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Edward Colbert Obituary

Edward G. Colbert, MD, of Camarillo, CA – renowned psychiatrist, international humanitarian, loving husband, beloved father and enchanting grandfather – passed away peacefully (July 20, 2008) in the presence of family after complications from a fall and head injury. He was 81. The son of New Yorkers Edward J. and Helen A. Colbert, Dr. Colbert began his career as Director of the Xavier Clinic at St. John's Hospital, Santa Monica. His 1961 JAMA article on lithium to treat bipolar disease made him a recognized expert. He served as President, National Guild of Catholic Psychiatrists; President, LA County Medical Association; and President, LA County Catholic Physician's Guild. After his 1993 retirement, Colbert put in countless volunteer hours with approximately a dozen organizations involved in humanitarian projects (here and in Mexico), public health, politics and church activities. He was recently recognized as Camarillo's 2008 "Senior of the Year." Colbert is survived by his beloved wife Mary Dady, whom he married in 2003, after 47 years of marriage to his late wife, Mary Therese "Teddy" Colbert, a renowned garden writer and television personality. He is also survived by seven children: Chris, Tom, Paul, Beth, Peter, Jeanine and Teddy II; four stepchildren: Mark, Jenny, Peter and Jon; and nine adoring grandchildren who knew him as "Opa." Now angels, inspired by Colbert's unstoppable, can-do spirit, are sporting a new bumper sticker on their wings: "What would Ed do?" In lieu of flowers, please donate to The RAIN Project (for homeless families): www.volunteerventuracounty.org/org/12538070.html; or 805-485-6288. Visitation: Friday, July 25, 2008; 6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Vigil at 7 p.m.; Conejo Mountain Memorial Park: 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo. Funeral Mass: Saturday, 10 a.m.; Padre Serra Parish: 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Colbert

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George Fontaine

July 30, 2008

Dear Colbert Family,
The memories of Doc Ed will always be with me for the rest of my life. I will truly miss his wit and his sense of humor. Our prayers go out to all of you.

Rick Richards

July 30, 2008

Ed was a great Rotarian, rabid Bruin fan and patriot. He is an example that retirement just meant a change in career. My condolences to his family.

Mike Trujillo

July 29, 2008

My prayers and condolences are with the Colbert family. I am grateful for the inviting, welcoming house that he helped build; and for the wonderful family that he encouraged to reach out to and touch the lives of so many.

Lois Friss

July 27, 2008

My condolences to the Colbert family. I knew Ed from his service on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Health Committee. He served us well and had a plan to continue working with the Medical Society. I hope we can continue his work so that he lives on with the community he cared so much about.

Connie Milano

July 26, 2008

Dear Tom Dawna and sweet children.....if I was home in Camarillo I know we would be shedding a tear or two together. Our parents give us life and in return we love them...I know how much you loved your Dad Tom..your eyes sparkled when you mentioned your Dad..and I am so happy we got to meet him at Cucina Isabella.
Your family is close..you have faith and we all know we'll be meeting the ones we love again. I have sent the word up to my Dad Patrick to meet your Dad and have a drink with him and share some jokes.
Gino Isabella and I send our love from Sicily....When we get home in September we will have a Colbert family dinner to honor your Dad.
Connie Milano

Tracy St. John

July 25, 2008

Dear Family Colbert,
I heard this untimely news from Tricia Grant, all the way from her home in the Virgin Islands. I am so terribly sorry for your Great Loss. My thougths are with you. Take care.

Harvey Brate

July 25, 2008

It is with admiration and respect that i will always remember Ed, and for sure his energy, passion and devotion to Rotary and his keen interest in getting our club active in International projects. His committment to Rotary and his support in all the club's activities will serve as a high water mark of what Rotarians think, say and do. My sincere and heartfelt prayers go to his family and I know he is with our Lord in Heaven

Rick, Cathy, Nicole, Elizabeth Herrick

July 25, 2008

Dear Colbert Family, Dr Colbert will be missed by everyone who knew him. Tom I'm sure your mom was the first one to greet him in heaven. I hope he gets a chance to say hi to my dad. I always loved those moments with Ed at the Brentwood house where he described his latest hunt for wild boar. It gave me an excitement for the outdoors that has never left me. His legacy is his family and that legacy is lasting.

Pauline Malysko

July 25, 2008

Dear Mary and Family,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I am keeping you all in prayer. I was blessed and privileged to know Ed both as a true Rotarian and our 'Senior of the Year'. I will miss him terribly.
With much love, Pauline

Meg and Brian English

July 25, 2008

Dear Tom,
I am so sorry to hear about your father's death. I know he was an active and loving father. We always felt welcome in your home & knew he loved his children very much. I am sorry for your loss. His memories will live in your heart forever. We hope they bring you peace and comfort over these difficult days. With love,

Will and Annette Boucher

July 25, 2008

Jeanine, Teddy, Beth, Peter, Tom, Chris and Paul,
We join with you in prayer today as you prepare to say your last goodbyes to your father. He achieved the noblest of human goals - service to others. He truly followed Gandhi's prophetic words by showing kindness to others and by doing all the good he could, knowing that he would not pass this way again.
His legacy lives on in all of you, his children.
Our deepest sympathy on this great personal loss.
Love and prayers,
Will and Annette

Tina Melendez

July 24, 2008

To Mary and Colbert Family,
It was such a joy to know Ed. The gifts that he brought to the Camarillo Community were numerous. Ed's committment to Rotarty and to Project RAIN were a gift from his heart. Mary, I remember with many smiles when you and Ed wed and and joy you both gave one another. Ed's joy for life will be missed by all.

Bernadette Limon and family

July 24, 2008

Dear Tom, Dawna, Mary, and family,
I am so sorry for your incredible loss. We only met Ed twice but it was enough to see that he was a kind-hearted, gentle man. I'm not sure if Tom was more proud of Ed or if Ed was more proud of Tom! There was so much mutual admiration. It just doesn't seem fair or right that he is no longer with us but it is consolling to know that he is probably walking side by side with our Lord on golden streets, chatting with loved ones and asking bible heros questions he always wanted to ask! Heaven may have just gotten brighter, but it is easy to see by reading this guest book that the legacy of love that he left his family and friends will shine on here as well!

Carol Jensen

July 24, 2008

Dear Colbert Family,
How well I remember both your faher's and your mother's generous and supportive presence at St. Martin's during your grammar school years. Much later I remember their extraordinary hospitality to me during a tripto LA for one of Tom's many "Old Gang" gatherings. And how pleased I was to meet his wife Mary at the big 50th birthday bash in Ventura in 2007 (such a gracious lady). Finally, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Diana McNeill

July 24, 2008

To the Colbert Clan ~ His legacy lives on in each and everyone of you! It's time to rejoice and remember his greatness! Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. All our love, Diana and Emily

Greg Vaughn

July 24, 2008

Chris, Tom, Paul, Beth, Peter, Jeanine and Teddy,
I'm so sorry to hear that your dad has passed away. I had more dinners and talks with him than any other father besides my own. I can smell his pipe, I see him reading his paper, I can hear him laugh. He lived a wonderful productive life and gave all of you his special gift of compassion, which distinguished himself from so many others. His spirit will remain vibrant and alive in those of us who remember him and this I know, I will never forget your dad (or your mom). My thoughts will be with all of you as you celebrate his life and metamorphosis into something much greater.

Mark & Marsha Reinecke

July 23, 2008

Dear Tom and Family,
We're so very sorry to hear of your father's recent passing. He was a truly remarkable man. It's been said, "If you want to be remembered, do something memorable." Your father will long be remembered for a life guided by his compassion and deep concern for others. My best memories are of your house in Brentwood so many years ago. It was a house overflowing with activity, love, and joy and, in my memories, your father is still the young dad with the huge family. It's not a bad way to be remembered. In our hearts he will live on forever.
In deepest sympathy,

Catherine & Eddie Murphy

July 23, 2008

Dear Tom and family,

It was very moving to read the beautiful obituary honoring your dad. He was such a good man and we're happy that our memories of him (Mama Teddy and the rest of the family, too) though seldom, added up over the years. We clearly remember the house in Brentwood teeming with activity, strong opinions and laughter. We like to think that we can share those memories with your family as the years go on. Our close and loving friendship with Jeanine will make it so. God bless you all as you enter this next challenge as a family. May the memory of your dad enfold you all and bind you together always.

Eve Jaquias-Johnson

July 23, 2008

Shalom Mary,
My deepest sympathy for your loss of such a special man. I lift my dancing prayers up for you and your family.

Steve Bien

July 23, 2008

Dear Tom and family,
I was very sorry to hear about your Dad's sudden passing. Though I never met him, over the years I remember you lovingly speaking about him - and often in the context of something funny. It's all those good times remembered that can help get you through this rough time.

Peter Worden

July 23, 2008

Colbert Clan,
I trust your fond memories of ED
( Dr. Colbert to me ) and your loving family will comfort you in this difficult time. Ed gave me a chance on my first job ( swim instructor to most to most of his kids ) and then showed patience with me as I coached and taught P. E. to most of them again. Ed and the Colbert Clan contributed to my development and hold a warm spot in my heart. Ed was a wonderful man and is now at peace.
Love to you all,

Stephen Ware

July 23, 2008

Dear Mary, Tom and family,
It has been my pleasure to know and work with Ed these last 5 years. Ed is a man of God who has finished well. Ed has been a pillar in our Rotary club for many years. Always following the 4-way test and providing service to our local community and to the international community (Mexico and Africa). Ed's willingness to give to others, especially to the mentally ill and downtrodden is a testament to his faith and belief that we are to love God and love others. May the God who so richly blessed us with Ed be with you at this time.

Stephen Ware
Past President
Rotary club of Camarillo

Colleen Denison

July 23, 2008

Dear Colbert Family,
I am so very, very sorry about your loss. Your father was truly an amazing, memorable person. I remember how he would welcome everyone and anyone into his house with a smile, even if he didn't really know you. I wasn't part of the St. Martin's crew, just a neighborhood kid. But every time I saw Mr. Colbert, he would smile at me, welcome me into his home and ask how I was doing. His kindness was always appreciated and it made me feel like I was one of the gang. I know you all carry his kindness in you...
All my Best
Colleen McGrath (Denison)

bruce trumbull

July 23, 2008

To the Colbert Clan

Lindsay and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing ... your dad brings so many fond memories - hunting and fishing, parties at the house - and your Dad's unflappable manner and deadpan delivery ... he always brought a smile to my face ... he is the best and we will miss him ...

bruce trumbull

Eric Wiegers

July 23, 2008

Dear Colbert Clan --

So sorry to hear of the doctor's passing. I still have fond memories as a kid waking up at 4:30 in the mornng in cold Pasa Robles to go deer hunting with your dad.

Midori Firestone

July 23, 2008

Dear
Tom and Dawna Kay,

While you mourn the passing physical presence of your amazing dad ... may your spirits rejoice in the joy and legacy of kindness your father has left to this world! He was the warm and welcoming
patriarch of the Colbert family and I am honored to have met him and your mom during those years in Brentwood! "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
Psalm 23

Wendy Grasso

July 23, 2008

Dearest Mary and family, what a loss for all of us but a gain in Heaven. I will miss Ed's wonderful smile and his kind words always. He will certainly be missed by our Padre Serra community.

Dave Drumright

July 23, 2008

my thoughts and prayers to the Colbert extended family, a great and caring man

Nansea Sebring

July 23, 2008

To my dear friend Tom and his beautiful family,
Thank you for sharing and allowing me the opporunity to honor your father's gracious life. I'm with you always,
BIG HUG!

Bob Yeager

July 23, 2008

Tom, I feel a special bond with you in your loss. My thoughts on reading the obituary were that his was a life filled with love, accomplishment, and service. Our condolences go to you and your family.

Sinjin

July 22, 2008

Tom and rest of clan,
So sorry your Dad has moved on. You guys are his legacy and I know he is proud.

Joan Bien

July 22, 2008

I wanted to tell the world about Ed although we had never met. Tom, thanks for letting me know about your father's remarkable life.

Jim Brady

July 22, 2008

Unfortunately I did not meet Ed until I joined Rotary . Once I did meet him however I knew that he was a good and gentle person who intended to be involved and productive until his last breath ,and he was . I shall miss our talks and the opportunity to know him better .

Susan Naumann

July 22, 2008

We always enjoyed Dr.Colbert at the Window Box Antiques in Camarillo. I will always remember him telling me about someone giving him "Stickley" furniture and when I told him to let me know if he ever wanted to sell it, he told that he had seven children who would enjoy it!!...his most recent purchase from me was a small Della Robbia plaque of the Christ child for his garden....I am happy to know that it was his last purchase....knowing that it was very meaningful. We will truly miss this lovely man.

Kevin Nunn

July 22, 2008

Ed will be missed. It was a pleasure knowing him.

Paul Ford

July 22, 2008

What a loss to us, at least until we meet again. But what a gain for heaven, especially for Teddy and for Jim O'Reilly (their great priest friend). My heart goes out to you, Mary, and to all the children and grandchildren.

Love and prayer,
Paul

Elizabeth Renteria

July 22, 2008

Dr. Colbert was a wonderful man. I worked with him here at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. He was very kind and he always had a smile for me. I will miss him.

Shannen Rossmiller

July 22, 2008

Ed was a wonderful and caring man. He welcomed me into his family and I will be forever thankful for having Ed and his family in my life. I know that Ed touched many hearts and his faith, family, charity and vast accomplishments are the true testaments to his legacy.

God Speed, Ed...

Shannen Rossmiller

fjohn reinke (mc68)

July 22, 2008

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself … any man’s death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

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