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Ralph Lake Obituary
1945 - 2013
Loving father and husband, dedicated physician and friend passed away on June 27th, 2013.
He was born in Long Beach, CA and attended Harvey Mudd College, Harvard University and UCSF for his Bachelor's, Master's and Medical Degrees, respectively. He was honored to serve our Nation's Veterans as Chief of Nuclear Medicine at the Veteran's Administration Healthcare Center in West Los Angeles, CA. He served as a model of intellectual curiosity and creativity to all around him and he was the consummate teacher, always ready to explain complex topics in accessible terms. On any given day he served as doctor, veterinarian, chemist, carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, set designer, light and sound technician, vocalist, actor, gourmet chef and more. He generously gave others in his community and beyond the gift of his time, energy and talents, approaching all people and animals with tremendous compassion and patience.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janis Birdwell Lake; his four children, Jennifer Lake Henderson, Michael Lake, Heather Lake and Jonathan Lake; his grandchild, Ryan Henderson; his father, Meno Lake; and his siblings, William Lake, Bruce Lake, Rex Lake and Nora Brown.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Blind Children's Center, 4120 Marathon St., Los Angeles, CA 90029 or the Columbus School-based Health Clinic, 22250 Elkwood St., Canoga Park, CA 91304. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 6th, 1:00 p.m., at Northridge United Methodist Church, Northridge, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Lake
Sponsored by His Loving Wife, Janis Birdwell Lake and Children, Jennifer, Michael, Heather and Jonathan Lake.
shyang het tin
July 18, 2014
Dear Ralph/ Janis : It has been a long long time since I met you and Janis in your Home in Hidden Valleys ( 5 years ) and heartfelt thank you and Lake / Birdwell families who had given to me all these years of 80's a great hospitality / education / humanity while I was in Sacremento . Heartache , do hear of your demised via my search through the internet ... so late .. your kindness , thoughts and spirit live in me and will always cherish the moments . I always have this plan to bring my grown up children ,daughter , Wei Ling , a dentist , in Australia and son , Wei Yang ,local university in Singapore to visit you and the rest of the Birdwell family . May you rest in peace . Love Shyang , Singapore july 18th 2014
Lut Helin
July 16, 2013
I never met Ralph, but his wife Janis has told me so much about him and the beautiful soul that he is. may his soul's transition to the higher planes be smooth, easy, painfree, and joyful. and may Janis and her family be blessed with the inner strength to cope with the challenges ahead.
Adam Miller
July 10, 2013
I posted this on facebook when I heard about Ralph's passing:
When I think back on my life, and those who have influenced me, my mind usually heads straight for the Lake family. Many friends come and go, but it's so rare that an entire family can touch you, influence you, mend you, and shape you in so many ways that you'll never forget. Today that family has lost a truly great human being. I remember the "Ralph Lake" breakfasts we'd get when I slept over. I remember the drives to summer school were spent listening to either Jurassic Park on tape, or Jon's constant questions on how things work, which Ralph was always ready and willing to answer, no matter how rapid fire Jon was. I remember once in fourth grade, Jon and I had to do a report on the Mission in Santa Ynez, and Ralph took the time out of his schedule to actually drive us both there so that we could see it and learn about it first hand. That's just a handful of all of the great things he did and was, and I'll never forget the lessons he taught and the knowledge and wisdom he imparted, even to someone like me who wasn't even a family member. I sure as hell felt like family in his presence.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Lake family.
RIP, Ralph Lake. You were a great man, and I will never forget you.
Lindsay Dean
July 10, 2013
Ralph Lake was brilliant and kind. He astounded me often with his ability to fix things and his work ethic. His love for his family was something very few can achieve. I haven't had the opportunity to see him in years but the impact he had on me has never lessened. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. And Jonathan please tell everyone in your family I am sorry for their\your loss. I know that isn't enough for someone as epic as your dad but I really hope all of you are doing as well as possible.
Adam Miller
July 10, 2013
When I think back on my life, and those who have influenced me, my mind usually heads straight for the Lake family. Many friends come and go, but it's so rare that an entire family can touch you, influence you, mend you, and shape you in so many ways that you'll never forget. Today that family has lost a truly great human being. I remember the "Ralph Lake" breakfasts we'd get when I slept over. I remember the drives to summer school were spent listening to either Jurassic Park on tape, or Jon's constant questions on how things work, which Ralph was always ready and willing to answer, no matter how rapid fire Jon was. I remember once in fourth grade, Jon and I had to do a report on the Mission in Santa Ynez, and Ralph took the time out of his schedule to actually drive us both there so that we could see it and learn about it first hand. That's just a handful of all of the great things he did and was, and I'll never forget the lessons he taught and the knowledge and wisdom he imparted, even to someone like me who wasn't even a family member. I sure as hell felt like family in his presence.
The Algazes
July 7, 2013
Our deepest condolences for your loss. We have always known Ralph to be a great and generous person and excellent human being. We are very saddened by his loss. He will be greatly missed.
Samantha Kane
July 5, 2013
Janis and family, How sad I am for your loss and ours. Ralph was a very special man! Truly remarkable! I am sure that he is building and fixing things up in heaven as we speak. I pray for your peace and fulfillment through this time.. and for ever more. He will be missed!
Mike Resnick
July 5, 2013
I have met many people, but very few "gentlemen". Ralph will always be at the top of that very short list.
Lee, Sandy, Jenny, Laura Smith
July 5, 2013
Though we have not seen Ralph in 12 years, it is hard to think about him in the past. His gregarious acceptance of others, ease in unraveling challenges, modest view of his enormous talents, have kept his friendship alive in our hearts as "the Tickle Monster" and forever friend. We send our sincere condolences to Janice, Jennifer, Michael and Jonathan. We know Ralph invested everything in his love, which lives on in you and the hearts of everyone he met.
Jeff Stein
July 5, 2013
Ralph was a kind and gentle man. He was caring and concerned for all and I am glad to have known him.
July 4, 2013
Gone is the face,
Silent is the voice,
But in our hearts we will always remember him. Gina & Steven Lake
Kay Fields
July 4, 2013
Ralph was the exactly kind of person we could only strive to be...His humility, knowledge, talent & kindness is his legacy.
I could have never gotten through a HH performance without Ralph feeding me my lines...he will be greatly missed by many.
gloria O'Doul
July 3, 2013
Ralph was the most modest & talented man to ever grace this planet. He has been my dear friend for over 30 years & I will miss him forever. I love all of his children, his grandson & my dear friend Janis so much, Oh Ralph, What will we do?
Lucia Jacobson
July 3, 2013
We will miss Ralph in many ways in our community. He was always ready to help come up with solutions to all kinds of problems, big and small. Our love to his family.
Mary and Bob Barnhill
July 3, 2013
Ralph Lake was one of a kind. A kinder man there never was. He was talented in so many ways from physician to actor and everything in between. He was a gentle soul who loved his family and friends and we all loved him back. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten! God bless you Ralph and God bless your family.
Jill Easton
July 3, 2013
I only had the honor of meeting Ralph a handful of times, at our community theater rehearsals. One night, as we were both leaning against the snack table, each of us needing the support for our own unspoken reasons, Ralph asked me if I was aware of some celestial event that was occurring right outside the doors in the night sky. It was a rare thing, both the sighting and his unhurried explanation, as it was pretty much over my head, which led into a discussion about the intergenerational transfer of intelligence then some thoughts about his children of whom he seemed unbearably proud. Wishing peace and healing to Janis and the family. His iron will and sweet smile will never be forgotten.
Mei Chung-Sprackman
July 3, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph when I moved into Hidden Hills and joined the community musicale. What a wonderful, talented man he was with his quiet sense of humor and his get the job done without any fuss or nonsense attitude. He was a gallant gentleman and will truly be missed.
Alexander Werner
July 3, 2013
He was the quintessential gentleman and scholar. The kindness of his heart is reflected in the love of his family and the friends he left behind. We will miss him dearly.
Bliss Wendelburg
July 3, 2013
I will truly miss Ralph! I had a great time singing with him in the musicals! He knew the words to everyone's songs which always amazed me! He was an amazing man!So sorry for your loss!
Freddie Anderson
July 3, 2013
Please accept my deepest Condolences for your loss and the Wonderful Hope the Bible Offers....John 11:21-3
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