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Peter Sheaff Obituary
May 11, 1935 - July 8, 2023
A proud third generation Californian, Peter Joseph Sheaff was born in Berkeley, raised in San Leandro by his parents, Joseph L and Lucille Sheaff and moved to Orinda in 1948, when his father became Superintendent of the Orinda Union School District. Peter attended Acalanes High School, matriculated into Santa Clara University (BS Degree) and graduated from St. Louis University, where he obtained his medical degree in 1961. After completing an internship at Highland Hospital in Oakland, he spent his residency at Children's Hospital of the East Bay, Oakland, and opened his Pediatric practice in Orinda in 1964. Except for two years serving as Chief of Pediatrics at Valley Forge General Army Hospital in Pennsylvania during the Vietnam War (1968-1970), his entire practice was in the Lamorinda area until his retirement in 2007.
At Children's Hospital in Oakland, while an attending staff member he held many positions including Chief of Medicine, Medical Staff President, Chairman of Continuing Post-Graduate Education Committee as well as member of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Sheaff was a member of the Alameda County Medical Association, the East Bay Pediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.
From 1964 to the present, Dr. Sheaff served as a consultant for California Children's Services where he orchestrated the care of infants, children and adolescents with Neuro-muscular disorders. Caring for these special children along with the many pediatric patients and their parents whom he served in his private practice over the years, allowed a unique professional and personal relationship with those upon whom he left his mark.
Dr. Sheaff's pastimes included leadership in Orinda's Boy Scout Troop #233, membership in the Orinda Roadrunners (completing 11 marathons), attending lifelong learning classes at the Fromm Institute at USF, enjoying extensive back-packing trips including Mt. Everest camp, soloing the John Muir Trail and crossing the Sierras on snowshoes in 1979. He and his wife Helen enjoyed extensive international travel including leading three medical educational exchanges on behalf of Children's Hospital to both China and Egypt. They also enjoyed opera and music.
Family members and Roadrunners will long remember his trombone on birthdays, at Christmas and in Orinda's Fourth of July parades.
Dr. Sheaff's survivors include his wife Helen, and his children Kate Faust (John), Tom Sheaff (Valerie), Charles Sheaff (Anna) and their mother Carolyn. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Lindsay Trevino (Dave), Meg Larsen (Sean) and Davina Roche as well as 13 grandchildren, a great grandchild and his brother Joseph L Sheaff, Jr.
At his request services for Dr. Sheaff will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to The J. F. Kapnek Trust serving children in Zimbabwe at 938 Dewing Avenue, Lafayette, CA 94549.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Sheaff
Gail & John Palmer
July 8, 2024
Can't believe it's been a year, Peter. But your legacy will live on forever!! So so thankful for the friendship we had over the years. Looking forward to more when we meet again.
Christine Peterson
May 13, 2024
I will never forget your loyalty to your patients one of whom was me for about 15 years. When I came to your office initially with my mother you essentially helped to save my life when I weighed about 45 lb for 10 year old child due to an allergy of an additive in a food I was consuming too much of. I was a poster child for a third world country but you saw through the misdiagnosis of the previous doctor that I was allergic to milk. Obviously he was a fraud and you were the real deal. I will always be grateful for what you did for me in my life. I will always remember a friendship which went beyond being a patient but I also helping out my parents as much as you could as far as support when they needed it. I know you did this with all of your patients because I heard that you went to weddings of some of your patients and I can understand why they would invite you to enjoy their special day with them. I will never ever forget you. God bless you forever in eternity, in perpetuity in heaven which is where I know you are because you belong there.
Christine Peterson
May 13, 2024
I will never forget your loyalty to your patients one of them was me for about 15 years. At that point when I came to you you essentially helped to save my life when I had to wait about 45 lb for a 10 year old child. I was a poster child for a third world country but you saw through the misdiagnosis of the previous Doctor who would see me for the same situation and was essentially a fraud. I will always be grateful for her what you did for me in my life. I will always remember a friendship which went beyond being a patient but helping out my parents as much as you could as far as support when they needed it. I know you did this with all of your patients because I heard that you went to weddings of some of your patients and I can understand why. I will never ever forget you. God bless you forever any eternity in perpetuity in heaven which is where I know you are
Cindy Cogswell
September 2, 2023
Peter was not only an exceptional pediatrician but also a cherished friend to our family. His warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to our children's well-being was unsurpassed. When situations were critical, he always responded swiftly to ensure top specialists were immediately involved. We will forever be grateful for his friendship and care.
Peter, you were the best, and your legacy lives on in the countless lives you've touched!
Marcy Terry
August 29, 2023
What a wonderful man! Beloved by many, especially the Terry Family.
John & Gail Palmer
August 28, 2023
We're so saddened by the passing of Peter. The world has lost a great man whom we've considered our friend. We've known Peter since 1970 when he came into my hospital room to tell me that our newborn, Bill, sure had a hefty set of lungs for such a small baby. He was the pediatrician for our 2 sons, former daughter-in-law, and 3 nephews. He also helped us with sound advice when one of our grandsons was born with NF. We are so thankful for all he did for our family and for his friendship over the years. This is not goodbye as we look forward to spending time with him in heaven! We are praying for you, Helen, and all of his family during this sad sad time.
Barney Gilmore
July 24, 2023
The many long days and nights that I was permitted to share in the 1940s, with Peter and his brother in San Leandro and Calistoga, burn all the brighter in my memory for this completely accidental discovery of his passing, now sixteen days after his death. His warmth and humour (even his later talent on the trombone) were very obvious from a young age. His intelligence and grace were gifts to all who knew him, I am sure.
Jeanine McDermott
July 21, 2023
Dr. Sheaff will always have a special place in my heart. RIP
Jeanine McDermott
Lisa Halperin
July 21, 2023
Lisa Halperin
July 21, 2023
Lisa Halperin
July 21, 2023
Almost 30 years ago Dr. Sheaff came into my life and a few years later became "Peter". I met Peter as a new supervisor at CCS. Over the years he taught me so much about kindness, compassion, compromise, love of travel, love of opera, finding humor in many situations and common manners. He did all this by leading by example. Getting a thank you note from him was always such a treat. His curiosity and zest for life permeated his being and his enthusiasm was contagious.
His impact on our clients and families cannot be measured as it is immeasurable. The world was a better place by him being here and is now missing a true mensch. He contributed so much to so many, and I feel so lucky to have known him and consider him a friend.
Andrew Lloyd (Orinda)
July 20, 2023
Lovely guy. Was a friend and fellow Boy Scout with my Dad and was doctor to me and my four siblings (and the first few nieces, as well). A life beautifully lived.
May his memory be a blessing.
Tiffani L. (CCS)
July 19, 2023
My condolences to Dr. Sheaff's family & friends, I only knew Dr. Sheaff for a short time but when we talked it was as if we were friends for years. He would always make me laugh and I loved hearing his stories and about his nightcaps (Manhattans). Dr. Sheaff was extraordinary, he even bought us a thank you gift at CCS after he retired, such a sweet, loving soul. He will be truly missed. Sending warm hugs to all.
Nutty Reeves
July 19, 2023
An absolutely wonderful friend to my brother,Tony, and when he was ill Peter kept all of Tony siblings in New Zealand up with what was going on . A great comfort to all of us.
Thank you Peter. And Helen our condolences to you and the family in your sadness of losing a wonderful man.
Best wishes Nutty and Graeme, Andrew and the rest of the New Zealand contingent
JP Deol
July 18, 2023
My favorite doctor of all time. Best one I ever had. Awesome and kind man.
Dick Terry
July 18, 2023
Many backpacking trips with Peter, Bob, and Don will remain some of my fondest memories. He was always assigned lunches since he taught us cheese doesn't spoil in days without refrigeration! Will never forget his Mountain Mai Tais and my Yukon Jack. Thanks for the great memories my dear friend.
Karen Hardy
July 18, 2023
What a wonderful legacy! I have such fond memories of working with Peter over many years, first as a resident 1980-83 and then as an attending ever since when I returned from fellowship in Philadelphia as a pediatric pulmonologist and remained local to the bay. He was an uncommon mentor and leader for all of us who will be missed. I happily plant a tree in his memory.
Marcy Terry
July 17, 2023
Peter was a lovely, fun loving, playful , fearless, long-time friend. We will miss him very much.
Art Tracewell
July 17, 2023
He was the best pediatrician I can imagine. When I hit high school he gave me a dime and told me to call him any day, any time and he would come get me and safely deliver me home. A very warm and loving man who I will never forget.
Barbara McLaughlin
July 16, 2023
Dr. Sheaff was a blessing to me and my daughters who are now in their fifties. He was a wonderful pediatrician. He was caring, and we could trust his decisions. When you needed a specialist, he sent you to the best. I am forever grateful to him. Sending thoughts and prayers to his wife and family.
Julie Del Santo
July 16, 2023
My deepest condolences to all. So sorry to hear of this.
Dr. Sheaff was truly the best of the best and a huge and positive influence in the upbringing of so many of us!! He will be dearly missed!! Sending warm thoughts and prayers to all.
Peter Sitov
July 16, 2023
Dr. Sheaff treated our three children and he was like a member of our family. He actually made trips to the doctor a fun experience and you cannot say that of many practitioners. Prayers to the entire Sheaff family.
Mary Sutherland
July 15, 2023
It is with extreme sadness that our world will no longer experience the generous professional serving and the sharing of knowledge and life adventures of my beautiful cousin. You will be greatly missed but we be seeing you on the other side of the trail. Me ke Aloha Mary
and Paul
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