Robert J. Rife M.D.

ROBERT J. RIFE, M.D. Robert "Bob" Rife was born in Riverdale, CA and passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2004, at his home in Fresno, at the age of 86. After graduation from Riverdale High School, Bob attended Fresno State College for two years, and then transferred to Stanford University where he received his B.A. degree. He was accepted to Stanford Medical School and graduated in 1941. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army during World War II and was based in France and England. Bob was a general surgeon and practiced medicine in Fresno for 45 years, beginning in 1950. Bob was a past President of Fresno County Medical Society and of St. Agnes Hospital Medical Staff and a founding member of the Fresno Surgical Society. In 1969, Bob was appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan to serve on the Committee of the California Medical Examiners, and was a member of the American College of Surgeons, being the second board-certified surgeon in Fresno County. He enjoyed traveling, swimming and music, playing the piano, accordion and clarinet and spending time with his family. Numerous trips to Hawaii, Aptos, and Huntington Lake were enjoyed for many years. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Wilda; his son Robert Jr. and his wife Lesly; his daughter, Susan Rife Cort and her husband Randy; his four grandchildren, Hayley and Tyler Rife and Aaron and Noah Cort; along with his first cousins, Betty Neel, Lois Wilson, and Orine Paris; and many loved extended family members. A Memorial Service will be held at Chapel of the Light in Fresno on Thursday, January 6, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Saint Agnes Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 27350, Fresno, CA 93729 or your favorite charity.

CHAPEL OF THE LIGHTFuneral HomeFresno 233-6254