John Wakefield Obituary

Published by San Jose Mercury News on May 9, 2009.

John C. Wakefield, MD Born Tulsa, Oklahoma to John and Yvonne Wakefield May 22, 1932. Entered into Heaven April 28, 2009, 28 days after his second diagnosis of melanoma. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Rost for giving us a few more months with John. He was raised in Tulsa, graduated University of Tulsa and became a landman at Carter Oil Company driving the western states securing land leases. John developed an interest in medicine and entered the University of Southern California School of Medicine and did an internship at Huntington Memorial Hospital. He completed a psychiatric residency at Menninger School of Psychiatry, then joined the staff of Levinson Institute, Massachucetts, where he lectured on organizational behavior and development. He was a founding board member and president of Atari. He developed a particular interest in nutritional and environmental influences and was president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Most recently he split time between his practice in Saratoga, CA, and the Behavioral Health Center, at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. John's greatest joy in life was in helping people. He loved helping his patients and cared deeply for each and every one of them. John is survived by wife of 35 years, Cheri, son Joel, daughter Marlene (Dale) Pederson, grandchildren Ryan and Jackie Pederson, brother, Dr Hal Wakefield, CO, sister Suzi Geren, Oklahoma, nephew Justin Storey, niece Felicia Coe, (Gary), and Tyler, Payton, Hannah and Millie, and pal Herbie. John was preceeded in death by parents, son Jonathan, and just a year and a half ago, beloved son, Johnny. Friends are invited to services Sat. 5/16 at 2pm at South Hills Community Church, San Jose.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wakefield

What is your first memory of John?

Share a favorite memory you have of John.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with John.

Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about John?

Talk about a shared experience you had with John.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John.

What is something you learned from John?

Not sure what to say?

January 18, 2010

Kay Tafini Rosell

I was so sorry to read of Dr. Wakefield's passing, especially at this late date. I had met him a couple of times and always found him to be warm and welcoming. His sister Suzi was a college friend; we were in each others' wedding parties.

My sympathy extends to the entire family.

November 3, 2009

Julie Velasquez

I am so sorry for your loss. I only came to his office about once a year as he was overseeing the biomedical aspect of our son's autism, so I didn't know of his passing until now. You should know that he was the only doctor that our son responded positively to and he was very instrumental in our son's recovery. He truly treated our son as a child first and a patient second and I feel he was absolutely the right person for our son.

God Bless you.

June 3, 2009

Barbara Melton

Dr. Wakefield gave help and hope to my husband who had complicated medical problems that no other doctor could seem to help. He gave life and hope to not only my husband but to me.
He not only gave quality medical care, but gentle wise counsel. We are very grateful to have been under Dr. Wakefield's care. And although it is a huge loss to not have him in our company any longer I do look forward to seeing him again - where I won't need his medical care anymore but perhaps just enjoy his company.
Our deepest sympathies to his staff and his family.
Dr. Wakefield, you will be missed.
Sincerely,
Barbara Melton (Bakersfield, CA)

May 27, 2009

Jill Rege

Dear Cheri, family and staff:

My deepest sympathies for your loss. Dr. Wakefield was a wonderful, compassionate person who made such a difference in our lives and put my son on the path to recovery from autism.

I will remember Dr Wakefield fondly always and remember you all in my prayers.

May 24, 2009

Deb Leck

I never left Dr. Wakefield's office without saying a heartfelt "thank you" because I benefited greatly from his superior knowledge of environmental medicine. God bless you Dr. Wakefield. We will deeply miss you.

May 24, 2009

Morgan Maher

Dr Wakefield saved me in 2001 and was a ray of hope for me when I was at my bottom. I'm glad I was able to show up happy and healthy to see him 6 years later. I wanted him to know I was doing well - thanks to him. The product of his life's work are those of us that he saved.

May 23, 2009

To the family of Dr. John C. Wakefield:
All of us at the Behavioral Health Center will remember Dr. Wakefield as a caring friend and one of our favorite psychiatrists. We are all better people, better nurses, better therapists for having known and worked with him. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Bobbe Crapo, RN
Director of Psychiatric Nursing Services, EIRMC - BHC

May 21, 2009

Lynn Beckman

Dear Cheri, and Family,

My heartfelt sympathies, compassion and love, go out to each of you along with my prayers for your comfort from our Heavenly Father at this time of great sorrow. Dr Wakefield was my Dr. for 31 years and saved my life many times. He always showed courage, strength, compassion, understanding and knowledge to help me and many others. He was a great doctor and will be sorely missed!

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

May 17, 2009

Emily Holley

I had the good fortune to be Dr. Wakefield's patient for the past 15+ years. I owe my good health to him. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another physician as great, as kind, and as courageous as he. God gave Dr. Wakefield great gifts, and he used these gifts to help others. I feel such a profound sense of loss at his passing. He always had such a wonderful smile, and I always looked forward to seeing him. The strength of his Christian faith in the face of life's adversities was also an inspiration to me. A great man has left us.
Cheri and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I share in your sorrow and extend to you my deepest sympathy and prayers.

May 14, 2009

Marsha Compagnoni

Dear Cheri, family and staff: My heart-felt sympathies to all of you. Dr. Wakefield saved my best friend's life by diagnosing her Hashiomoto's Thyroiditis. He was and is an angel. He will be deeply missed.

May 14, 2009

Sister Linda

Dear Cheri, family and staff,
Know that I feel your loss of John such a compassionate man, and wonderful physician. I am praying for each of you. Cheri, not one ill day in Uganda! and in May I began working with children and specially HIV orphans, infected and affected! Love, Sister Linda

May 12, 2009

Steve & Kathleen Moss

To Dr. Wakefield's Family,
Never have I known a doctor who loved and had such compassion for his patients. Not only that, but his wisdom and sense of humor even for the short time I saw him. God Bless You all in this time. I am so sorry.

May 9, 2009

Michael & Stephanie Wagner

Cheri, we are so sorry for you loss. Dr. Wakefield was a magnificent physician and human being.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in John Wakefield's name

Memorial Events
for John Wakefield

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

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

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

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

Read more
Ways to honor John Wakefield's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

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

Read more
Obituary Examples

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

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

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

Read more