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Robert Zipser Obituary
Devoted husband, father, physician, professor, and pilot, passed away July 19, 2009. He was born September 18, 1946 in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Dr. Albert and Esther Zipser. Robert grew up in San Francisco, graduated UC Berkeley, 1968 and earned his medical degree from University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1972. He was board certified in Internal Medicine (USC), Endocrinology (USC) and Gastroenterology (Harbor-UCLA). He became a Professor of Medicine at the age of 40. From 1987, he maintained a private practice of medicine in the Claremont area. He continued to be a teacher, mentor and consultant at Harbor-UCLA, USC, Western University and City of Hope. He was a highly published researcher, most recently in celiac disease. He loved the mountains and spent many summers in Yosemite as a young adult working in the High Sierra Camps. One of his greatest joys was flying his American Legend Cub and numerous other aircraft. He was an avid runner, hiker (The Claremont Club), kayaker, swimmer and skier. His dry sense of humor was legendary.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Tammy (Arst) Zipser, his daughter Dana (Dr. Jason) Schallheim, son Dr. Brian D. Zipser, sisters Barbara (Dr. Dolph) Shapiro and Janet (Dr. Charles) Zipkin and numerous nieces and nephews. Private family services have already been held. Donations may be made in his memory to The Raymond M. Alf Museum (Claremont, CA) or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Zipser
Sponsored by Zipser Family.
Tim Little
April 4, 2019
I had no idea he died so long ago. When I looked him up every so often the internet would treat him as if he was just in his office in San Dimas working away. I worked as a wide eyed medical student in his lab at the old cavernous LA County Hospital in about 1982. I would have been 26 and he 36. He was an endocrinologist at the time and we both became gastroenterologists later. I was not stupid and not easily impressed but I thought him impossibly smart, and even more impossibly energetic back then and ...very irreverently funny. He projected perfect irreverence for the foibles of status, medical politics and colleagues but always, always honored his patients. He was a great role model for me and I am so very pained to hear that someone with such a powerful and protean life force could be silenced.
Chris H
September 6, 2017
I was a patient of Dr. Zipser in the early 2000s. I went to see him for the last time before moving after leaving my job so I had no insurance. I had already made arrangements to pay cash with his staff but when I mentioned during my appointment that I didn't have insurance, he went up front and told them not to charge me anything. That's the kind of guy Dr. Zipser was. So sad to hear he died so young. He was a great doctor and a great human bieng.
LS
October 2, 2014
I just lost my husband a month and a half ago.
Thinking of great men, you are certainly one I thought about. As an RN, thank you for all the
tough love time you spent to help me grow. The loss of you has me even more deeply saddened.
Barbara Argent
June 18, 2014
I felt a lump in my throat when I just looked up Dr Zipser to see how he was doing and found this. I have not seen Dr. Zipser for probably 12 years or so. He was the best GI doctor I have ever had and he cared so much more than most doctors I see today. He would come at all hours to visit me when I was in the hospital. He was always available for patients even when he was bombarded with work. He diagnosed my UC and led me down the path to have a surgery that has kept me from pain for the past 12 years, and even for that I am grateful. I will always remember his humor and 'chuckly' laugh. And as you can see even now he crosses my mind. 2 most memorable moments: 1. Another specialist came to see me and made me cry (i was young at the time) by warning me of all these things that could happen. Dr. Zipser called and yelled at this Doctor calling me 'his' patient and told her not to give suggestions to my condition because she didn't know my history. 2. I was young, and like all young girls, felt fat...even though I was there for GI, I told him I want to lose weight...I can't remember his serious advice. But I do remember he was running around from phone to phone and interupted left and right from nurses while we were talking in his office..and he turned to me and said 'This is how you lose weight, you never have time to eat' :) Thank you Dr. Zipser. You are very missed.
Dorothy Shepherd
January 23, 2011
I'm shocked and horribly saddened to just now learn of Dr. Zipser's death. I've been a patient for several years but neglected to go for a couple of years. Prior to my becoming a patient, my former, now deceased, husband was sent to him by his doctor in the high desert. He took such excellent care of him and was so caring that I asked him to accept me, also, when my doctor retired. I needed the care of a gastroenterologist, due to polyps, so he was such a help to both of us. When my husband passed away due to cancer and lung disease, he kept very close watch of me. I'm an R.N. and have experienced many doctors thru work. I was very impressed with Dr. Zipser. I called for an appointment and found the horribly sad news. I am so sorry.
He was an exceptional doctor and man and will be and I'm sure already is terribly missed. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Soham Jhaveri
December 26, 2010
Dear Zipser Family,
I did not know if this pages existence otherwise I would have written long ago. I only learned of Dr. Zipser's passing about a year after it occurred.
I rotated with him as a medical student in the year 2001. I remember that rotation more than any other as Dr. Zipser taught me so much about being a doctor. He also took me flying and I will never forget that. I remember he gave me a certificate of my first flying lesson.
In addition, some years later he also treated my mother and dilated her esophageal stricture. To this day she tells me that she felt no pain during the procedure and had the best outcome (when she compares procedures done by other doctors). She always speaks of him with fondness.
He is very much missed by me. I think of him from time to time when I come across a difficult case. I think of him for inspiration. I also think of him when I think of my mothers health and how I miss his guidance in her care.
As you all know he was a very special man.
I am quite convinced his letter of recommendation for me changed where I trained and allowed me to go to USC. I am an internist in the Bay Area now and I feel like his hand still guides me today.
WIth my deepest sympathy and regards.
Carrie Petree
March 16, 2010
I was surprised and saddened to recently learn of Dr. Zipser's passing. I worked for many years with Dr. Zipser and found him to be an excellent physician who truly cared about and for his patients. He loved to scare and intimidate staff and his students at first, including myself, but gradually you would come to realize that was his way of testing you, to see if you were able to keep up with him. He spoke all the time of his family and flying, the two loves of his life. I hope he now has the ability to soar through and above the clouds like he always wanted to. He will be greatly missed for his expertise in the area of gastroenterology. I am so sorry.
March 8, 2010
He saved my wife's life 2 years ago from colorectal cancer...I am very saddened to hear about Dr. Zipsers passing. He will be missed.
Marc Zussman
January 11, 2010
Dear Tammy,
As you may remember, I was a good friend of Bob's at Berkeley. I was shocked to hear of his death. I have wonderful memories of our studying pre-med classes together. My heart goes out to you and your family on this occasion.
Shahid Sial
September 28, 2009
I am very saddened by the passing away of Bob Zipser. He was a very kind physician and a great friend. My deepest condolences to the family,
Dr. Gilbert Brum
August 19, 2009
I was so fortunate to have Dr. Zipser as my Crohns specialist. His exceptional expertise and caring manner kept me going through writing 3 university textbooks and maintaining a vibrant career at Cal Poly Pomona. I couldn't have done it without him.
August 16, 2009
Dear Tammy, Dana, and Brian,
Larry and I share our heartfelt sympathy with you. You are a lovely family and will carry beautiful memories of your husband/father always. We miss him.
Areta Herr and Larry Wetherbee
Kim, Mark & Hugh Silva-DuBose
August 11, 2009
Dear Dana and Jason,
We are so very sorry to hear of you dad's passing. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Know that we are thinking of you. We are available if you need us. Please don't hesitate to ask.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Kim, Mark & Hugh
Suzanne and Joe Shultz
August 7, 2009
August 07, 2009
Dear Tammy, Dana and Jason,
Joe and I were so very sorry to hear of your heartbreaking loss!! We have not been in touch---, so Wilma told us. We send you our deepest sympathy and condolence.
Sincerely,
Suzanne and Joe Shultz
maryann bourke
July 29, 2009
I'm glad for the many years I had working for Dr. Zipser as his office nurse. The dedication to his patients was immeasurable.
He was a good, honest man, one that was deeply involved in his work and his family. He spoke of them often. What a wonderful send off from both he and Mrs. Zipser when I retired from his practice. Love and comfort to you Mrs. Zipser, Dana and Brian.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Bourke
Lia Bass
July 29, 2009
Dear Dana and Jason,
I hope that you will find comfort and solace in our congregation, and know that we are here to help you and support you at this difficult moment.
Simon Lo
July 28, 2009
Dear Tammy,
We are so shocked and sorry to hear about Bob's passing. He was an energetic person with a strong will and I was very certain that he had beaten the illness. Bob was, and always will be, one of the most brilliant scientists and physicians that I have ever known. He will be missed by all of us.
Simon
July 28, 2009
Dear Tammy, Dana and Brian
We are so sad to hear of Bob's death. Bob was a generous and thoughtful friend who made us feel welcome during our time in Los Angeles. We have many fond memories of Bob and are thinking of you at this saddest of times.
Love George and Kay Daskalopoulos
Fabio Cominelli
July 28, 2009
Dear Brian, Dana, and Tammy,
I want to express the feelings of the many Fellows, young doctors, and researchers who came from all over the world to work with Bob and learned from him, both inside and outside of the laboratory setting. He has touched our lives and taught us how to be rigorous and honest in science and our medical profession. Bob was the reason why I successfully developed my career in american academic gastroenterology and I will always be grateful to him for this opportunity. He was a great scientist and teacher, and an outstanding role model for all of us. He will be greatly missed.
With sincere condolences,
Fabio and Theresa Cominelli (Cleveland, OH)
Sallieq Godoy
July 24, 2009
Dear Mrs. Zipser and family, I was sad to hear of Dr. Zipser's passing. I enjoyed the time he came in for his dressing changes at City of Hope. His sense of humor always put a smile on our faces. Even when he didnt feel his best he always managed to find humor in something. My prayers to you and your family....sallie godoy RN (Clinic 1C)
L.J. Frazin, M.D.
July 23, 2009
Dear Tammy, Dana and Brian,
We were so saddened to learn of Bob's passing --- even though we
are separated by miles, you were and are always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Bob was a true "mensch." I knew that when I
married Larry and had the privilege of knowing your wonderful family
something special had touched my life. Memories live on forever.
Love, Jayne and Larry Frazin
L.J. Frazin, M.D.
July 23, 2009
Dear Tammy, Dana and Brian,
We were so saddened to learn of Bob's passing --- even though we
are separated by miles, you were and are always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Bob was a true "mensch." I knew that when I
married Larry and had the privilege of knowing your wonderful family
something special had touched my life. Memories live on forever.
Love, Jayne and Larry
Donald Baisch
July 23, 2009
In November 1987 I came down with severe diarrhea while visiting my oldest daughter Susan in Connecticut. Called my other daughter Nancy who was in her 3rd year in medical school at UCLA. She suggested I go on the BRAT (bananas, rice, apples and toast diet). Also I started taking Pepto-bismol.
When I got back home in Glendora after 3 more weeks went to my Doctor Joe DiMare. He sent me to the best gastroenterologist in the areas who referred me to a surgeon to remove my gall bladder. Daughter Nancy said to cancel that as I had no symptoms of gall bladder disease. I then went to endocrinologists and pathologists and since I was working for Xerox they sent me to more doctors than I can remember.
Finally, in April 1989, I woke up one Friday morning and I didn’t have the strength to go to work. We called Dr DiMare and asked him to check us in to Scripps Institute in La Jolla. He had referred me to a Doctor Robert Zipser in San Dimas about a month before and I wasn’t getting any better. Dr Zipser was doing a new test each time I went to him. Dr DiMare called Dr Zipser and they checked me into the Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora. Carol called Nancy to let her know. Nancy came unglued because she knew you never put a patient in the hospital on a Friday unless it was terminal. Dr Zipser ran tests on me Friday and Saturday and they were measuring everything that went into me and came out of me. Sunday morning Dr Zipser came into my room and asked was it OK to do another endoscopy and take a biopsy. Of course I had no idea what he was talking about, but told him to go ahead. Monday afternoon he came in and said that he had found out what was my problem. I had celiac sprue. He said that the biopsy from my small intestine looked just like it did in the textbook. He would set up a meeting for me with the hospital dietician because I had to be on a “gluten-free” diet. Of course my menu was marked with “Gluten-Free” diet and what did the serve me? Toast and bread and pancakes. By this time I was down to 135 pounds. Although Dr Zipser had treated other celiacs, I was the first patient he had diagnosed with this disease.
I firmly believe that Bob Zipser saved my life.
Next it was a crusade for me to find out how to live on a gluten-free diet.
The next morning we checked out of the hospital and met with the dietician. She looked through all her files and she found a diet that had been brought in by another patient who had been diagnosed in Hawaii. Of course the doctor over there had marked it up because of some other problems with that patient, but it was a start. The dietician made a copy of it for me. Nancy said that I should go to the library and look in the Merck reference book and copy what it says about celiac disease. It was one paragraph in those days and it started out..”A disease of infants..” Well I copied every thing I could find in the library on celiac disease, coeliac sprue, non-tropical sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Not much was found. Then Carol, my ever-loving wife, and I visited every health food store within 25 miles. I had the address of one support group in Seattle, WA, called the “Gluten Intolerance Group”, from the diet given to me by the dietician. I also found the name of a support group in Des Moines, IA, called Celiac Sprue Association/USA. I wrote to both of them. I also joined the the Coeliac Society of Canada. It was six months before I got an answer from the U.S. groups. In the meantime I’m chasing down information any place I can find it. Not much.
The lady that had been diagnosed with celiac disease in Hawaii, Joanne Beale, was a friend of our neighbor across the street, Lois Henley. She knew a few people who had also been diagnosed with celiac disease. Next thing I got a call from an Elaine Monarch in Studio City looking for people who would be interested in attending a meeting about Celiac Disease. We met and agreed to meet once a quarter at a bank building in Studio City. At the first meeting we had about 16 celiacs and quite a few spouses. At each meeting we would bring our spouses or maybe a friend and everyone would bring a "gluten-free" dish. We would make copies of the recipes for everyone who might want to take home with them. We would introduce our selves and tell our "celiac story". They were mostly different (except they all had taken a longtime to get diagnosed). Every meeting the group got larger. After about a year, five of us got together and started planning the Celiac Disease Foundation. In 1990 we incorporated. Since then we have serviced more than 40,000 different clients.
After that Bob Zipser, was still teaching at Harbor, UCLA and USC, and he was my gastroenterologist and endocrinologist. In addition he had already published more that 250 medical articles in peer-reviewed journals. But he had many compatriots who had children who wanted to get into medical schools. They kept asking him for help for projects that might get them admitted. So the next thing we (Bob asked if I would help him as he had helped me start my own study for the Celiac Disease Foundation on problems of getting diagnosed) had a bunch of volunteers. These efforts resulted in many more peer-reviewed articles being published and presented at DDW (national Digestive Disease Week) and meetings of the American College of Gastroenteologists. He also became one of the Celiac Disease Foundation Medical Advisors.
We both had similar interests such as aviation and Carlsbad. I have lost a valued friend and my prayers are with him and his family. Donald Baisch, Carlsbad Calif.
July 23, 2009
Tammy,Brian,Dana,Jason & extended family: It was such a sad moment to hear of your loss. You all exhibited a valiant struggle to help him, and he knew he was loved. That is the most important gift you could give a person. Our love to you all.
AUNT MAXINE & UNCLE DAVE ARST
LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA
Dena SHAPIRO
July 22, 2009
As a kid, Uncle Bob made us laugh with his amazing ability to wiggle his ears and toss popcorn up and catch it with his mouth. As an adult, I was truly inspired by all that he had accomplished and his wit. His greatest accomplishment, however is the love and affection he showed his wife and children.
He will be missed.
Helene Rubin
July 22, 2009
Tammy and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Zipser. May your family, friends and faith carry you through these trying times.
With sincere sympathy,
Helene Rubin
July 22, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bob Zipser. My "maestro". The man who showed me the path to become a scientist.
Massimo Pinzani, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
University of Florence, Italy
July 22, 2009
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hoping your special family memories will bring you strength and comfort at this time.
Division of Gastroenterology
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
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