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Neil Culp Obituary



CULP, Col. Neil Walker, M.D.
On July 7, 2013 we lost a hero; a hero to his family, his friends, his patients and our country. Dr. Neil Culp died peacefully with his family around him at his home in Sacramento, California.
Neil was born on March 30, 1933 in Chelsea, OK to Charles Alden and Julia Walker Culp. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Peggy, whom he married in 1959. They celebrated 52 years of marriage and together raised their four children. He is survived by his sister Judy and brother-in-law Robert James and his sisters-in-law Glenda and Joan Bolin, his loving children Lisa (Beth), Stacia, (Peter) David, (Liz), Christopher, (Ellen), and grandchildren, David, Abe, Taylor, Katrina, Ryan and Lauren.
Neil graduated from medical school in 1959 from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Following his Residency at Strong Memorial Hospital in New York he went to study under Bill Crosby, one of the 'Fathers of Hematology', at Walter Reed Hospital. Neil actively served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1972 heading up a medical unit in Vietnam. Neil was invited to Sacramento in 1972 and became one of the founding doctors of the Sacramento Center for Hematology and Medical Oncology. He enjoyed a full and successful medical career and was an active member of the Sacramento medical community. Neil will be remembered by his patients and their families for treating them with unwavering kindness and compassion.
Neil and Peg spent their retirement traveling the world with their dear friends. In recent years they enjoyed trips with their children and grandchildren creating unforgettable memories including times together at the family cabin in Tahoe. Neil was a true Renaissance man, with a deep quiet faith, a love for the science of medicine and the art of life. His abiding love inspired his family and all whose lives he touched.
Friends are invited to join the family for a funeral mass on July 16 at 1:00 pm at St. Ignatius Church, 3235 Arden Way, Sacramento and a reception following at Arden Hills Country Club.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Women's Empowerment, The Society for the Blind or The ALS Association.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jul. 12 to Jul. 13, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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In the summer of 1996, I had the honor of leading Neil and Peg on a bicycle trip through the Cognac region of France. Together with my co-leader Jeff, and a group of their friends, we had a wonderful and memorable trip. Jeff and I dropped by their house - literally calling at 8am one morning out of the blue - while on a bike tour of our own in California the following year. The Culps graciously took us in and offered not only a meal and their home but a few days at their weekend retreat in Tahoe. I was able to meet the couple again a few years later in Washington D.C. while they were passing through with grandchildren. I have fond memories of Neil - from his wonderful and understated cooking, to his everpresent smile, and generous warmth. I have been out of touch for some years, but wish to pass on to his family that Neil's positive influence extends well beyond Sacremento. My thoughts and condolences are with his family.

Justin Clarke

January 2, 2014

Lisa, Stacia, David and Chris, Dad sent me an email telling me Neil passed. My heart hurts so much but I feel so blessed to have had the privilege to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all today during the service and everyday. Love, Kim

Kim Hanks

July 16, 2013

Our condolence's to the family.
I first met Dr. Culp when I took my mother to her appointments with him in the early 80's. He always had time for a warm word with you. He also was kind enough to write a recommendation for my son Paul's application to Med. school. Paul knew the Dr. from Sutter hospital and thought quite highly of him. He will be missed.

Mary Mastalski

July 15, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Culp's passing. I first met Dr. Culp in December 1989 when I was first diagnosed with cancer. At that time, I was a 32-year-old man who had just met a beautiful woman who is now my wife of 23 years. We were talking about getting married and having children, then came the news of my cancer, and how we may not be able to have children due to treating this dreadful disease. The traditional treatment would have most likely ensured we would not have children. On Dr. Culp's suggestion, we decided not to follow the traditional treatment, but rather keep a watchful eye on my condition through frequent lab work and physical examinations. His prudence paid off. I did not have a recurrence and our son is now 20 years old.
I remember so well my initial visit with Dr. Culp when his office was near Sutter Memorial. He was so patient, kind and understanding. Time stood still while with him. Never did I feel rushed under his care. He took all the time WE needed to conduct our business. His staff nurses Lisa and Chris were always so kind and understanding. I would call in on the day of my appointments to find out how Dr. Culp's schedule was looking. They would say, “He's running about an hour or so behind, so just show up late.” I didn't mind, because I knew he was giving someone else his undivided attention.

Thank you Dr. Culp for your wisdom and compassion. You were the finest physician I have ever met! You not only healed me, but you gave me hope when I had none. And for this you will forever be in my memory.

In sympathy,

David McDuffie
Former patient and life long fan!

David McDuffie

July 14, 2013

My deepest sympathy to lisa and the culprit family . I always felt part of the family dr and mrs culprit were always very warm and kind he was a great doctor and will be missed dearly god bless

July 14, 2013

My condolences to the Culp family. Neil was one of the kindest and most cooperative physicians that I had the pleasure of working with here. When I arrived as a young doctor in 1980 he was a wonderful consultant, helpful, smart and always the gentleman. he had a great influence on my bedside manner over the years and I am grateful to have known him
Don Zacharias MD

July 13, 2013

Taylor and Katrina, I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your Mom and Dad too. Love, Mrs. Kennedy

July 12, 2013

Thankful for Dr. Culp, during ten years of my Aunt's cancer journey, he kept her with us much longer than expected. My condolences to the family.

TJ Eddleman

July 12, 2013

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