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Richard Midthun Obituary
July 8, 1945-April 17, 2012
Richard Alan Midthun, M.D. was born in Harrisburg, Pa., to Delores Bradford, a Sunday school teacher and librarian, and Robert Midthun, a civil engineer. His family settled in Stockton, Calif., where he spent his teen years. Growing up, he loved tennis, biology and The Twilight Zone. After starting college at Wheaton, he transferred to Stanford University, graduating in 1967 with the honor of Phi Beta Kappa.
After receiving his MD from Stanford in 1972, he completed a residency at Harbor General Hospital in Southern California. Rick worked at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks as an emergency physician for over 30 years, assuming leadership in the department and working tirelessly to give patients the best care possible.
His expertise and attention to detail extended beyond his clinical practice to his many hobbies, including sailing, photography and Bonsai tree cultivation. Rick will forever be remembered for his brilliant mind, his wholehearted laugh and his tender heart. He lived his life with gusto as a true Renaissance Man.
He is survived by wife, Suzette; daughter, Lauren; and sister, Barbara Chalmers. Rick is now getting to know son David, who passed away as an infant in 1979, and has now welcomed him into the arms of the Heavenly Father.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Midthun
Rod Greenfield
November 18, 2025
Went to school with Rick in Stockton, CA and we lived around the corner from one another.
Dana Beisel
May 10, 2012
Aunt Sue and Lauren:
Sending prayers and love your way. God Bless you both and know that he is in the arms of our Lord.
Love, Dana
Dayonne & Charlie
May 10, 2012
Sis and Lauren...our heartfelt condolences. Prayers lifted for you both and that Rick is welcomed into the arms of our loving Father.
Linda Hawa
May 2, 2012
I first met Dr. Midthun in 1986, when Ladera Elementary School had an accident in which a number of students were injured. I raced ahead of an ambulance as it took my son to ER at Los Robles Hospital. On arrival I was overwhelmed to see six ER personnel waiting efficiently and calmly in line for all the injured students to arrive.One of them, Dr.Midthun, offered his arm and showed me the phone( no cells then!) and also introduced the Chaplain who had just arrived. How can a mother ever forget such a scenario? Subsequently over the years my family had various occasions to be at ER.If Dr. Midthun was on duty,I knew we would have excellent care, with the reassuring smile and the ability to zero in on the situation with absolute sincerity. We are so sorry. He left this world too early. May the family find solace from the legacy of comfort and care he gave so many in the Conejo Valley. Sincerely, Linda Hawa
William Montijo
April 30, 2012
I met Dr. Midthun in ER at Los Robles Hospital in the 70's and had numerous contacts with him for the next 20 years. I always had great respect for his abilities, demeanor, and for being jus a regular guy. Dr. Midthun made Los Robles a better place. My condolences to his family and fellow co-workers. He will be missed.
Wendy Casson ER RN
April 29, 2012
Your presence is sorely missed in the ER. Your love for your work, your compassion and your commitment are only the start of what we will miss! Thank you for being the incredible Dr, teacher and friend to us all! At last you can rest. Love you Dr Midthun
Shayna Roberson
April 29, 2012
Suzette and Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. Rick Midthun is and will continue to be missed on a daily basis by all those that worked along side him as well as all those with whom he has healed. I worked with him for the last 11 years in the ER and will forever treasure every moment that I was blessed to share with him.
Noella & Julie Belvedere
April 27, 2012
Dear Suzie and Lauren,
May the memory of your love one comfort you and the sympathy of friends sustain you in this hour of sorrow.
Ruth Kochoff
April 27, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Doctor Midthun's passing. I worked with him for 23 years and he was kind and compassionate - and a wonderful E.R. Doctor. He will be missed by everyone
Anna Mendoza
April 27, 2012
Suzie and Lauren, my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great man he was.
Sharron Sammon
April 26, 2012
I worked with Doctor Midthun for 20 years and he was a great man and Doctor and photographer. I have his photo hanging on my wall and still have the photo of me he took on my retirement. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Thank you for those 20 years of experience Doctor Midthun. Sharron
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