Jeffrey Wachs

Jeffrey Alan Wachs

Dr. Jeffery Alan Wachs, a respected physician and devoted husband and friend, passed away of cardiac arrest Oct. 6, 2014, while vacationing with family and friends in Como, Italy. He was 55. Jeff had long battled cardiac complications associated with cancer treatments received as a teenager for Hodgkin's lymphoma. He lived life fully and passionately, enjoying the best of food and wine.

Jeff was born in California to Myrna and Sylvan Wachs. As a youth he pursued interests in photography and martial arts. Ultimately, he followed his dream of becoming a physician.

He attended the University of California Santa Barbara and graduated from the University of Nevada Reno in 1982. Five years later he earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, Calif. Eager to begin practicing medicine, he soon bought his first family practice in Monte Rio, Calif., but later returned to northern Nevada where he practiced many years. He retired recently to focus on health, family and hobbies.

Jeff, with his intuitive gift for medicine, was a compassionate, caring physician who missed the "good old days" of health care. Many colleagues and friends thought of him as a modern-day "Marcus Welby" because he continued to make house calls and generously gave of his time and energy to patients.

He was a past president of the Nevada Osteopathic Medical Association and a member of the American Osteopathic Medical Association, the American College of Family Practitioners in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California and the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Alumni Association.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was devoted to family and friends. Jeff was an especially loving and doting husband to his wife, Cindy Scripps, who he married in 2003 and showered continually with flowers and notes of his affection. He also was a dedicated stepfather to his stepson, Aaron.

He was an avid fisherman with a passion for food and wine. He loved to fish the waters of Hawaii and northern California. But Jeff found his greatest joy in fishing his beloved Lake Tahoe aboard his boat, the Emerald Angler. Professional lake guides often jokingly asked him to leave a few fish for their Tahoe clients to catch.

He is survived by his wife Cindy Scripps, mother Myrna Wachs, brother Scott Wachs, nephews Ethan and Andrew Wachs, aunt Carolyn Block, uncle Joel Wachs, and stepson Aaron Leising. His father, Sylvan Wachs, preceded him in death.

Jeff would ask nothing more of his family and friends than for them to live their lives fully, enjoying love and laughter each day, not taking a moment for granted. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.