort as they read all these heartfelt guest book remarks.

Elizabeth Beaman

September 24, 2009

Johnny,

You were a profound inspiration and influence in my life. Thank you.
I pray that God richly blesses your soul as you have blessed so many here on Earth.

Bob Odineal

September 24, 2009

Dr. D,
Aside from being the best orthodontist ever, you were also an amazing role model. I have my dream job now because you gave me the courage to apply for it. I owe you my deepest thanks and will remember you always.

Miranda Thompson

September 24, 2009

JOhn,
As a boss you were the best!! as a loving friend Even better!!! You made my life mean something. Something more Id ever think possible. For all the NINE years I worked for you words cant describe How GREAT Of a MAN you were~! I love YOu and Will MIss you SOOO MUCH!!

Camie DeLaRosa

September 24, 2009

You have made me who I am today. Thank you Dr. D for being such an influence in my life.

Rachael Blizzard

September 24, 2009

I was so sad and devastated to hear of your passing, yet I know that you are now face to face with the One you worshipped and loved so much. I know you are receiving your reward for running the good race. You also now see without a dark glass, and understand all fully. You were a wonderful man and will be missed.

May the Lord be with all of your loved ones in their sadness always.

September 24, 2009

Words do not descripe what a loss we now face. A powerful mark he has left on so many of us.We have lost a jewel of a man. His kindness and friendship shall be missed always.John opened his home and his heart to anyone in need.A place to sleep ,a warm word of encourgement and the support to get you through anything.He had a special gift in making everyone feel significant. He always gave 100% of himself to you..Always a sincere ,happy smile when he would see you.He greeted everyone with the same"My goodness"and smiled from ear to ear.He was a true man of God a desciple , my mentor and my friend. I will miss him always. My love and condolences to Sally and family.- Anthony and Sandra Martinez (Vero Beach,Fl)

Sandra Martinez

September 24, 2009

Sally, we only got to meet you once at a Class of '62 reunion at the McEwen's several years ago. We were pleased to know that John had such a special lady to share his life with. Such a gentle man. You and your family are in our prayers.

September 24, 2009

I have such fond memories of Johnny D. It blesses me to know that he left this earth essentially the same guy I remember. When I look back to those days I am reminded that johnny D was one of those who did not fall far from the tree for his parents were the same kind of people. Life was always rich and merry when one was with the Devincenzo family. It is a blessing to know that that warmth and good Godly grace has been passed down and on.

Marlynn Villegas Strauss

September 24, 2009

Thank You for all you brought to church each Sunday. I always loved when you would get up to share your mind. Also, thanks for all your kind words to me, and all the encouragement. I will so greatly miss you on Sundays. I can't even imagine all the rewards that you have coming to you for all the kindness you have shown on earth. Tell Jesus hello for me.

P.S. thanks for not making Courtney's teeth go every which way like her had told her you were going to do to keep the boys away.

Carol & Courtney Tiessen

September 24, 2009

Dr. D impacted my life so much deeper than just "fixing my teeth". He oozed God's love on every kid who came to him, whether they knew where it came from or not. I was such an insecure kid with scraggly teeth. He convinced me I was pretty from the first day I met him. The braces were just a formality. His influence continued after my braces were finished through those darn retainers! I was good at loosing them. One time, I lost a set of retainers in Mexico while on a mission trip. When I told him I lost them, he asked me how. When he heard that I was on a mission trip, his face lit up, and he said he would replace my retainers for free. Then he got all giddy, like a little kid, and took me into his back office to show me a book he was working on about being grafted into God's vine. I was so touched by His love for God, his exuberance for life, and his overflowing love for all the kids in his care. Thank you Jesus for putting this wonderful man in my life. God touched MANY people with love through him.

Trisha Beam Lowney

September 24, 2009

I have been going to See Canyon for 22 years, and to Avila Barn a similarly long time. At first, Gopher Glen was a favorite of many stops; ultimately becoming the ONLY stop along the canyon, as I could find all I wanted there and at Avila Barn. It has been wonderful to watch both grow and see Dr. DeVincenzo's vision come to fruition. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, but was comforted to read that he was doing what he loved and was in his favorite truck in his favorite orchard. We can only wish for such for ourselves. His was an exceptional life, my condolences to the family and friends he has left behind.

Patt Shirley

September 24, 2009

My memories of John dates back to the late 40's and early 50's when he, his sister and I all attended the First Baptist Church in Wasco, Ca. John attended Shafter High while I attended Wasco High (natural enemies)but we were very good friends. I remember many practical jokes that he would pull with his sister Mary Ann and his father out in their feilds during the Halloween season. God bless John, and his family, he was a good man!
Dwayne D. Hutson, Wasco, Ca

September 24, 2009

Dr. D All my friends would ask me if I knew of any good Dentist and I would tell them you were the only one I would reconmend because you were the best. Thanks for doing my teeth and my daughters teeth your the best you will be greatly missed.

September 24, 2009

I am so glad Johnny was here on earth when I was. His life has touched many in many ways. We were children growing up in the San Joaquin Valley - and altho he was a Shafter Hi General and I was a Wasco Hi Tiger he was my friend. The many times spent in the DeVincenzo Home at youth gatherings from church can never be erased from my heart or mind. He played many pranks and jokes on all of us and carried his wonderful humor through out life - how thankful I am to have been able to call him my friend. My heartfelt sympathy and love and prayers go out to Sally, His Mom Anne and His Sister Mary and all their family. We will see him again oh Glorious Day!!!! Marilyn Correll-Kendig

September 24, 2009

I have so many memories of Johnny, my first trip to Disneyland, picking up rock to build the fire place and the sitting at the gates of Gopher Glen with Mary, filling apple juice bottles, going to to the drive in movies, and oh so many pranks, he filled my life with joy. Heaven is now dancing with one more great person that we will all miss and will be so excited to see when we get there. We loved you Jonny.
Shirla (Kroeker) Willems

Shirla Willems

September 24, 2009

Dr. D.

There are not words to express the loss you will be to the SLO community. It was a special privilege to have you straighten all five of my children's teeth, Warren, Jamie, Cari, Jon, and Beth. The angels in heaven are rejoicing as you join them and all the saints who have gone on before us. May all the loved ones you've left behind rejoice in the blessing you've been to so many. There are not enough words to express the love you extended to so many.

Dr. L Joe Glass

September 24, 2009

Dr. D Thanks for the time that you spent helping my smile. You were the best. I know I wasn't always the " best " patient, but you were always the best Doctor! You will be missed by so many people!

Jean Slover- Hooper

September 24, 2009

"Dr.D" your compassion for others was obvious in your life, work and play. Your humor lives on in the hearts of your loved ones, friends, and patients. You made children and adults smile with your excellent work. I will always remember you taking me aside to give me your expert opinion on my own smile while one of my girls was in your office. I took that advice Dr. D. and never had to chance to thank you. Rest in Peace, yet too early, rest in peace
Pam Awalt

Pam Awalt

September 24, 2009

Thank you for giving our daughter her beautiful smile Dr. D. The McCall Family God Bless

September 24, 2009

Dr. D, I celebrate your life. Your gift to all who knew you is beyond words. Just mentioning Dr. D in conversation and everyone knew who you meant--profoundly positive in everyway. God gave San Luis Obispo County such a gift when he brought you here. Thank you for blessing us with your presence, expertise, and genuine love. No doubt, God has you busy in heaven already.

Susan Johnson

September 24, 2009

Dr. D., You will be missed. Your kindness will not be forgotten. I will not forget the wonderful care that I received from you and your staff. I send my heartfelt condolances to your family,friends and staff for their loss. You will be missed in our community as a good man and a good doctor.

Cyndy Saliem

September 24, 2009

Dr D,
Your kindness will not be forgotten God Bless you .

Jody Baker

September 24, 2009

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Estate Settlement Guide

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Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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