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Kenneth Rifkin Obituary
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Born on March 7, 1954, in New York, Ken dedicated his life to helping others live healthier, more natural lives. He founded Mountain Park Health Clinic in Portland, Oregon, where he practiced for over 40 years. Ken was one of the first in Oregon to hold dual licensure as both a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. Through his decades of care, he helped thousands of patients with dedication, warmth, and a deep belief in the body's ability to heal.
Ken was a loving father, brother, and grandfather, known for his strength, sharp mind, and unwavering dedication to those around him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Rifkin; his sister, Ina Tabak; and his wife, Mary Andersen. He is survived by his mother, Jean Rifkin; his siblings, Janet Zand, Jay (Sophia) Rifkin, and Marty (Kate) Rifkin; his children, Rian (Amy) Rifkin, Austin (Summera) Rifkin, and Miles (Aleesha) Rifkin; his three grandchildren, Dashiel, Jacob, and Ayla; and his fiancée Joanne Gordon and her son Michael.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM at River View Cemetery, 300 S Taylors Ferry Rd, Portland, OR 97219. All who loved Ken are welcome to attend.
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Kristin Schiffner Thompson
June 6, 2025
I saw Dr. Rifkin on and off for well over 17 years.
He helped me navigate a host of autoimmune challenges, pregnancy, cancer, and the RA that I got as a result of chemo too. I got my husband and son to visit him occasionally too, but I was the real devotee. ;)
He was a masterful doctor and I learned so much from him, but what I will miss most (TRULY) is talking to him.
I always wished I could take him out to dinner and listen to him, because he was not only a wealth of information, he was funny, and had amazing stories of his life and his family.
He was a unique blend of compassionate, brilliant, and charismatic.
I don't know what I will do now for my health-- and either way, no one will ever be able to replace him.
Sending much love to all who loved him, and most especially to his family.
Mary Zinkin
June 3, 2025
I too am shocked and so so sorry that Ken is no longer on this earth. He was my healing resource for 16 years... and I too made him promise every year to not retire. My wife also saw him... and in his no nonsense way, with his calm "this is not a big deal" energy he took care of my thyroid, my heart, and my bones with his keen insights and radical perspective. Over the years we had many great conversations and I considered him a friend. What a tragic loss for anyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
Michael Bergmann
June 2, 2025
Dr Rifkin was truly a visionary healer that took the time to help me identify and prevent things in my life that caused a stroke nearly 10 years ago. I am forever grateful for the gift of his knowledge and insight to help me be here for my family, friends and living a healthy and full life. My wife and I are still in shock that he is gone. This is a massive loss to those that could use his knowledge and experience. Thank you Dr Rifkin for providing a healthier wauy
Mark Turner
June 1, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
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Rick Kirschner, ND, VNMI
May 20, 2025
He was such a good man and truly a physician! Blessings on Kenny's family.
Lucienne Sawyer
May 14, 2025
O´ Doctor! My Doctor! Thank you. May your children´s children be blessed for caring for our family and my child!
Michael Sawyer
May 14, 2025
Three generations of my family were blessed by Ken´s passion to help his patients live healthier lives. In addition, they´re are too many other friends I referred to Ken to recall. My only disappointment was the promise he made to me at my last appointment with him weeks before he died, "I´m not planning on retiring anytime soon and will be available for a long time." Rest in peace and may your legacy live for generations.
Thank you.
Michael Sawyer and family
Rita F. Hernandez, MSCCC-SLP
April 28, 2025
I just received the call today from Dr Rifkin's office and I'm in deep shock. Dr Rifkin saved my life many years ago and he is the reason I'm still alive and able to continue working. We are the same age and I used to tell him he could never retire because I needed him. Ken was the best doctor in the world, and I am beside myself. We share the loss with all his family and patients. Ken in un-replaceable!!!!
Michelle Simon
April 23, 2025
Ken Rifkin was a pioneer, a visionary, and an incredibly caring human. I knew him to be dedicated to the profession of naturopathic medicine and its benefit to the practice of medicine. He was an inspirational doctor to so many patients over the years and he also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Besides all of that, he was just a fun person to be around. He will be very missed by all of us who knew him.
Dana Rallis
April 17, 2025
As a former patient of Dr. Rifkin way back when his practice was in mid-town Lake Oswego to the current location, my memories are of a physician who always looked, researched, and knew just what to prescribe. My thoughts are with all family of the very important person to so many.
Mary-Ellen Hagen
April 13, 2025
I was so shocked to hear the news of Ken's passing today. I had not seen him for several years, but will always remember his kindness to my family after the passing of my husband, Don. He treated me for free, also my son Tulsi, who was going off to college, and even opened his office on a Sunday to get medicine for my daughter Sara when she was ill. He was so
very kind and encouraging. What a loss to the world- a true doctor.
Martin Guisar
April 10, 2025
I believe it was 1996 following my 1st heart attack that I went to Dr Rifkin in search of a naturopathic doctor. Over the years, he treated me for Lyme, heart disease, Barrett´s, cancer, weight loss and anything else I could come up with. Always on the cutting edge and the only doctor I believed in 100% of the time. Visiting Ken was not a trip to the doctor but, a chance to visit with a friend. I will miss him terribly.
Paula Harolde
April 9, 2025
RIP Dr. Rifkin. You changed my life with your kindness and expertise.
Jan John
April 9, 2025
I am in shock over this news. I hadn´t been in to see Ken for probably a year because the supplements he´d recommended for me were working so well. I had just recommended him to someone else - who called me 5 min later to tell me she had googled him and saw his obituary. I feel like I lost an old friend. I am not exaggerating when I say he saved my life. What a loss to his incredible family and the community. I always left his office feeling better -not only because of the treatments but from the joy he expressed when talking about his three sons, his wife and his amazing mother. I express my deepest sympathy to the family.
Ann Robinson
April 7, 2025
My dearest Dr Rifkin -
My husband and I have been extremely great-full for your special health care -thoughtfulness -friendship for many years.
We will miss you greatly!!
My husband always said - what will we do when Ken retires ????
Thank you for all your special care !
Bless you - Ann and Chris Robinson
Shaun Dyler
April 7, 2025
Ken was a mentor, boss and friend for over 30 years. He loved the naturopathic profession, was always learning new things and sharing them with his colleagues including me. I will miss you Ken, rest in peace.
Patricia Durkin
April 7, 2025
Kenny was my first naturopath/Acupuncturist, in my early 20s. He helped open a whole new world for me, one that I welcomed with open arms. It was such a relief to find that there were people medically aligned with the way I was thinking and feeling.(mid 1970´s)
So thankful for him in my life, our life. Such a support with a daughter who had been born with many physical issues.
Bless his amazing Spirit....
Adventurous, forward thinking,
Dedicated to service, so very kind.
Suzanne Rosenberg
April 4, 2025
Ken was not only my business partner but was a close friend and supporter of me throughout my adult life. He helped me raise my children, supported me through challenging times and celebrated with me during my most important milestones. Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family. We miss you!!
Dr. Ken Phillips
April 3, 2025
Over the past few years I had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Ken Rifkin. My daughter married his son and we became family. Over this time, we shared holidays, celebrated family events, and happy times together. His love of family, food and music were contagious and it was always a treat spending time with him. I got to know Ken as a father, grandfather and friend. I also got to know him as an adept and knowledgeable physician. He was always generous with his time and his healing skills.
His loss to cannot be calculated.
His memory is a blessing to us all.
Tara Brookshier
April 3, 2025
Tara Brookshier
April 3, 2025
Ken was my father, Michael Stern's best friend I've know him my whole life as a friend, my doctor and more so he was like family. My son Malakai had a special bond and looked up to him. He loved going to Kens for dinner parties and play music. These pictures are from last Thanksgiving. He is such an inspiration to all and will be truly missed
Kim Chadwick
April 2, 2025
Ken, (along with the few others at the head of the NF Formulas table) 1996 blessed me with a career that truly changed the course of my life.
Ken, you believed in me over the years with representing NF, Community Rx, Dolevium and Zemtrim.
You pushed me hard and taught me a lot along the way~
As a patient I was always cared for. You had my best interest and supported my health goals. I felt safe.
My heart is so heavy, yet grateful that I had your friendship, influence, brilliance and tenacity in my life~
Kim
Michael Cronin, ND
April 2, 2025
Kenneth Rifkin ND, LAc was a residency clinic sites for me. In 1980 he was just back from studying in China so I had an awesome residency experience seeing Naturopathic medicine merged with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, as well as the realities of starting and managing that type of ND office he shared with Dr Noel Peterson.
Dr. Rifkin´s good work included Naturopathic Formulations, a company focused on creating innovative and effective Naturopathic Medicines while supporting the growth of Naturopathic medicine in so many projects.
RIP Dr Kenneth Rifkin
You made a big difference in multiple arenas and many lives.
Kevin Wilson ND
April 2, 2025
I have known Kenny since 1978, my first year at NCNM. He was always friendly, kind and generous with words of encouragement and clinical info.
He even hired me and Marty Osterhaus to fix his chimney. I think it may just have been a way to subsidize two naturo students.
He will be and is missed.
Kevin Wilson ND
Jerry Gordon
April 2, 2025
May happy memories bring you peace. Love Carol and Jerry
Livio Stan
April 2, 2025
Ken - an incredible mind, soul and heart! Lived and Cared with love for all around! A giant of a human! He will be greatly missed - !
Anoo Mishtatfeem
B´Tsa´archem!
Livio & Family
Mark Stern
April 2, 2025
Although I did not get to know you personally but I felt I knew you very well. A day doesn´t go by that I don´t talk to my brother Michael Stern and your name comes up at least once or twice . I hear about the cooking competition between the two of you, your days at the farmers market , dinners, trips , coffee ,and so many more. Of course can not forget that my brother was the official dog walker. A friendship that you and my brother had, does not happen often. Yiu will be missed but not forgotten
Mark Stern
David Kern
April 2, 2025
My brother and colleague since 1973. With all we´ve shared, you will live on in fond and endearing memories.
David Kern
Virginia
April 1, 2025
I have been a patient of Dr. Rifkin for nearly 20 years. He has always been there for health issues with his intelligence, care, and guidance. He is a healer.
richard liebmann
April 1, 2025
Dear Kenny,
We spoke just the other day, excited to getting ready to meet in Athens Greece for a 2 week sailing of the Greek islands with our sweethearts. Now it seems your sailing on your Great Adventure.
Our friendship had stood the test of time. From 1973 at NCNM in Kansas to our recent adventures to Tuscany and Patagonia and our class reunions in Hawaii, your open hearted, funny, and strong commitment to living life fully is inspiring.
Leading the way into the Light. Travel well my dear friend.
Richard Liebmann
ncnm 1977
Bruce and Inez Canvasser
April 1, 2025
Dear Kenny, Our friendship goes beyond 50 years. You have been our dear friend, colleague, and true member of our entire family. no one can ever replace you.
Bruce and Inez Canvasser and family.
Jared Zeff, ND
April 1, 2025
Dear Ken,
I'm happy we had that conversation the other day. I miss you already. Now you are with your sweetie. I'll be seeing you.
Jared
Onnalee Blank
April 1, 2025
Ken
I will always remember and think of you. Your friendship with Mike Stern was so special. Thank you so much for healing me. I truly believe you saved my health.
Angie Lewis
April 1, 2025
I was a patient of Dr. Rifkins for the past 20 years. My mother, sister and boyfriend were also long time patients. He helped all of us tremendously!
We have all had a better quality of life because of him. He was so engaging and would ask lots of questions to help figure out what we needed. He was like a friend and therapist to me. He will be missed dearly by so many. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Diane and Marc Stern
April 1, 2025
I am sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
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2610 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, OR 97214
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