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Dr. R. Guilford "Guil" Fitz Jr., MD
1931 - 2014
Dr. R. Guilford "Guil" Fitz Jr., MD Obituary
Dr. R. Guilford "Guil" Fitz Jr., MD
1931 - 2014
Dr. R. Guilford "Guil" Fitz Jr., MD, left his earthly body and went to be with his Lord and Savior, on September 29, 2014 in Redding, CA.
He was born in China June 7, 1931 to Lura and Dr. Rudolph G. Fitz Sr, MD at the Nazarene Mission Hospital where his parents were stationed as missionaries. He was younger brother to three sisters Elizabeth, Irma, and Maxine.
He moved to Alaska in 1946 where his parents homesteaded a potato farm. He went to college in Idaho where he met his bride, Doris. After being ordained as a Nazarene minister he attended medical school at the University of Washington and married Doris in the summer of 1958. Post-residency he came to Redding and worked one year at Shasta General Hospital before going to South Africa for 5 years. They returned to Redding to raise their four children and he eventually opened his own practice in 1976 where many came to love his smile, singing, joviality, compassion and fiery red hair.
He enjoyed nature and capturing it on film, often displaying it in his office. He was completely devoted to and cherished his wife of 56 years. He was frequently seen at his children's events boisterously cheering and encouraging louder than most other fans. He was an avid reader of scripture and other literature. He loved to sing and is well known for singing to his patients and throughout the hospitals.
He did everything with gusto and a passion that was contagious and people loved to be around him.
He is survived by his wife Doris, daughters Karla (William) Moore, Diana Fitz Davis, and Linda (Eric) Zane, son Bryan (Destiny) Fitz, grandchildren Andy Zane, Noelle Moore, Izaac Fitz Norman, Kirstin Davis, Luke Zane, Abby Moore, Jonathan Zane, Tyler Davis, Mari Zane, Tesla Fitz, and his sister Maxine Fritz. His father and mother, his sisters Elizabeth and Irma, precede him.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4th at the Redding First Church of the Nazarene, 2225 Bechelli Lane, Redding, at 11:00 AM, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Redding First Church of the Nazarene World Mission Program.
Thank you to all who have helped us walk this journey as we say farewell to our beloved husband and father. He will be greatly missed by all. We are all better people because he was with us.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dr. R. Guilford "Guil" Fitz Jr., MD
Tom Adcock
October 11, 2014
While the light from the physical flame has gone out, Guil's memory will continue to burn bright throughout the remainder of my life and in those who knew and loved him.
Bonnie Wilkerson
October 7, 2014
So sorry to hear of the passing of the wonderful Dr. Fitz. He always took care of your heart along with your health and he helped to guide me through many life struggles. Rest is peace kind sir and know we are rejoicing for you now.
Sherri Batie
October 7, 2014
Dr. Fitz was my doctor and my family's for many years until he retired. He was such a caring, gentle soul. My prayers to his wife and family. May your faith comfort you during this time.
October 6, 2014
Dear Mrs Fitz and family, My deep felt love and sympathy go out to you. Dr.Fitz brought me through so many medical problems, I will never forget him. May God Bless. Darlene Hayes
Phil & Marilyn Hopkins
October 6, 2014
Guil was a wonderful friend. He took care of our many illnesses. We appreciate all the good care. He loved and supported world missions. What a great Man of God.
Phyllis Hardison
October 6, 2014
Charley and I along with the girls were so blessed to have the privilege to know Guil. Our prays are for all the family as you grief such a wonderful man.
Bill & Janet McCurry
October 4, 2014
Guil aand I shared an office together for several years...and we shared our faith in our Lord as well.I loved and appreciated this man of God .He has been an inspiration to me Doris and family may our God bless you all in this difficult time.
Karin Lindsey
October 4, 2014
Praying for you guys as you begin the process of moving forward after your incredible loss. Your husband and father was a blessing and encouragement to so many people. As brilliant as he was, he was so down to earth, approachable, and real. I will long remember his contributions to worshipping God through music.
Annemarie Biolsi
October 3, 2014
With a heavy heart to Diana and her family I am so sorry for your loss...Your father was our Doctor for over 20yrs!! He took great care of me and my family!!! Even after my mother passed he was so concerned about my well being..especailly after my diagnoses..I will always cherish what he did for me and my family...!!! He was and is such a great man! He was the few doc's in my life who actually cared for my well
being! Such an honor to have him in my life..always there when I needed him! Loved his photography and loved his spirit! He will always have a special place in my heart especially when it came to taking care of my mother!!God bless you all...!
Tom Adcock
October 3, 2014
There are just so many wonderful memories of my uncle Guil; the earliest of his doing little medical tests on my legs when I was about 4 or 5 years old, his ribald sense of humor where he could tell a joke or even dress up in improvised costumes for occasions, his magnificent singing during which he could get deeply moved, in-depth analysis of his hobbies and many talents, and of his exemplary faith in God. I loved the way he would chortle with glee, clapping his hands together when he heard a good story or saw something that delighted him. Imagining not having this titan of a man in my life anymore is almost unbearable!
David & Susan Carter
October 3, 2014
I feel sad to hear that Dr.Fitz has passed away, But we all will see him again when we are called to go home too. My Wife and I will remember you all in our prayers and thoughts. and to be with everyone Saturday as you hold the services for him I pray God will be with you all in this time.
David and Susan Carter
Pocatello Id.
Thelma Dowell
October 3, 2014
We were so fortunate to have shared just a little of Dr. Fitz life. He was our doctor beginning when he filled in while Dr. Nelson was on a missionary trip. He was then our doctor until his retirement. But he was more than just our doctor; he was a friend and a an inspiration. We would get so busy discussing things of The Lord or he would share his writings that Emma would have to come in and remind him he was on a time schedule. Oh how he loved our Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dorris and the family. We will meet again. Jack and Thelma Dowell
Annemarie Biolsi
October 3, 2014
Dr. Fitz was my family Doctor for over 20yrs.! I'll always be internally gratefully for the care he gave us.. my heart goes out to Diana and her family during this time.. Dr. Fitz meant the world to me growing up... He took very good care of me and mother especially. .Even after mother had passed of cancer he would be even more concerned about me. Helped me thru my diagnosis?..He is now an angel in heaven. .! ? I owe my health to him! ?God bless u all during this trying time..?
Sandy McLure
October 3, 2014
Diana and family, So sorry for your grief in the journey you've been on, but celebrate knowing he is whole again and eternally jovial and you will see him again. Blessings of comfort and solice in the legacy he left and the hope of the future in eternity.
October 2, 2014
Dr Fitz was an incredible inspiration to me!! At the age of 16 I worked for him in his medical office, passed out watching a skin biopsy, and decided that day to be a nurse!! I will never forget his encouragement and kindness and my first experience of smelling salts!! He was wonderful!! Love Marie Scriven Peets
Ethel Webb
October 2, 2014
He was an amazing man! His love and compassion are the stuff of legends but they were very real. I fully believe I would not be here today if he hadn't lived his prayers. Thank you Dr. Fitz
Jessie Farris
October 2, 2014
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Fitz at Mercy Medical Center before I retired in 2005. I even sang a couple duets with him even though I am not a good singer. He was such a joy to work with. I could feel God's love coming through him. He will be missed by many. May God give you the peace of knowing where he is now.
Ron & Paullette Greeno
October 2, 2014
Guil was one very special man. He was our family Doctor, and what an honor to be his pastor for eight years. He had such a deep love for Jesus that showed in so many ways to all who knew him. He leaves an incredible legacy of faithfulnes.
The Steenland Family Cottonwood, Redding and Texas
October 2, 2014
To the Fitz family-We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was our doctor and friend for many years. He was like a bright ray of sunshine when he entered any room. I know you will miss him dearly. Dr. Fitz, may you ride in the arms of the angels into eternity. Keep them entertained with your funny stories. Comfort to the family in this time of great sorrow.
julie mcwilliams
October 2, 2014
Dr. Fitz was such a joyful and joy filled man. Prayers for his family. He was a blessing to the community.
Ev and Rhonda Tustin
October 2, 2014
We will never forget sitting at the table listening to Guil talk about his wife, Doris and daughter, Linda. Such a loving man with such a beautiful family. His love for you was what occupied his thoughts in his final days. So glad we were able to meet him and that he was present for Andy and Autumn's wedding. Our love to you all as you grieve this
huge loss. We love you!
October 2, 2014
Much love and prayers
Jim and Sue Mehrwein
Kathy McGaughran
October 2, 2014
Karla and Family what a wonderful man your father must have been!! I'm sure you will all miss him greatly!! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
juliana warmington
October 2, 2014
will miss you
Lura Cogdill
October 2, 2014
To your precious family, my love and prayers always. Guilford was like a brother to me growing up in Alaska and I will forever treasure the memories that we shared. I can't even imagine the homecoming that awaits us with those that we have loved and cherished and have made their forever home in heaven. All my love to all of you!!
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