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Dr. Earl M. Ness

About

University of California Los Angeles

Earl Ness Obituary

Dr. Earl M. Ness, DDS, MSD, beloved father, partner, grandfather, friend and colleague, passed away suddenly on January 10, 2017. He graduated from UCLA, Northwestern School of Dentistry, and received a Masters of Dental Science from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He served in the US Army and was stationed in South Korea during the Vietnam War where he received multiple commendations. He is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn, his twin sons, John and Matthew, whom he cherished and loved more than anything in this world, his grandson Nolan, the joy of his heart, and many, many friends, colleagues and family. He had a wicked sense of humor, was a perfectionist in all he did, and was generous with all he met. He loved his work, his staff, his patients, fast cars, and the close friendships that he made over the years. He left this earth too soon and we will miss him greatly.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Jan. 13, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Ness

48 Entries

James Austin

September 14, 2025

Dr. Ness was a very kind and gifted man, He made my mother's life better for the remaining years she was alive, with a very beautiful and functional smile, thank you and condolences. I never saw my mother smile so much. Son of Marguerite Miles.

Paul Robin

June 15, 2025

I knew Earl from LA Valley College. I was the chem lab asst when he was taking chem courses. I think I knew him for 4 semesters and we got to know each other slightly.

Susann M.

January 7, 2024

Dr. Ness was a light in a sometimes dark world. Gone way too soon. A tremendous dentist. We shared stories of Santa Barbara, and he truly appreciated the abolone shell from the S. B. Pier that I gave him on one of my last dental visits. He ocassionally mentioned his family, and partner; he was so proud of them and loved them so much. A great human being, truly. Thank you Dr. Ness. From Susann

Gordon L Pattison

July 17, 2021

I first met Earl when he was in the Western Society of Periodontology Study Club I mentored in Santa Barbara years ago. We quickly became friends and would meet in many other dental continuing education venues, for Earl had an insatiable thirst for learning. I encouraged him to specialize which he did when he went to UW. I had hoped he would return to Southern California where he would have made important contributions to our community. Instead, he chose to stay in Washington State which was to their immeasurable gain. There has never been a finer dentist or person. I am fortunate to have know him and to be his friend.

S M

January 7, 2020

We think of Dr. Ness often. Such a personable man, and we enjoyed sharing memories of life in Santa Barbara. Such a very fine dentist. When I dental floss the two crowns he fit me with, I am thankful for the perfection and caring of his work. May God bless his loved ones. Ron and Susan Marino

Rhoda Ross

June 15, 2018

I am shocked and sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Earl Ness. We were grad students together at the UW. Although we were not in touch all of these years, I will always remember him as a wonderful person. You will be missed, gone much too soon friend. I hope to see you again someday.

connie mialno

June 25, 2017

Earl was my pal for 30 + yrs. We liked and loved each other. He would visit my husband and I when he was in SB. I went to work for him and Jan many many yrs ago. We remained close thru the yrs even if it was months between contacts. I will miss you Earl and will plan a tree in your name at my villa in Sicily which you always promised you would visit. I know you adored your boys and at least you had sometime with your grandson.....hope to see you again one day :)

Jan Maguire

March 24, 2017

Dear Nessly--How sad I am--you are not supposed to leave this earth before your long-time patient. I just returned from Santa Barbara & my thoughts & prayers were sent to you from the place you loved.

Roger and Kathy Stambaugh

March 21, 2017

Earl began coming to my study clubs about 40 years ago. He attended the Western Society of Periodontology study club, The Odontic study club at USC that Alex Koper and I mentored and he frequently came by my office with patients and or questions. In desperation I called Ralph Youdelis, director of graduate prosthodontics at the University of Washington. "Ralph, I have this great dentist who rides BMW motorcycles way too fast and has been bugging me about dentistry for years. You have to take him into your graduate prosthodontics program". He did (love you Ralph) and the rest is history. Earl was a great friend and a brilliant dentist. He and Carolyn spent New Years weekend with us about ten days before his passing.
Kathy and I will always cherish that weekend we shared with Earl and Carolyn. We miss his smile,wit, charm and intellect. Good by buddy, see you in a few years.

Patricia Christensen

March 16, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Ness's passing. I knew him for a short time but felt I was in the best of hands as I dealt with a dental emergency. My condolences to his family and friends.

Leslie McCain

March 6, 2017

I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of such a genuinely kind hearted and wonderful man. Dr. Ness will be greatly missed! To say I'm shocked to hear of his passing is an understatement. Many prayers to his family!

Carol Muse

March 6, 2017

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Ness. He was a true professional, talented and a perfectionist as well as a wonderful man. What a sad day for all of us whose lives he touched.I have never liked going to the dentist but that changed when I became a patient of Dr. Ness. I never worried about seeing him. He was always worried about my comfort as well as how my smile looked. Prayers go out to all of his family, friends and staff.

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Geri Lee

March 6, 2017

I am so very saddened at the passing of a wonderful man, friend and dentist.I have been out of the area since last year and had not seen him since I left. I am still in shock. Condolences to the family and his office staff.

Laura Remus

March 6, 2017

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Ness. I have been a patient of his for several years and am going to miss miss him. May God be with the family members as well as his staff and know that he is at peace. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Ron Hubble

March 6, 2017

Thank you for being such a wonderful person and taking such great care with all of your patients. As a retired military person, Earl and I always enjoyed speaking to one and other about experiences of our past. Earl is a gem, and he will be missed by many but never forgotten. Rest in piece my friend.

Susann Marino

March 5, 2017

May God Bless Dr. Ness and his loved ones...and remember the homeless girl I brought to him who was in a serious dental emergency; he treated her without charge. He made a major difference in her life in what may have been a life-threatening situation. A man, a gem, a gift to us all.

Ron and Susann Marino

March 5, 2017

An incredible human being, man, and doctor. I opened the envelope from Dr. Ness' family, informing my husband and me of his passing, and I experienced that awful welling-up of tears from heartbreak... that is what happens when we learn a great light has passed from this world. We shall miss the surfing and motorcycle conversations, and memorable discussions of Santa Barbara. Earl was THE finest of dentists and human beings. Our deepest sympathy and respect to you, his family and associates.

W. Michael Keller

March 4, 2017

This was a great dentist and a person. He and I had some great conversations while he had his fist in my mouth, goggles on my yes, and cotton in my mouth. He could be funny, he could be honest, he was a great dentist and I surely will miss him just like others who knew him.

Jack Erickson

January 24, 2017

The loss of Earl Ness is heartbreaking! He was my best buddy for over 25 years, and the finest man I have ever known.

Dianne Greenwald

January 23, 2017

I was so surprised and saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Ness. He was my dentist For many years. He was a perfectionist and wanted the best for you and expected you to follow his instructions to the letter! He would take his time and not rush through your exam. He had a fun sense of humor. You felt he really cared about you, not just as a patient, but a person as well. He will be missed. May you have many wonderful memories to treasure and comfort you at this time.

Don Burnett

January 23, 2017

I'm deeply saddened by the news. As a relatively new patient, I found in Dr. Ness a thoughtful, reflective practitioner and a warm, engaging human being. Heart-felt condolences to the family.

Rita Gregovich

January 21, 2017

Earl has been my restorative dentist since 1992. He loved his work and really wanted me to have that "pretty smile". He worked with me over the years as my needs changed and I realized it was best to "just let him do it", and I was never disappointed. We grew to be good friends. I loved his sense of humor and passion. I will miss him very much.

Paul & Linda Huckleberry

January 20, 2017

We met Earl 25 years ago. You became our friend and dentist. We spent many days and years in your dental chairs, and many years with you at your home and here at ours. We have so enjoyed your practice beginning with you, Earl, and your office manager Renne, and followed by all the wonderful staff you had throughout those 25 years. We are going to miss the visits with the girls at the office. We have so enjoyed the times wine tasting with you and Carolyn, the texts back and forth about so many topics, especially seeing and hearing how you were so taken with your new grandson. So going to miss the Saturday morning texts asking what we were going to be doing for the weekend and so enjoyed the Monday morning texts. Going to miss you so much. You cannot be replaced!! Love you my friend, always. Our prayers go out to John, Matt, and all the family and friends.

Wendy Sparks

January 20, 2017

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Ness's passing. Being referred to him for my total mouth reconstruction was an absolute Godsend. With nearly NO adjustments necessary and a perfect smile I was so pleased and proud of the function and look of my mouth. Such a skilled professional was he as well as being a very, very nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family on this sad day. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
My deepest sympathy,
Wendy Sparks

Jonathan Clough

January 19, 2017

Both my wife Nancy and I are deeply saddened by his passing. We were in complete confidence under his care. I always enjoyed my time with him, talking cars, his profession or whatever came to mind. We will miss him greatly. We are so glad we saw him Jan 9 for that time was precious.

Ron Murray

January 18, 2017

I am deeply saddened at the shock of learning my dear friend has passed. Earl challenged me to be a better professional and man, I appreciate him for that.

Lindsay Caldwell

January 18, 2017

I very much enjoyed going to the dentist when Dr. Ness was mine. He was so kind and caring and I will miss him greatly. I am so sorry for your loss.

Ann Liou

January 17, 2017

There are no words to describe the shock upon learning that Earl was gone. Remembering a dear old friend from the postgraduate program. Hard working, idealistic and relentless. Great qualities needed for a wonderful prosthodontist. You'll always be in my heart.

Maria Walker

January 16, 2017

I am saddened by his passing. He was both my Dentist and a friend. Always engaging in conversation and one of those people in your life who always seemed to have a "twinkle". May you find some peace in knowing how much he was admired by many.

Warren Libman

January 16, 2017

So sorry and sad to hear of the loss of Earl. I have many memories of the laughs and fun times we had together as classmates in grad school. We'll all miss a really great guy.

Patti Boyd

January 15, 2017

Dr. Ness has been my dentist for 17 years. His excellent dentistry and caring personality will be deeply missed. I'm so appreciative to have known Dr. Ness and his excellent hygienists & staff. God bless the family and all who knew him. He was a wonderful gentleman.

April M

January 15, 2017

Simply the best. Caring, funny and sincere. The world will miss you.

Jacqueline Draszt

January 15, 2017

You will be missed. My favorite dentist and a great person. Jacqueline Draszt

Laura Skaer

January 15, 2017

My heart grieves for your loss.Earl was a great dentist and even better human being. We became friends over the 18 years he served as my dentist and discussed everything from politics to music and the live concerts we both attended. May God comfort you and bless you in His love and grace.

Laura Skaer

Kay Bishop

January 14, 2017

Dr Ness,. Another Angel taken to soon but I know God needed you,. You will always be on my mind

January 14, 2017

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Earl M. Ness for your loss. We honor him for the service and sacrifice he made for our nation, he is a true hero.

Kay Bishop

January 14, 2017

I am so sad for the loss of Dr Ness, he was my dentist and took his time to make sure everything was just right with my teeth. I am so proud of the work he did for me. I will miss him and he will forever be in my heart.

Judy Heggem-Davis

January 13, 2017

I amdeeply saddened by the sudden loss of our friend, dentist, and prosthodontist. I always felt lucky to have him as my dentist and was especially grateful for his expertise, precision, and connections to make it happen seamlessly when I needed an implant myself. His dry humor was always at the ready, and he always took time to chat about some common interests. I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues.

Brenda Moneymaker

January 13, 2017

It is with a heavy heart that I hear of his passing. I'm grateful to Dr. Ness for all that I learned while working as his hygienist for many years. My heart goes out to Carolyn, John and Matthew.

Sharon Nunn

January 13, 2017

Dr Ness was a very kind and wonderful doctor. Such a shock. My prayers are with his family and good friends. As a former patient he was always available by phone to answer questions and take care of any problem I had. I feel very privileged to have had such a fine person as my doctor.

January 13, 2017

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest in peace.

Steven Franklin

January 13, 2017

I admired Dr. Ness not only for his dental skills but also because he was smart and pleasant person. I frequently, gave him a bottle or two of wine when I returned from wintering near wine country. I would come in for an routine appointment and he had a bottle of wine waiting for me to try. We go in his conference room and talk for a bit until the staff came a knocking. Such a great guy and I am sadden beyond words when I learned of his passing.

Susan Scrivner

January 13, 2017

Gone, but not forgotten. Fly with the angels.

January 13, 2017

Will miss him terribly as my dentist. I am in shock, praying for his family, friends, God bless all of you. With love, Karen Ouren

Kathleen Hill

January 13, 2017

I will miss my conversations with Earl. He was a great Dr. As well a friend.
Kathleen Hill

Rod Tataryn

January 13, 2017

Earl Ness was an incredibly talented prosthodontist and brilliant clinician with the highest ethics and skill set. The loss to our community and dental society will be immensely felt. Earl, you've been a great friend and colleague. I'm proud to have known and worked with you for so many wonderful years here. I'll miss you dearly.

Carol Gauper

January 13, 2017

I am very saddened by the loss of Dr Ness. I will always miss him...very smart and funny with amazing attention to detail.

Candie Sandberg

January 13, 2017

It is with a heavy heart and my deepest regrets that I say goodbye to my very dear childhood friend.

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