It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Richard Carter Colbert, MD on March 5 at the age of 78. A native of Wisconsin, Dr. Colbert graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1968. After 5 years of residency and Army service, Dr. Colbert moved to Gilroy, California where he practiced Internal Medicine for 47 years. A physician's physician, Dr. Colbert was dedicated to his profession and patients. True to form, he worked until deteriorating health forced retirement upon him in the Fall of 2019. He is preceded in death by wife Bonnie Louise Colbert (nee Jinkins) in 2013. He is survived by daughter Beth Lynn Colbert, son Robert Richard Colbert, MD, daughter-in-law Lisa Marie Caylor, MD, and grandchildren Ian Carter Colbert and Sabrina Camille Colbert. As per Dr. Colbert's wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, a small donation to the SPCA would be appreciated.

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Published by Gilroy Dispatch from Mar. 12 to Mar. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Colbert

Sponsored by Habing Family Funeral Home.

18 Entries

John Graham

Planted Trees

Joe and Carol Gauthier

May 9, 2020

We just found out today about Dr. Colbert's passing. He was our doctor for more than 40 years. We always appreciated his care in prescribing and his sense of humor. He said, "The internist's job was to sit at the foot of the bed and think." We both had long conversations with him regarding our mutual love for cats. He is irreplaceable.

Darlene Lavoie

April 2, 2020

Ive known Dick since he first started to date my friend, Bonnie, back in Madison, Wi. Many good memories of State Street and college beer drinking bars! Kept in touch with the Colbert family ever since, even a few visits here in California, before Bonnie passed away. RIP Dr. Dick.

Maureen Keaveney

March 20, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Colbert. He was a wonderful doctor who truly cared about his patients. He was my mother's doctor for over 40 years and remained so until his retirement in late 2019. She (and I) will truly miss him. He provided wonderful care to her as well as to my late father. And he would still make house calls! My condolences to the Colbert family.

Bonnie Marks

March 18, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Abigail

March 18, 2020

Dr. Colbert was such fabulous person. Im grateful I had the pleasure of working with him and hearing all of his great stories. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Kira Monica

March 16, 2020

I always enjoyed talking with Dr. Colbert and particularly enjoyed talking with him about the Packers as I now live up in the Pacific NW in Seahawks country. He was the kind of guy who always brought joy and levity to a conversation; the kind of guy you looked forward to talking to. He was positive, upbeat and had a great laugh. He always offered kind, supportive words whenever we would see him at barbecues, celebrations and gatherings with friends. But more than just friendship, he offered rich, insightful knowledge as a doctor and became a trusted source over the years through my dad's health issues. He brought wisdom and professionalism to situations, and we could count on him for being straightforward and honest as well as trustworthy. He took the time and care to build relationships with his patients and really understood where people were coming from. I'm grateful I had the time to get to know him (and Bonnie) through the years. HIs friendship, medical guidance - and that wonderful laugh - are treasured memories. He was one special guy, and he will be missed. I'll continue to remember him when I watch the Packers.

Angela Vasquez

March 14, 2020

God bless you Dr. Colbert. May you rest in peace

Gary Madruga

March 13, 2020

It brings a heavy heart to learn of your passing. The world could not have asked for a better doctor, person or friend. Dr. Colbert I will always remember you for your love of your cat's, Green Bay Packers and all of your cars . Rest in peace !

Chris Fritter

March 12, 2020

Met Doctor Colbert when I came to town in1975.Always open ,honest and ready to have a straight answer.I remember him running around town with his son.He will be missed

Krista Hagenbuch Rider

March 11, 2020

Dr Colbert was a gift to my whole family and he will be missed. He cared so deeply for his patients and I appreciated his ability to give it to you straight while also being compassionate. We were lucky enough to call him friend as well and his jokes brought many laughs (and a few head shakes!) My prayers are with his family at this time of great loss.

Robin Silvera Vasquez

March 11, 2020

I always enjoyed working with Dr. Colbert. It was straight forward, kind and did not over prescribe just to throw meds at you. I remember long ago about 40+ years, he walked into the xray dept where I worked and said, "Your labs came back, you have Hashimoto's". I laughed at him not believing it was a real thing. I worked with Satomi Hashimoto who ruled the X-ray dept and I was the newbie. I really did have Hashimoto's inside and Out! We laughed for years over that! He was a great physician, friend and person. Took great care of my mother and grandmother too. Rest in Peace Dr Colbert. You so deserve it.

Esther Baltazar

March 11, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Colbert passing. I had the privilege of knowing him while we both worked at Wheeler Hospital. Praying for his family and may he Rest in Peace ❤

Roger & Kathy Jones

March 10, 2020

Dr. Colbert was a great neighbor also a friend.
Prayers go out to his Family. Rest in Peace.
You will be missed. My Condolences to the family.

Sherry Marlin

March 10, 2020

So sorry to hear of his passing. We long time nurses in Gilroy were just thinking of him and hoping he was doing well. He was a no nonsense kind of doctor, who didn't not believe in over prescribing. Those of us who knew him, loved him and what a character he was. I know how he loved his cats.

Laquita centeno

March 10, 2020

Dr, Colbert was a great man.. I loved our many talks at the hospital....He was a true DR..He was loved by many and will be missed......LAQUITA

Mary Ann Pappani

March 10, 2020

Dr Colbert was a great neighbor to us when we lived in Gilroy. Im sure he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.

Mary Cook

March 10, 2020

Dr. Colbert was a wonderful man, I worked for him for a long time and you couldn't have ask for a more wonderful person. I have know him and family for years. He was a great Doctor and friend. My condolence goes to his family. May he rest in peace !! Mary

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