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Thomas John Chippendale M.D., Ph.D.
1949 - 2014
Thomas Chippendale Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Chippendale
Stuart Grauer
April 8, 2023
Thinking of Tom!
Elizabeth Hutton
April 8, 2021
Brilliant, kind, and warm. He was one of a kind. He offered my son the opportunity to shadow him as my son had hoped to go to medical school. My son is now an Emergency Room physician and my fervent hope is that he is the kind of doctor Dr. Chippendale was. He truly made this world a better place.
I miss my neurologist. I miss him as my doctor and my friend. We lost a shining star as heaven gained a beautiful angel. Elizabeth Hutton
First NameClaudia Last NameTaylor
November 7, 2018
Add your message here. When my husband and I lived in Encinitas, I had the immense good fortune to hear about Tom and Julie's Mindfulness courses, which were being taught at the hospital where he was on staff. This was 2003-4. I took three consecutive sessions, and that experience was the most life affirming thing I've ever done, and taught me self-love, something I hadn't gotten from three decades of therapy. I was speaking of Tom and Julie tonight with some new acquaintances, while in San Diego on a month- long trip from Boston, my current home. I hadn't known until googling the Chippendales tonight, that Tom had passed a few years ago. Such a beautiful soul, like his lovely wife. Together they were very special teachers, and I know that Julie continues to change lives with her current teachings. What i loved best about atom was his love of poetry, his incredible ability to memorize many many poems, and how wonderfully he wove the poems into each class' focus, making them, the classes, works of art, too. I'm so very sad he has passed on. But he, and Julie, left an imprint on me that is a joyful memory. I know he, and they, have made many such imprints. Blessings to Julie and their children. I was happy to see she is carrying on with the practice she loves and shares so well.
August 23, 2017
I had no idea Dr. Chippendale passed away. I was just going to contact his office to schedule a check up. I'm so sad to hear this news. I'd moved out of the area and then came back recently. Dr. Chippendale was a kind man and took care in explaining medical issues. Very sorry. Blessings and RIP Dr. Chippendale.
Past Patient
May 19, 2017
As a former patient I thank you so much for your kindness, patience and understanding. You listened so well and explained everything completely. You will be missed by all of those that met you.
Jeff Heden
August 10, 2016
As a former patient I thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful service to me and your many other patients. You will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
A Greatful Student
February 8, 2015
When I see your footsteps on the path, I smile - and appreciate how you move branches out of my way. When I stumble on the path, I laugh - and remember to sing every day. When I dance on the path, I move slowly and my feet say thank you Tom for watching me learn to walk.
Marit Anderson
February 8, 2015
When I see your footsteps on the path, I smile - and appreciate how you move branches out of my way. When I stumble on the path, I laugh - and remember to sing every day. When I dance on the path, I move slowly and my feet say thank you Tom for helping me learn to walk.
A greatful student.
November 15, 2014
Thanks Tom.
October 20, 2014
Dr. Chippendale was my doctor . . . one time I came into his office for my appointment and he was dressed in boots and spurs and a cowboy hat . . . he was a gentle, remarkable man, loved by so many. . . and a wonderful doctor and human being. I was so touched that he wrote a letter to his patients and let us know. . .
August 7, 2014
As a patient since the early 80's, over the years I came to know Dr. Chippendale fairly well. He was always a man of kindness and compassion. He had an interest in knowing about my life and work and he shared with me the pride and love he had for his family. He is missed on many levels! Since I moved from San Diego to Long Beach, we had a number of conversations about Naples, Park Estates and other areas in Long Beach we both knew because I always traveled back to San Diego for my annual check-up with him. He met my husband during one of these appointments. I sadly lost my husband at age 64 in 2013. Soon thereafter I received the letter from Dr.Chippendale saying he had to retire due to his illness. Too much sadness! Subsequently I moved to Orange County and had to obviously find new doctors. When I walked into my new Neurologist's office, he asked me when reading over my papers, if it was Thomas Chippendale that I had been seeing in San Diego. I said yes, and he told me he had been one of his students!!! I can't tell you how much solace that gave me! Dr. Chippendale lives on in the people he touch who now are helping other people. Please know, Chippendale family, even though we have never met personally, your husband and father always spoke so lovingly and proudly of your accomplishments and lives. I will keep you all in my prayers!
Lyn Bresnen Friedman
GG Salvatierra
June 28, 2014
A beautiful man, so full of kindness and compassion. A brilliant mind, yet so authentic. He always made each person feel special. He exuded strength and positiveness. He was a remarkable human being, and I am blessed to have called him friend. I miss you Tom. The World misses you- but none more than you family. Prayers for peace and healing.
Donna Ward
June 21, 2014
I met Dr. Chippendale about ten years ago. But on Our first visit with him he made my daughter and I hopeful that the meds she would use would clear up her problems and get her physically on her feet again. And I really did. We just put our trust and confidence in him. What a brilliant Doctor we always talked so highly of. So God have an angel in heaven now and he have touched a lot of lives. Thanks Doctor for taking care of us so diligently. We will always remember your smile and dedication for your patients.. Prayers to your family!!
Sarah Gordon
June 17, 2014
Dr. Chippendale guided me through several difficult incidents, and in the process I learned to value his sharp intellect, his innovative approach, his consummate medical expertise, his compassionate manner, and his deep spirituality. Each time I saw him I felt that we had a genuine human being-to-human being connection, not just a doctor-patient exchange. He was a rare and wonderful doctor who gave so very much, and I hope his beloved family can take some comfort in knowing how much he was loved and respected.
June 15, 2014
What a kind, loving, open and special person Tom was. He and Julie touched my life and so many others, I'm certain. Prayers of peace to Julie and the family.
Dawn Washington
Betty
June 14, 2014
RIP Dr. Chippendale
Bridget Doyle
May 19, 2014
Dr. Chippendale was one of the finest he always took such good care of me and knew the answers when others did not. Such a brilliant mind and caring Doctor you will be missed dearly. I wish peace and comfort for his family.
Bridget R Doyle
Alice Noehren
May 18, 2014
I was an RN in San Diego and Encinitas and worked with Tom frequently. We were also friends and belonged to a gourmet dinner club in the 80's with he and Julie. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and wish peace for his family.
Debbie Danssaert
May 15, 2014
RIP Dr. Chippendale. Thank you for all you did for me. I will never forget you. You were one of a kind with a heart of gold.
Anne Tong Jia Wei
May 13, 2014
To Ivy, a friend/former colleague and daughter of Dr Chippendale,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the God of all peace comfort you during this most difficult time. Romans 15:33.
Anne
Judy Matkin
May 13, 2014
May you rest in peace Dr. Chippendale.
Judy Matkin
May 13, 2014
I worked with Dr. Chippendale from 1985-1989 as a travel MA. There was no kinder, gentler, caring or giving man that I know. My prayers go out to the family and friends.
Joetta Toland
May 8, 2014
Online in a meditation group during the most difficult trials of my life yet he said to me "you have an obligation to live well. It is the only way to not let fear make you smaller". This while he, himself was facing stage 4 cancer.
I never met Tom, or talked to him... But his words and support are nonetheless precious and he is missed.
My sincere condolences to the family that he loved so dearly...the world is a better place because this kind encouraging man let his light shine so freely..
Warmly,
Joetta Toland
Pam Lewis-Plumbley
May 7, 2014
I was deeply saddened when I read about Tom's passing. Tom and I went to school together in Naples, Rodgers Jr. High and Wilson High School in Long Beach. Tom was always the nicest, smartest and best looking boy in our class. Everyone loved Tom. I am not shocked he went into medicine and made such a wonderful difference in this world. The last time I saw Tom was at one of our reunions that was held near the Queen Mary. We had a chance to chat and catch up. When he talked about his wife, Julie and three wonderful children a beautiful smile came across his face that was full of pride and love. May his love for you and life help to comfort you all during this difficult time. Tom was one of a kind - A true Class Act all his life. The world is a much better place because of Tom. God Bless you all.
May 5, 2014
I am so very sorry Julie for your loss. What a magnificent person who was loved by so many people that he touched
Rhonda Renner Reese, Sterling
April 22, 2014
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Chippendale. Our family has always been greatly appreciative of the care that he gave not only to my brother, but to our whole family when my brother, David, became acutely ill with MS. I was in college in Ohio at the time, and Dr. Chippendale took the time to call me to give me the report on my brother, and he promised to call me back if my brother's condition worsened and if he thought I should come home. He did call me back, and before I knew it I was on a plane home to San Diego, and I was able to see my brother before he slipped into a coma. Dr. Chippendale stayed that night in ICU next to my brother's bed to keep an eye on him. My brother recovered and was able to live a fairly good life thanks to Dr. Chippendale. We Thank you so much. I send my condolences to the family.
Cindy Abell San Diego
April 17, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Chippendale family may you find peace and strength during this time....He heals the brokenhearted,He binds up their wounds...Ps.147:3
Tom speaking this March at Grauer School "Chippendale Peace Pole" dedication
Stuart Grauer
April 17, 2014
Tom will remain an inspiration to us all: surfer's surfer, doctor's doc, teacher's teacher. A beautiful man with an eternally good soul and a family to match. - Stuart Grauer
April 17, 2014
Dr. Chippendale was my doctor for 17 years. He was the neurologist on call when I entered the ER in 1999 where I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A kinder, more gentle,caring and brilliant soul I will never know. In more recent years, he knew my son was hoping to go to medical school and offered to have Christopher shadow him on rounds. He wrote a letter on Christopher's behalf for his medical school application and Christopher is now in his first year at AUC. I can only hope that my son will be the kind of physician and human being that Tom was. How I will miss him and our yearly visits. Tom, if there is a heaven, I hope you are there listening to that beautiful music I used to tell you about. Thank you for touching us all and for making this world a better place. My deepest condolences to his beloved family. Elizabeth Hutton
Diane Baxter Ware
April 16, 2014
Dear Julie and family,
We mourn with you for the loss of such a wonderful man. I will always remember his compassion and humor, one drop in an ocean of wonderful memories cherished by the many people whose lives he touched - memories that will keep his spirit alive.
Warmly,
Diane, Garth, Andrew, and Nathan
2010 Physician/Patient Program
Tricia Chandler
April 16, 2014
I was very fortunate to have met Dr. Chippendale 21 years ago when I was diagnosed with MS. I'm certain I speak for all of the patients that were blessed to know him, or to call him their neurologist.
Celebrating a life well lived. His legacy will live on forever. Rest in Paradise, Chip. Blessings and hope to the Chippendale family.
I had the best neurologist!
Tricia Chandler
April 16, 2014
Richard Orr
April 16, 2014
Tom and I were good friends at Rogers Jr. High School in Long Beach. A group of us kids would ride our minibikes in the oilfields not far from Belmont Shore. He was such a good and special individual.
David Spencer
April 16, 2014
My deepest condolences to Julie and the family. Dr. Chippendale treated me for migraines and introduced me to MBSR. I took the class he and Julie taught and have continued to meditate and do yoga ever since. He was a multidimentional man of great talent but humble, compationate and warm. He changed my life for the better both physically and mentally. I got much more than I was looking for. He treated the whole person, not just the symptom. I will always remember him and your gracious offer of yoga classes in your home. God Bless you.
April 15, 2014
april 15 2014 the loss Thommas Chippendale being here for me for the past 20 years as my TBI Disability Neurologist is such a sad loss of all his comfort and peace of mind he gave to me with his loyalty to his distinguished neuroscience psychology career.The most kind and compassionate man I have ever met.I will always remember him being such a blessing in my life.Sincerely Rita Collins-Bayer
Arlene Fuller
April 15, 2014
Dr.Chippendale,I had the privilege to work with you and also has a patient, forever you will be missed in my heart, but heaven needed another angel, and may our dear lord hold your family up during this time of sorrow, love you Dr.Chippendale.
April 15, 2014
I am mourning the passing of a wonderful physician and I never met him. I had hoped to have him as my doctor to manage my MS because I felt from the description online that we would be a good doctor/patient fit when my neurologist was planning to retire. So I am mourning the loss of a wonderful doctor who treated people with care and compassion. Everything I have heard about him emphasizes that the world has lost one of the great ones. My sincere condolences to his loving family, colleagues,staff and fortunate patients. "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." God Bless
Judy Veljovich, Lake San Marcos, CA
Uphill Is No Problem
Darryl Wold
April 15, 2014
Tom's hiking companions enjoyed his good spirits and companionship. We're fortunate to have had the opportunity to hike with him.
April 15, 2014
I came to know Dr. Chippendale 23 years ago when I came into the E.R. and took the Neurology Center by storm. Ms was not an easy thing to live with but becaue of his passionate work and the days, hours he sent on research to make my life better. Thank You Dr. Chippendale. David L. Abell
Claire Slattery
April 15, 2014
Tom Chippendale was a wonderful person and an excellent doctor. He immediately sensed the seriousness of my late husband's problem, ordered an MRI that kept personnel and facilities operating way beyond closing on a Friday evening, and kept himself and other doctors on call that weekend to deal with the issue. He was always caring and warm-hearted, and we were so lucky to have chanced on having him overseeing my husband's care. My husband was given two names as possible neurologists and chose Tom because my husband collected antiques and of course went with "Chippendale."
My deepest condolences to his family, whom I know he loved very much.
Cindy and Whitney 2014
Cindy Goodman
April 14, 2014
Dear Julie and Ivy,
We were so sorry to learn about Tom's passing. What a wonderful, inspirational friend, father, husband and physician. He will truly be missed. Sorry we won't be able to join you on the 16th (Whitney working with the Astros in Houston; we just learned about the memorial and are hosting a meeting that evening). We will be with you in spirit and you will all be in our prayers. Much love from all of us.
Julie Prado
April 14, 2014
Dr. Chippendale was truly a brilliant physician and I was very fortunate to be his patient for the past 25 years. But I was more blessed to have such a kind a compassionate doctor who always asked how my family was doing and how my work was going. He was cared about the person, not just the patient. He will be deeply missed by all of his patients, friends, and family. Remember, we will all see our loved ones again. God says: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy". John 16:22. God Bless you and the Chippendale family.
Linda Mack
April 14, 2014
He treated my wife for severe headaches while she was undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. We felt very close to him in a short time and trusted his judgment. Whenever we mentioned his name, people responded with respect and admiration. The photos of his family showed how much he cared for people and his manner made you feel like there was hope. We're very, very sorry for your loss, and very pleased we met such a fine person. Michael & Linda Mack
April 14, 2014
I'm so sadden to hear the loss of Dr.Chippendale.
April 14, 2014
Farewell to a wonderful doctor and a superb human being. He will be sorely missed and leave a big void in all his fields. He certainly went the extra miles for me. Jacquie Thye
April 14, 2014
Dr. C. was not only an outstanding physician, he was one of the most compassionate and caring doctors who was truly loved and respected by his patients. God bless you. Leon Hooper
Christine Lakeland
April 14, 2014
Forever grateful for knowing Dr. Chippendale. He gave so much, he helped so many.
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