Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walter Saphir Obituary
September 10, 1927 - April 20, 2019
Resident of Cupertino
After a long and eventful life, Walter Saphir passed away on Saturday, April 20. He impacted many people throughout his long career as a pediatrician and through his friendships and his travels.
In 1956, Walter began his practice as a pediatrician at the Sunnyvale Medical Clinic and worked there for his entire career. He loved to share his life experiences and cultural interests with all who interacted with him. A lifelong learner, Walter was fluent in many languages, an accomplished musician, traveled extensively and he volunteered at many organizations throughout the community.
Walter Saphir is survived by his three children, Kathy McTavish (Doug), of Milwaukee, WI; Joni Saphir (Tony Smith) of Los Angeles, CA; and Mike Saphir (Ulrika) of Stockholm, Sweden and grandchildren Aaron, Rachel and Emily McTavish, Kyle Smith, Sanna, Ebba and Daniel Saphir and three great grandchildren, Qwilleran McTavish, Sam and Harry Saphir.
His wit, charm and intellect will be missed by all who knew him. At the request of the deceased, there will not be a memorial service. Donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.
View the online memorial for Walter Saphir
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Saphir
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Arnold Doong
May 3, 2020
During the 1970s, Dr. Walter Saphir was my regular physician at the Sunnyvale Medical Clinic where my folks often take me to. Reminiscing back, every time I would have my routine physical, he would give me a free lollipop at the end. Also, Dr. Saphir kept a few samples of my earlier artworks as well, which I find amusing. Feeling crestfallen about his passing, I wish to express my sincere condolences. Thank you for your services, and may you Rest in Peace.
Grace Siess
October 23, 2019
Saved our daughters life 41 years ago. We owe him our daughters life. God bless him.
Terry Cop
June 22, 2019
Dr. Saphir was my pediatrician from pre-school through high school. I am now 56. I remember that he proudly displayed my not so good elementary school artwork in his office. I also a remember a time where my dad was unemployed for a few months and took my sister and myself to a free clinic. He was upset at my parents with this and told them not to worry about paying for now. Terry
JANICE
June 18, 2019
Dr Saphir was my doctor from the age of 8 months (when he did house calls in his VW bug!) until I married and moved out of state. When my son was born and we came back to the Bay Area for visits, one of those was to see Dr Saphir so he could make sure my new baby was healthy. I valued his opinion above any others, because when I was a kid, just knowing I would be seeing him would make me start to feel better! His advice when I was a teenager, the way he would take family dynamics into account, the way he would explain things to my mother, he was awesome. When we moved back, my son became his patient. Dr Saphir raised 2 generations of my family! because I knew he was getting the best doctor there was! My condolences to the Saphir family.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
veronica vonrozsa
June 5, 2019
Dr Safir was my daughter, Laurie's pediatrician and she cared for and appreciated him dearly. He was so warm, kind , and supportive. I also felt him to be a very kind and caring physician. I knew many of the Sunnyvale medical center MDs as I worked at El Camino Hospital for 45 yrs as a nurse. Dr Safir was one of the very best!
tony bartle
May 1, 2019
A wonderful man who raised a wonderful family. Kathy, Joni and Mike you have been blessed and Sharon and I send our condolences to you and your entire family.
Sharon and Tony Bartle
Bryan Sherman
May 1, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family.
William D Carothers Jr
April 28, 2019
He will be sorely missed by his friends at The Forum. He was a wonderful man and showed a keen interest in others by asking questions about their own life, a trait lost in many of the the current generations. He loved people and being with them and finding out their interests and conversing with them about them. he love his apartment in San Francisco and love to go there and be in another world and by himself for a while or be with other friends. His world experiences were highly interesting, such as his times in Austria and China. May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Saphir's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Walter Saphir
How to support Walter's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Walter Saphir's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
