Peter Scott Dietrich

He was a passionate man who lived each day to the fullest. He loved family, home and community; friends old and new; work, colleagues and patients; holiday celebrations, fireworks and recreational sports such as golf, badminton, ping pong, pool volleyball, shuffleboard, croquet and bocce. Each day was full of activities which he loved to share with others. Pete Dietrich passed away peacefully on May 25, 2012. He was 55. He was born March 4, 1957 and raised in Sherman Oaks CA by loving parents Cliff and Margaret Dietrich, who preceded him in death. His parents encouraged Pete's interests in ice hockey, boating, fishing, water-skiing, acting and academics. After graduating from Notre Dame High School, Pete attended UCLA before transferring to UC Davis with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology. Pete had a deep love of animals, especially his dogs beginning with childhood pet Gretchen followed by Augie, Hilde, Pluto, Skipper and Boomer. Pete enjoyed his college years, making many lifelong friends. Pete met his future wife Sandy in 1982 and they entered a long-distance romance when Pete started medical school at the University of Cincinnati. Sandy and her sons Mel and Josh joined Pete in Cincinnati after a year, where they made many wonderful memories. Returning again to Davis, Pete graduated from UC Davis School of Medicine in 1986. Pete and Sandy married in1986 enjoyed many happy years in Davis. His parents moved to Davis in 1987 to enjoy the growing family as Chris was born in 1987 and Jason followed in 1990. Pete was actively involved in raising their children. The family vacationed at Bass Lake, Disneyland, Pismo Beach, Catalina, and Hawaii and enjoyed camping, swimming, water and snow skiing. He most enjoyed teaching beginners to water ski. After completing his Family Practice residency in 1989, Pete joined the Davis Medical Group, Woodland Clinic and later the UC Davis Faculty Physician Group. He was active in leadership at the local hospital, the Yolo County Medical Society, the School of Medicine Alumni Association, and state professional organizations. Pete earned a Master of Public Health degree in health policy and administration at UC Berkeley in 1994. For the next 13 years he served as the Medical Director for University Health Services at UC Berkeley where his emphasis was policy development and implementation. He chaired numerous committees including the Chancellor's Task Force for Pandemic Preparedness, Committee for Protection of Human Subjects and the CME Accreditation Committee. He particularly enjoyed teaching medical students as an Associate Clinical Professor at UCD School of Medicine and as a Preceptor at UC Berkeley. The family, including Gramma Margaret, moved to Green Acres in 1997. Five acres provided space for horses, sheep, chickens, gardening, beekeeping, hayrides and more. The Yolo County Fair and the neighborhood pumpkin contest provided gardening motivation and new friendships. He was a proud member of Lodge No. 169 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. While the UC Berkeley position was rewarding for the whole family who became active Cal Bear fans, the long daily commute was difficult. As a result, Pete transferred his career to Sacramento, first with Sacramento County Correctional Health Services and then with The Effort, Inc. Sadly, Pete developed an addiction to opiate medications initially prescribed to treat his arthritis. Pete deeply appreciated the active support and encouragement of family and friends in the face of the consequences of this disease. Pete actively engaged in treatment and tried to learn from his experience. In the months before his death, he was developing a new career to help others facing similar challenges. Pete will be remembered as a fun loving person who enjoyed helping others. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed many years of pride and involvement with his children and grandchildren. Pete is survived by his wife Sandy, stepson Mel, (wife Michelle and children Nolan, Cassadi, and Emmaline); stepson Josh, (wife Courtney and children Ethan and Emerson); son Chris, (wife Shabnam); and son Jason. He is also survived by cousins Janet McClay and Wendy Triplett (husband Shawn and children Dakota and Maddy). A celebration of Pete's life will take place at Green Acres after a brief memorial service on Saturday, June 2 beginning at noon.