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Stephen Rigberg Obituary
Wednesday evening, Sept. 29, 2010, at the family home in Ventura, Stephen Victor Rigberg, M.D. F.A.C.P., widely respected oncologist/hematologist, succumbed to the malignancy he dedicated his professional life studying, treating and curing.
Steve left this earthly world with the same steadfastness and dignity that he lived his life, knowing he had lived an honorable life and that he was deeply loved, but with more courage than most because of his knowledge from the onset of his prognosis, yet he moved onward with valor for the sake of his family, remaining extraordinarily strong and brave.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Isaac and Florence Rigberg. Mourning Steve's passing is his devoted wife, Laurie; loving children, Jennifer (Marc) Schellenberg of San Mateo, Calif., Jordan (fiance Tamara Skaggs); precious grandchildren, Hannah and Sam Schellenberg; faithful brothers, Dr. Herb (Lynn) Rigberg of Phoenix, Ariz., Dr. Leon (Lynne) Rigberg of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephews, Jimmy (Colleen) Rigberg, David (Karen) Rigberg, Matthew Rigberg, Andy (Maegan) Rigberg; nieces, Michelle Rigberg and Jodi Rigberg, and great-nieces and nephews; father and mother in-law, Bill and Loretta Burton; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Linda Burton of Bakersfield, Calif.; niece and goddaughter, Jennie (Chris) Klassen of Bakersfield, Calif. Laurie and Steve are most thankful for loyal friends, Dr. Ed and Ellie Alexson; Dr. Sal and Edy Santangelo; Dr. Ed and Fran Elson; Dr. Mike and Marilyn Fischetti; Jack and Karen Oren; and colleague, Dr. Todd and wife, Dr. Simi Yates, all of whom encircled Steve with their love and admiration during his final days.
Stephen was born May 6, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia in the class of 1962. His higher education began at Albright College, Reading Pa.; medical school at Hahnemann Medical School, Philadelphia, Pa.; medical internship and residency at Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Mass.; Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Hahnemann Medical School and Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.; United States Air Force Medical Service, staff physician, Malcolm Grow Hospital, Washington, D.C. After his honorable discharge in 1976, with the rank of Major, Steve located to Ventura where he began a private practice of Hematology and Oncology serving the Oxnard/Ventura area.
He held medical licenses in the states of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and California. He had certifications in the National Board of Medical Examiners; Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine; Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Subspecialty of Hematology; Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Subspecialty of Medical Oncology. Society memberships and honors included: Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; Diplomat of the American College of Physicians; Fellow of the American College of Physicians; Member of the American Society of Hematology; Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology; Member of the Southern California Academy of Clinical Oncology; and up until his death, was on the Board of Directors of MOASC (Medical Oncological Association of Southern California).
He served on the staff at both St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Steve and Laurie's courtship began at St. John's Hospital where Laurie was a floor charge R.N. on the urology ward. September 2009 they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary dancing to the music as they did on their wedding day. Before the onslaught of this devastating illness, Steve was anticipating his future retirement years with Laurie which included travel; new and multiple taste bud experiences; fishing destinations; leisure time for endless movies, but mostly spending time with his grandchildren; the bachelor party cruise and wedding of his son. Nothing thrilled Steve more than driving out of the dealer's showroom in a brand new automobile, a fishing trip, whether he caught a big one or not, hearing or telling a good joke in the doctor's lounge, savoring a good meal at a new restaurant or an old favorite.
Steve was an avid tennis player enjoying the courts since his high school years. Steve and Laurie's home was a welcoming environment for all of Jordan's friends. His favorite time of year was football season. He was an ardent and die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and could be seen on game day, with Jordan by his side, attired in his Eagles jersey and hat cheering his team on to victory.
Laurie personally extends a grateful heart to Steve's nephew, Dr. David Rigberg, who was their true constant throughout their many stays at UCLA; her brother, Michael, who dedicated himself to Steve's care in his final hours; Pastor Dave Hall of Trinity Lutheran Church; and Rosemary Cesnauskas of Livingston Hospice. We can choose to mark this devastating time with anger, sadness and grief or we can choose instead to honor the memory of this outstanding man with our enduring love, our memories, our thankfulness that God chose us to share Steve's life. To our beloved son-in-law and dearest friend, rest in peace, we will take good care of your family.
With our enduring love, Loretta Services will be private. If it is your wish to remember Steve you may do so with a gift to the UCLA Foundation or to the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) in care of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Rigberg
Laurie Rigberg
November 8, 2011
My Dearest Stephen,
It seems so strange calling you "Stephen". The first time I called you this was on our wedding day on September 22, 1984, when I cried to the Heavens with happiness and delight. The second time I called you "Stephen" was the day of your funeral, October 18, 2010 but this time I cried to the Heavens with anger in my heart, sorrow, disbelief and the injustice of what we were forced to accept. How could God take away from his family and community a man who saved lives or at least extended the lives of so many, who was so gifted, ethical and moral. God gave us only 4 months together, during which I had to watch you suffer and then only 6 days after coming home before I lost you.
I know you knew from the very beginning what the outcome would be, maybe you were hoping for a miracle, as I was. For me and for your family you made the many trips to the hospital to try one more experimental drug, to confer with the other oncologists, many who learned from you during your stays, and go through the many transfusions so that you could return home, if only for a couple of days.
Because we did not want to face or admit to each other the possibility that the battle would be lost, we never talked about it and I regret that. Even when you chose to return home on Hospice for your last days you wanted the house filled with family and friends, anything to keep yourself busy so that you were exhausted at the end of the day and all we could do was retire to our bed to hold each other, but afraid to confront our fear and say good-bye to each other until the night of Wednesday, September 29th. This is the part that makes me so sad to this very day, more than a year after your death.
Dad misses his friend terribly. He keeps your grave site as clean as one of his cars. He misses his son-in-law and friend so very much. Mom and I visit regularly and add personal things that connect us to you and you to us. Mom misses her "son" and friend in so many ways. Christmas will always be the hardest as I remember when I would decorate the house, you would get up each morning extra early to read the paper and you would turn on all the lights and tell me how beautiful the house was and what a nice job I always did. You loved Christmas.
Jordan misses you in a good way in that he is striving to become the man you would respect and a son you would be so proud of.
For a man who never had pets and said never cared for animals you welcomed each and every one that came into our home because you knew how much it meant to me. Porter is of great comfort to me. I miss laying in bed together at night watching our favorite shows and I miss you coming up behind me at the kitchen sink wrapping your arms around me. I miss your footsteps coming in the front door from work.
Steve, my life, our family, and home will never be the same without you. For me, all I can say is I thank you for all our yesterdays and memories, a time when all troubles seemed so far away, now it looks like sadness will never go away, there's a dark shadow over my life and in my heart. Why God took you from me I don't know, I miss you so and I long for the yesterdays and all the tomorrows that should have been.
There will be no other for me ever. Please guide me through these dark days and fill my soul with your love.
I love you, my darling, always and forever.
Laurie
25th Wedding Anniversary
Loretta Burton
November 7, 2011
Memorial Program
Loretta Burton
November 4, 2011
Father's Day 2010
Loretta Burton
November 4, 2011
Beloved
Loretta Burton
November 4, 2011
Grandchildren
Loretta Burton
November 4, 2011
The four of us
Loretta Burton
November 3, 2011
Jordan and Tamara's rehearsal evening
Loretta Burton
November 3, 2011
September 29, 2011
Loretta Burton
November 3, 2011
Loretta Burton
November 3, 2011
Loretta Burton
November 3, 2011
Loretta Burton
October 31, 2011
Oh, how you would have loved last night's Eagles game. They beat the Cowboys 34-7! There would have been a lot of hand slappn' between you and Jordie.
This weekend was also Jennifer's 40th birthday celebration, something you would not have missed.
There are buds on the lemon tree Michael and Linda planted in your memory, perhaps lemons will appear next year.
Life moves on as I guess it is supposed to do, but you remain in our hearts always.
Loretta Burton
October 18, 2011
I forgot, I wanted to add a candle to your entry, just as Laurie and Jordan have kept a candle burning in your memory to keep your presence with them and will continue to light a candle in your memory on the special days to bring you close to them. Loretta
Loretta Burton
October 18, 2011
Today was a day full of emotions, the anniversary date of your memorial service. The day was overcast as it was a year ago, but there were no drizzles. We hoped for sunshine to make the day different from last year, but no such luck! The florist that you always used made a beautiful bouquet especially for you. Your Canada Dry ginger ale that was always your favorite was left for you. Laurie left you a special card as she always does and Jordan visited you before class this morning. If you are on speaking terms with God I wish you could ask him to relieve Laurie of her grief and suffering. It is unbearable to watch her sorrow and how much she misses you. We all miss you and tomorrow won't be much different from today. The unjustness of all of this is the most difficult to deal with, but we know God has a plan for all of us, but we hoped to the end it would include you. We love you, Loretta & Bill
September 30, 2011
Here it is the 30th of September, a month that held such a happy day, yours and Laurie's wedding day on the 22nd, now it also has another wedding day added to the month, Jordan and Tamara's wedding day, September 10th, but sadly the only day we seem to focus on is the day we lost you, Wednesday night, September 29th, A candle was lit for you in your home by Laurie, Jordan and Tamara as you always did for your own mother and father. We all said our own prayers, thanking God for bringing you into our lives, but asking God, "Why did you take him from us?" We don't understand why? Someone who did so much good in this world, someone who was so needed by so many people. We hope when you look down from the heavens you will look upon your family with pride. Each in our own way is trying our best to move forward, some days are more difficult than others, like yesterday. We hope you know how much you are loved and missed. Please ask God to send us strength and courage to move forward, but always with you in our hearts. Loretta
d. neilson
September 29, 2011
i am so very sorry for your great loss. he was a wonderful human being who touched so many lives. without him my husband and i would have never been able to share our lives together for so many, many years. i am truely greatful for everything he did to save my husbands life 30 years ago.
Nick Neilson
September 29, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Rigberg saved my life. When I heard of his passing, my heart sank.
We first met in1979, when I was 18. He came into my hospital room and told me I had cancer and at this time was inoperable. But he'd do everything he could to kill it and then find someone to remove the tumor. After many chemo treatments, he told me that the treatments were working and he found a surgeon who had recently had success with my type of case.. Dr. John Skinner in Los Angeles. Dr. Rigberg was very professional and to the point with me. My surgery broke ground for those that followed, it was witnessed by 13 sergeons from across the globe and it is even in medical jounals. When I was finally cured he came up to me and patted me on the shoulder and said "I never had a doubt you wouldn't make it." He helped me to keep fighting and without him, I would never had gotten the chance to marry my lovely wife, 27 years and counting.
Dr. Rigberg, Thank you for saving my life.
Nick
Loretta Burton
September 13, 2011
We are home from Colorado and Jordan is a married man. You would have been so proud of him, the ceremony was beautiful as was Tamara. They are a very happy young couple.
Laurie carried you with her and we all felt your love and presence embracing us. Your strength and love kept her strong. The majority of your family attended as did Ed and Ellie and Sal, who said he would not have missed it because your friendship meant so much to him. He sat in your place beside Laurie at dinner which I'm sure would have pleased you. Laurie looked beautiful.
You chose the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner on a visit to Colorado and you would have been delighted and filled with joy at the evening's end, compliments galore. It was wonderful.
Rest in peace my dear, your wife and your son made you proud. I carry you in my heart. Loretta
Loretta Burton
September 5, 2011
Our dearest Steve. With heavy hearts we visited you today each spending our own alone time with you expressing our deepest thoughts and sadness over the fact that Jordan will be married next Saturday and you will not be with us to share this joyous occasion. We each will hold you close within our hearts and we know you will be looking down on Jordan with pride and giving Laurie the strength that she will need to get through this day without you. We love you forever and ever. Loretta
Janhett Windglows ( formerly Janet Moss Hayes )
August 11, 2011
Here is a candle light that will never go out for Dr. Rigberg and Laurie.
I wanted to send them both a spiritual hug and to tell them how special and wonderful they are and to thank them both for being such a gift to us all.
Blessings from Jan
Janhett Windglows
August 9, 2011
My name is Jan. I used to work along side of Dr. Rigberg long ago at Ventura Hematology. He taught me how to read slides, and all about hemotology and different types of blood cells. We used to look at slides under the microscope years ago and he taught me because apparently he could see I had a gift and wanted so much to lear, so he took the time to teach me. That was in the early days when he was with Dr. Parsa and Dr. Mc Intyre. I loved these three doctors dearly they were like family to me. Dr. Rigberg always had a smile for me and always had a joke and made us all laugh. I made a choclate cake for him on one of his birthdays, and a cake for his wedding shower, a joke cake, and when he saw it his face turned so red, he had such a great sense of humor, well, the office staff put me up to it..... I had been thinking about him a lot and now am posting here. I extend my deepest condolances to all of Dr. Rigberg's family. I remember his daughter Jennifer when she was very young and Dr. Rigberg invited all of us to her Cantoring at the Synagouge and it was beautiful Break dancing was popular then so he hired some break dancers for her reception it was so much fun. She had the voice of an angel. I admired Dr. Rigberg when I worked with him and will always admire him. He had incredible strength spiritually, emotionally, and he worked very hard to cure his patients...he was like the rock of Gibralter for them when there was no hope he gave them hope. Now I am 56 years old and have my own business for many years now. I have all wonderful memories of working with Dr. Rigberg, but it was much more than just going to work. He taught me all about laboratory science, and even lent me his library books to take home and study. I went on to be a first scrub in a world renouned maxillofacial surgical team for Dr. G. William Arnett, and other Dr.s on my team. I do not work in medicine any more, however but went on to do other things. Over the years, I have been so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know and work with even if just for a short time, one of who I feel set the presidence for the field of medical Oncology, and Dr. Rigberg was always ready to try new treatments even on what seemed to be hopeless cases, and he never gave up on any of his patients, or any of us who worked with him. His passing is indeed sad, but his strength lives on through his loved ones that are still here. His son was born during the time I worked with him, he always used to call Jordan "Jordan Almond" I thought that was so cute he loved Jordan dearly and always talked about how wonderful it was to have been blessed with Jordan. I guess I do not have anything else to say, except I extend my very deepest condolances to the family. Thank you for reading my note. Signed, Janet
June 19, 2011
Today is sad, sad, sad for everyone, our first Father's Day without you. Each of us has spent our special time with you today. We are having homemade hamburger sandwiches just as we did last year when you were still with us. That day was also a sad one, but we all still had hope at the time. We love and miss you so very much. Loretta
May 19, 2011
Dear Dr Rigberg, Even though we have moved on, continued with our day to day life and as before oversee the care of your patients, a day does not go by that we do not mention your name, share a story or simply speak your name in a heartfelt conversation with your patients. Everyone misses you. And I realize I only worked for you a short time...it gave me the oppurtunity to meet a very outstanding physician. We miss you. Always in our thoughts Dr Rigberg, Christine Luna
May 6, 2011
Happy 66th Birthday, Dear Steve. It was one year ago today, on your 65th birthday that the devastating diagnosis was given to you. The days following that are surreal to all of us, we live each day in disbelief. You would be so proud of Jordan. He handled the closing of your practice with professionalism. The day you first opened your private practice was one of the proudest days of your life.
Laurie is lost without you, but we all pulled together today and you would have been proud of both Laurie and Jordan. We had bagels and lox on your behalf and you had a Bombay gin martini with an olive and an onion along with our many tears and memories. It is my hope that you felt our love reaching up to the heavens.
Loretta
Jordan
April 28, 2011
I love you dad... I miss you soo much.... the wedding is coming up and I am almost done with my Junior year of college.... Im so close to graduation! I know that you would be very proud of me... I love you with all of my heart...
April 8, 2011
I am very saddened to learn of Steve's passing. He was a valued colleague and good friend. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy,
Bill Freedman
julia valdivia
March 23, 2011
I have never met a more respected man in my life. It was more then a pleasure, it was an honor being able to work with this brilliant university qualified Doctor. There will NEVER be a physician of his quality EVER. He totally stands alone in his profession..
Loretta Burton
March 19, 2011
Today is Jordan's 24th birthday, his first without you. Laurie has poured love on him for both of you and he feels your love through her. They visited you and I know you are laughing with the bobble head turtle they left for you and also the cigar Bill shared with you yesterday. Your Goddaughter, Jennie, had a baby girl, Camryn, Thursday morning. We haven't met her yet. Tonight is supposed to have the brightest moon in 18 years, we will look for your star in the heavens. All my love, Loretta
Loretta Burton
January 4, 2011
Our first Christmas without Steve, a holiday he loved so much. We were all to spend Christmas at the lake this year, but it didn't happen. The saddest Christmas any one of us has ever experienced. All the firsts this coming year will only bring sad hearts, the first one being Jordan and Tamara's engagement party, January 8th. Steve would have been the first one on the dance floor. Loving and missing you, Loretta
Gary Schiller
December 13, 2010
My sincerest sympathies on your loss. Dr. Rigberg was one of the greats of our profession, and we are the less for continuing to work in Hematology-Oncology without him.
-Gary Schiller, M.D.
December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010 St. John's Hospital and the Cancer Center dedicated the lighting of the Christmas tree in your honor. Sal and Ed gave beautiful tributes to you as did patients who were so thankful for the care they received from you. The theme throughout the evening was respect, admiration and your brilliance in medicine. In your humbleness you never would have believed how deeply you touched so many people. Love, Loretta
November 27, 2010
We made it through Thanksgiving, but it was tough. Our thoughts and prayers were only of you, each missing you in our own way. We gathered as a family, which I know is what you would have wanted and you would have enjoyed the day so very much; your family and all of your favorite dishes. Jordan carried on your tradition and brought home a Santa Claus from Green Thumb for his mother just as you would have done. You remain with us as you will always. Loretta
November 8, 2010
In Sunday's newspaper one of the last lines in one of the obituaries read: "Sad are the hearts that love you,sad are the tears that fall, but living our lives without you is the saddest part of all". Truer words were never written. We miss you terribly. Loretta
Carol Lyons
November 7, 2010
Dear Laurie, Loretta, Bill and family,
I didn't know Steve but the one or two times I met him briefly I was struck by his friendly smile and his upbeat and easygoing nature. I realize upon reading these tributes what an exceptional human being Steve was and how passionate he was about his family and his profession. His personal attention and genuine concern for his patients are rare and unique qualities. How blessed you were to have him in your lives! I know what a rock of strength he was for you, Laurie, and for you, Loretta. Know that my prayers are with you - that you will always remember what a bright light he was for you. What an inspiration he is to me now as I reflect on how he used his talents, skills, and compassion for the betterment of society. This William Shakespeare quote comes to mind as I think about Steve:
"His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, "This was a man."
My love to you all,
Robert Bernstein
October 29, 2010
Dear Laurie, Jordan, and the entire Rigberg family,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Steve's passing. He was a good man and a consummate physician. As a fellow physician, I always had great respect for his professionalism and thoroughness in his care of patients. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Bob, Dianne, and the Bernstein Family
Norah and Ray Byrom
October 25, 2010
My husband met Dr. Rigberg when Ray had stage 4 cancer in 1979. Due to the great skill and care provided by Dr. Rigberg, Ray and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage next month. Not a year goes by that we don't toast to him, Dr. Rigberg, an amazing doctor whom we truly appreciate.
We are deeply saddened for your loss and hope that great memories, friends, and family will surround you and bring you peace.
Cindy O
October 23, 2010
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Rigberg. I was a patient of his for the last 14 years. He helped me to survive the toughest times of my life. I will be forever grateful to him and will truely miss him very much. My condolences to his family.
Respectfully,
Cindy O.
October 19, 2010
Dear Laurie & family,
I was so sad to hear of "Doc" having passed. I have always wanted to come by to say hello, but just never found the time or courage to do so. I will always remember him as a dignified, intelligent man with an ironic sense of humor; it was a happy time to work with him back then. Over time I came to understand that he showed his caring in ways that were not obvious with words, but through his actions. I only hope he knows somehow that I will always be grateful for having known him not only as a great doctor and boss, but as a truly good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Cathy Luabena, RN
October 18, 2010
Dear Laurie, Jordan, Jennifer, Loretta+Bill,
My thoughts are with you often these days. I was so sad to hear that Steve had passed. Although he is physically not here, I know he is in spirit. He'll live on forever in our memories, and wow...what memories he created for those who knew him! I've read the entries in this guest book and it just goes to show what a special man Steve was. I feel very fortunate to have known Steve as a family friend. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Kelly Oren-Hill
October 16, 2010
Dr. Rigberg's passing is a huge loss for the medical community. His dedication, compassion and wit were always appreciated among us during difficult meetings and decision-making regarding patient care. We were lucky to have been touched by his craft and care. Janice Holden, FNP-C, Ventura.
Clarence and Lois Buchen
October 15, 2010
Our heartfelt sympathy is with your family. We had much love and respect for Dr. Rigberg as our doctor. We will miss him.
Kelvin Loh
October 15, 2010
I miss Dr. Rigberg not only of his smile and his jokes but, his wisdom and aphorism. He is respect by the medical staff members at St Johns Hospital. I have never heard a disparaging word about him. Such a gentle soul. May God bless you, and shine his face upon you and be gracious unto you.
Gloria Forgea
October 14, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
jill nigro
October 14, 2010
Laurie..my heart ached when I saw that Dr. Rigberg passed away. I remember like it was yesterday working on 2E(urology) at St. John's with you as the charge nurse and Dr. Rigberg stopping to talk to you! I can't believe 25 plus yrs. have passed. I always admired Dr. Rigberg..he was a true "professional" and I always felt he went above and beyond for every one of his patients. I loved his "dry" sense of humor! I lost my husband,to cancer, 3 yrs. ago,so I know the pain.My most sincere condolences,Laurie.
trish diacos
October 14, 2010
With incredible and profound sadness, I saw Dr. Rigberg's obituary in last Sunday's paper. My heart just sank !!
My father has been a patient of Dr. Rigberg's for several years and I would accompany him to the office for appointments. I thought Dr. R was a brillant physician and a kind soul. My dad always complimented Dr. R on his shirts & ties and that brought a big smile and laugh to his face. Dr. Rigberg was very special and we will never forget him. Rest in peace, Dr., and may your memory be eternal.
Regards,
Trish Diacos
Debora Benavides
October 13, 2010
Dr. Rigberg, a wonderful human being and the most extraordinary Doctor I have had the pleasure of working with. I will miss him, our patients will miss him, the drug reps will miss him, along with so many others.
I hope and pray that all his family will remain strong and celebrate his life here on earth, as we will all get to see him again someday. Amen
with love, a faithful employee, Debora
Rachel Praver
October 13, 2010
Jordan, Laurie, and the Rigberg family, my heart goes out to you in your time of loss. I wish I could be there with you all right now. Your family always took such good care of me in my times of need, and I did a lot of growing up in your house. Thank for all of the fond memories over these many years, I will always keep them close at heart. You will all be in my thoughts and my prayers.
Love,
Rachel
Daniel Quigg
October 12, 2010
We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and patients of this fine man. We were a patient of the dapper Doctor Rigberg for twenty plus years, and eventually looked forward to our visits. His was a steady hand, and we will all miss him.
Daniel Quigg
Janelle Fanslow
October 12, 2010
I was a patient of Dr. Rigberg's. I found him to be a very knowledgeable and honest doctor. My sincere sympathy to the family and to his other patients on his loss.
Bernie Furlong
October 12, 2010
Jordan,
We were sorry to hear of your loss. I really enjoyed getting to know you and your dad during the school trip to Germany/Austria/Italy. Our sincerest sympathy for you and your family. Bernie and Missy Furlong.
Karen Hemming
October 12, 2010
Dr. Rigberg heard me when no one else would listen. My kids are healthy now because of him. I am so sorry he had to leave but know he left you with many wonderful memories that can never be lost. Jordan, you left me (nurse Karen)with memories of how much you hated all those shots that Dr Feldheim insisted you get. I can't believe that you are all grown up. You will miss your Dad so. May God be with all of you.
October 12, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss.
Jodi, Michael, Matthew, Kerrie and Maxine Rigberg
October 11, 2010
Dear Laurie and family--It has been such a long time since I worked with you in the Dialysis Unit but I saw Steve's obituary in todays paper and I just wanted to send my sincere sympathy for your loss and let you know my thoughts are with you. Love Donna Miller
Elaine Rieger
October 11, 2010
Dear Laurie and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May fond memories and special things about your loved one live on in your heart. I worked at St. John's on F street way back in 1966 to 1986, and have a great deal of respect for both of you. My sincere sympathy. Elaine J. Rieger, RN
October 11, 2010
Laurie, Jordan and Jennifer our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of our family. I want to wish a long-distance huge hug for everyone and to say that we love you. Love, Richard, Theresa, Caley and Ashley Higdon
Michelle Mc Ghee
October 11, 2010
Dear Laurie,
I am so sad to hear of your loss. It's been a long time since we have spoken, but I have fond memories of you and stories of your life with Steve. I know that you have a wonderful family to comfort you. I am thinking of you.
Best,
Michelle Mc Ghee
Rayleen Murillo
October 11, 2010
While my relation with Dr. Rigberg is limited, albeit through my father (a former patient of Dr. Rigberg’s), I nonetheless, am deeply saddened by his passing. A kind, gentle soul; I am forever grateful for his courage, perseverance, and generosity. For some, he held the candle when it was too dark to see. He provided strength, courage, hope, wisdom, and longevity of life for those he touched every day. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my gratitude and thankfulness. My family is blessed and enriched because of him. Blessings to you, his family, and friends. And may you find in your hearts, to be as courageous, and fearless as he was.
Richard Brand
October 10, 2010
ellen and I are saddened by Steve's passing and will miss him and treasure his memory. My own experience was mainly rooted in respect for him as a doctor's doctor and then came to know him as a friend. I appreciated reading this loving obituary written by someone who truly knew and loved him. He will be missed, Ellen and Richard Brand
Ray Kulzer
October 10, 2010
Laurie, Bill, Loretta and family. My sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this trying time. Be kind to each other and spend lots of time talking about all the good times you had together. Take care and May God Bless all of you.
October 10, 2010
Even though I only worked for Dr Rigber (1) year, it was an honor and a pleasure having known him. He was a wonderful, kind and intelligent man whom I greatly respected. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family. I will truly miss him. Christine m Luna
October 10, 2010
Dear Laurie, Jordan,& Jennifer:
I was so sorry to hear of Stephen's
death. It is a shame that the Rigberg family is now so wide spread that no one sees or indeed knows everyone.
My mother was Ike Rigberg's sister Rose. I am Stephen's first cousin Toby (Mickey).
I thought you might like to know that when Stephen was born, Florence called my mother and asked her what the baby's middle name should be. My mother suggested Victor because of the victory in the WWII. Florence and Ike agreed. I hope this little story
bring him a little closer to you.
Mickey Rubin Houston Tx
October 10, 2010
Dear Laurie, Jordan, Bill and Loretta,
We came across a beautiful quote the other day....
"True friendship is at the core of any happy life. If our family is our root system, our friends are our fellow branches. We're all striving together, supporting one another, providing shade and comfort". We will always be here for you.
It was an honor to know Steve,
The Packer Family
Vickie Carrillo
October 10, 2010
Laurie, my sympathy to you and your family. I don't know if you remember, but I was working in discharge planning when you and Steve courted and married.
Dr. Rigberg came back into my life 4 years ago when my husband, Andy was diagnosed with lung cancer. We could not have asked for better medical care or compassion and we certainly never expected the friendship that grew between us. We actually looked forward to office visits. That is a testiment to a find physician and the staff that he surrounded himself with.
You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayer. Vickie and Andy Carrillo
jeannette martin
October 10, 2010
I send my condolence to all family members, especially to his wife. Doctor Rigberg treated my husband Dick four years ago, until his death. He did everything possible for him. He had cancer. Dr. Rigberg, even sent a card of condolence when he passed saying how sorry he was for my loss, that is a person who cares about his patients. The community will loose a great doctor.
October 10, 2010
Dearest Laurie and Family,
My heart goes out to you all. Steve was such an amazing man.He is truly loved by all of his family, friends and patients.
It was an honor and a privilege to have been a part of his care.
May peace be with you,
Rosemary Cesnauskas
Livingston Memorial Hospice
Karey Collins
October 10, 2010
I was a patient of Dr Rigberg and also knew him from working in the medical community myself. He was one of the most caring physicians i have ever met. You could tell he genuinely cared about each one of his patients. I know he will be missed by many. My thoughts are with the family...... Karey Collins
October 10, 2010
We were so sorry to hear about Steve's passing. We have known him since our medical training days in Philadlephia. Besides being an outstanding physician, he was also a good friend. We will miss him. Our condolences to the entire Rigberg family.
Sincerely,
Ron and Bobbi Swerdlin
Lita Gobuyan
October 9, 2010
October 9,2010
Jordan,
Condolence to you and to your family. Our thoughts and prayers be with you.
Jordan,our family knows how much your father loves you. He will be your guiding force, an angel up in heaven.
God bless you and your family.
Respectfully,
The Gobuyan Family: Gerry,LIta,Gavin,
Gerilynn and Gene.
Michael Masterson MD
October 5, 2010
We are so very sorry to hear of Dr. Rigbergs passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends.
Respectfully,
Michael D Masterson, MD & Staff
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