Dr. Richard Evereley Waters II

1971 - 2024

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Rip Waters on September 24th, 2024.
Rip was born in Reno, NV to Richard and Joanne Waters.  He is survived by his loving wife Erica, and their children Ella (20) and Reed (19).  He is also survived by his mother, Joanne Waters, brothers Robert (Sara) Waters and Randall (Janée) Waters, sister-in-law Lindsay (Scott) Horner, nieces and nephews Tucker, Claire, Kellen, Isabella, Alexandre, Grant and Gavin, and parents-in-law, Leon and Denise Reed.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father and namesake, Richard E. Waters.
Rip moved to Stockton, California as a toddler, and was always proud to call Stockton his hometown.  He grew up in the neighborhood surrounding UOP, attending local public schools, and forging friendships that lasted a lifetime. He attended Amos Alonzo Stagg HS, where he served as student body president, and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1989.
Rip was a brilliant student, and continued his academic pursuits, seeking excellence at all times.
He graduated from Stanford in 1993 with a BA in Economics.  After college, he spent a year traveling and serving as a medical volunteer in Peru, then continued on to Vanderbilt Medical School, receiving his MD in 1998.  He completed internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2001, and cardiovascular fellowship at Duke University Hospital in 2005.
After completing his training, he returned home to Stockton, where he sought to always provide outstanding cardiology care to the community.
He joined Stockton Cardiology Medical Group in 2005 and was a partner there for the remainder of his career. He was a dedicated clinician and loved to hear every person's story.
He also worked at St. Joseph's Hospital, where he served in many leadership roles.  He was most proud of being part of the structural heart team, which brought non-invasive heart valve replacement (TAVR) to Stockton.
Though Rip valued his job as a cardiologist, his most cherished and gifted roles were as a husband, father, son, brother and friend.  He met Erica on a rafting trip just prior to their first day at Vanderbilt and their love for one another grew alongside their knowledge.  They were married in 2001 and pursued their dreams and goals together from that day on.  Although Rip received many accolades throughout his career, he considered Ella and Reed his greatest achievements.  He loved them fiercely, and was proud of them always.  Rip was a great son, big brother, and uncle.  He valued family connections and traditions above all.  Rip was a dedicated and loyal friend to so many.  At every stage, he made a large group of friends whom he held close for the remainder of his life.
Rip was serious about his commitments, but when the work was done, he definitely knew how to have a good time.  He loved to gather with family and friends, and always enjoyed sitting around a full table, preferably with a Giants game on in the background.  He appreciated a great martini (or two) and would craft a cocktail for you with love and attention to detail.  He was always happiest outdoors. He preferred outdoor meals and was a master of the grill.   As the original Waterboy1, he loved to be in the water, and was a talented swimmer and water polo player.  He loved to waterski and later enjoyed driving the boat and teaching the kids to ski. Rip especially loved the mountains.  He was an expert skier and an avid hiker.  His ideal day was spent on the slopes with his favorite ski companions, Ella and Reed.  Though it was far too short, Rip's life was always full of love.
Private family services were held at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.  A Celebration of Rip's Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Joaquin Medical Society Scholarship Loan Fund www.tinyurl.com/GIVESLF 3031 W. March Lane, Suite 222W, Stockton CA 59219, or the charity of your choice.