Daniel Frederick Didden

Dr. Dan F. Didden, DVM, a beloved and highly respected veterinarian in West Los Angeles, passed away on March 22, 2025. A longtime resident of Pacific Palisades for 57 years, he was known for his dedication to animal care, his love of the outdoors, and the joy he brought to those around him.
Born in Bakersfield, California, to Viola Mae Anderson and Fred Didden, Dan spent his early years in La Crescenta. He graduated from Glendale High School and Glendale Junior College, where he was voted Outstanding Graduate of his class by his peers. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis.
Upon graduating in 1964, Dan began his career at the California Animal Hospital on Sepulveda Boulevard in West Los Angeles. There, with his partner, Larry Lippincott, they built a hospital renowned throughout Southern California for its advanced techniques in veterinary medicine. He took great pride in mentoring the many veterinary technicians who passed through his practice, many of whom went on to become veterinarians themselves, carrying forward the skills and ethics he instilled in them.
A true outdoorsman throughout his life, Dan's love for nature began in childhood, hiking the hills behind his home, raising homing pigeons, fishing in Baja, and bird hunting with his grandfather, father, and brother. He cherished the time spent passing on his passion for hunting to his sons, Brant and Craig, alongside their loyal black Labradors.
Dan was an active member of several clubs, including the Riviera Tennis Club, Los Angeles Country Club, La Grulla Hunting Club, and the Bel Air Bay Club, where he enjoyed playing paddle tennis and bocce ball for over 40 years.
He will be remembered for his deep love of family and friends, his unwavering commitment to his profession, and his infectious laughter that brought joy to so many lives.
Dan is survived by his wife of 61 years, the love of his life, Gail; their children, Brant and his partner, Jacinta Ryan, and Craig and his wife, Lara; and his four grandsons, Diego, Henry, Niko, and Ry, of whom he was immensely proud. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Didden, and his wife, Donna; his sister-in-law, Lorraine; his nieces, Nicole and her husband, Frank, and their son, Dylan; and Kimberly and her husband, Brad, and their son, Haydan. He also leaves behind dear friends, extended family, and his beloved black Labrador Retrievers, Sam and Willow.
A celebration of Dan's life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited or the Lange Foundation..