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BORN
1941
DIED
2017
Derek Skaife Obituary
November 9, 1941 - June 30, 2017
Resident of Los Altos
Derek Dunbar Skaife passed away June 30, 2017 a few weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. He died peacefully in his own home with his wife and a son holding his hands. Derek was a local veterinarian whose career in the area spanned 34 years. He was born Nov. 9, 1941 to Arthur and Jane Skaife in San Francisco, CA. A fourth-generation Californian, his direct ancestors arrived in America in 1639. Raised in San Mateo, he attended San Mateo HS, graduated from the Univ. of Arizona, and obtained graduate degrees including a doctorate in veterinary medicine from UC Davis. He retired from his veterinary practice in 2005.
Derek loved the outdoors. He enjoyed skiing, barefoot running, hiking, and was an avid fresh-water fisherman. He also enjoyed working in his bountiful garden.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda, sons Kevin Skaife (Michelle) of Woodland, CA, Shawn Skaife, MD (Jane) of Davis, CA and grandchildren Quinlan and Tristan. He also leaves a sister Mary Jane (Dick) Maxey, brother Peter Skaife, and numerous nieces and nephews. His cremated remains will be mixed with those of his wife upon her death.
A celebration of his life will be held at the family home in Los Altos, on Saturday, August 5 from 4:00 to 6:00PM. Friends, neighbors, and former clients are invited to attend.
View the online memorial for Derek D. Skaife, DVM
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Memories and Condolences
for Derek Skaife
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Eve Solus
July 9, 2019
Dear Linda, from far away Im sending you this note to let you know that Im thinking of you at this time. Luna, Mischa, Schlunggi and I moved permanently to San Gimignano (Italy) last August. And whenever I see the little caskets with their ashes I remember Derek and you, wishing you both peace and serenity. If youre ever in my area, let me know so we can try to get together. Un bacio...
Eve Solis, Casella Postale 18, 53037 San Gimignano (SI), Italy; [email protected]
Pamela Grant/Norgaard
August 4, 2017
I was so saddened to read about Derek's passing. I met him in 1960 and he was my first serious boyfriend. Even though decades have passed, I cherish the memories from so long ago. Derek had a wonderful sense of humor, was very intelligent, kind, and creative. My sincerest sympathy to your family. Derek was indeed a special guy!
Maxine Lucas
July 21, 2017
What a shock to read about Dr. Skaife. He was our Vet all the years he owned The Animal Clinic. Started going there when Dr. Hilton owned it!! So....many years of wonderful care for our family pets. He had such a wonderful manner with animals and their "parents". So sad to read he left us at such a young age! Know all his patients feel your loss.
Maxine Lucas
Bill bazlen
July 20, 2017
Derek and I worked together at Serra Vet and he was a great doctor and a good friend. Don't think we ever had an argument. We had a friendly wager about us each quitting smoking and we both won! I'll miss him dearly.
Paul Umeda
July 17, 2017
To the Skaife Family,
I worked as a veterinary assistant at Serra Vet Clinic when Dr. Bazlen and Dr. Skaife were there. Because of my experiences there with the two of them, I went on to become a veterinarian myself. As a matter of fact, I came back to Serra as a vet shortly after Dr. Skaife bought his own practice, The Animal Clinic, in Santa Clara.
Dr. Skaife (I have a hard time calling him Derek because of the respect I have for him) was always there with an easy going manner and a ready chuckle or laugh. He was always kind and encouraging to everyone he encountered. People saw him with a smile much more often than not.
I will always remember his Ford Falcon truck (I remember it in orange).
I tried to emulate Dr. Skaife's kindness, easy going manner and ready humor in my own career. He was a great role model for me, and I'm saddened to hear of his passing. He was a very special person.
KELLEY
July 16, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
Eve Solis
July 15, 2017
Dear Linda and family.
I'm shocked and incredibly sad to learn that Derek has passed away. My heart aches for your profound loss.
I have so many memories of him caring so wonderfully and competently for Mischa, Schlunggi, and Luna. I will cherish his compassion and wonderful personality for the rest of my life.
Wishing you all gentle healing!
Eve
Carl Jacobsen
July 15, 2017
Dear Linda,
I am so sad and sorry to hear of Derek's death. He was a very special person and a great veterinarian..in all ways. I have many fond memories of meeting for radiology 'seminars' and the wonderful lunches at your hospital in the "old" days (I retired in 1990). One of my regrets in life is having lost touch with you and Derek.
I can't begin to know your sense of loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Hannah joins me in this.
Sincerely, Carl Jacobsen.
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