Allan H. M. D. Galbreath

Physician and Surgeon Our dear friend, father and loving husband was born on November 3, 1931 in Marysville, CA to B. J. and Mae Galbreath, and passed away under hospice care with Lewy's Body Dementia on October 18, 2015 in Sacramento, CA. Doc grew up in Live Oak, CA. He graduated from Live Oak High School in 1949 and Yuba City College in 1951 where he was active in the sport of boxing. Never losing a match, he won the National Junior College Championship. He was also active in track and won the 880 race crossing the finish in just over 2 minutes. Doc completed his pre-med undergraduate work at UC Berkeley and was made a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society in 1954. He studied medicine at UC San Francisco School of Medicine, interning at the Sacramento County Hospital, now UC Davis Medical Center, for two years before graduating in 1959. Doc dedicated his life to serving his patients in the Sacramento community. After receiving his medical license in 1960, he set up his private practice with Dr. John Whisenhunt on Florin Road where he practiced for the next 40 years. He was known to visit his patients at Sutter General, Methodist, and Mercy General Hospitals, where he maintained admitting privileges for over 30 years, as well as their homes. In 1964 he became a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and maintained his active membership for 50 years. He was a long standing member of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. He admitted the first patient to Methodist Hospital when it opened in 1973, then served on their Board of Directors for 40 years; he was re-elected as chairman of his department for 12 years. In 2000, he was recognized by Methodist Hospital of Sacramento for 27 years of dedicated service. In 1998, he was honored by the governor and legislative branches of the State of CA with a Hero in Health Care Award. Doc retired from practice in 2000 but continued his interest in medicine and championing patient rights through his retirement and in 2003 he was also awarded for his service given to the Valley Health Care Corporation. He was fond of camping and enjoyed fishing, hiking, bicycling and cross country skiing. He enjoyed theater, symphony and other musical events. He loved travelling in Mexico, Canada, Alaska, the Southwestern states and the states on the Eastern seaboard. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Elizabeth, three daughters Belinda, Joan (Ernie), and Cathy (Jay); grandchildren Junet (Aaron), Jaime (Jeremy), Craig Jr.(Tara), Nolan and Renee; great grandchildren Lily, Kaylyn, Samuel, Benjamin and Sophia; and stepdaughters Erika (Rick), and Elyse (Warren). There is a gathering planned on Saturday, November 28th 1pm to 4pm at the Masonic Hall, 9829 Waterman Road, Elk Grove. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to CRC Patrons Memorial Scholarship Fund, Consumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, 95823, or make a donation to the charity of your choice.