- Dr. Richard H. Mabie, 82 years old of Claremont passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2013 following a more than decade-long battle with cancer.
Dr. Mabie was born on December 21, 1930 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It was at Marquette University that he met his beloved wife Kathleen. They were paired in biology lab by alphabet, her maiden name being McGowan. With his degree in medicine, her's in botany and a powerful faith in God, they married. Dr. Mabie enlisted in the United States Navy and he and Kathleen were stationed together in Sasebo, Japan where he served honorably and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
Upon returning to the U.S. they chose California as their home in 1958. Dr. Mabie was blessed to join the pediatric practice of Dr. John Wilcox in 1961, and had the honor of working with the finest pediatricians in the region. Settling in Claremont, Dr. Mabie was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church and actively served on the boards of Claremont Rotary, the local chapter of the Red Cross, the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation and the Children's Advocacy Center. He received both communion and the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from Pope John Paul II during the Papal visit to Los Angeles in 1987.
Together with wife Kathleen and members of their parish, he continued to serve by providing free pediatric care to immigrant families in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles for which he was recognized by President Clinton. Only after 40 years of service to the children of Los Angeles County did Dr. Mabie retire.
Though his service in pediatrics was extraordinary, it alone did not define him. With a quick wit, a warm smile and a competitive spirit he excelled at basketball, tennis, racquetball, and golf. An avid hiker and naturalist, he led his family on camping and backpacking trips deep into the Sierra Nevada and throughout the west, returning home to develop and enlarge his own photographs.
Dr. Mabie was an amazing father who, together with his wife, emphasized education and inspired all nine adult children to earn college degrees. His will was strong, his commitment deep, his example profound. He led a life of purpose and meaning as a pediatrician, as a father, a husband and a friend.
Dr. Mabie is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kathleen Marie Mabie, their children and their spouses, Thomas (Rhonda Heth), Laura (Keith Serxner), Ken (Patti), Ann (Frank DeRuyter), Mary (Bill Platt), Peter (Gwen), William (Denise Mendoza), and Michael (Nora); 16 grandchildren, Margaret, Claire, Joseph, Jason, Melissa, Lauren, Julia, Thomas Jr., Michael, Kathleen, Grace, Emily, John, Roy, Sarah and Daniel; and two great grandchildren Olivia and Thomas. He was preceded in passing by his beloved daughter Jane (Lori Kizzia) and son James Andrew.
A rosary service will be held Friday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Todd Memorial Chapel located at 325 North Indian Hill Blvd. in Claremont.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Church located at 435 N. Berkeley Ave. in Claremont.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Children's Advocacy Center, 363 S. Park Avenue, Suite 202, Pomona, California 91766 or Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation, 1798 N. Garey Avenue, Pomona, California 91767.
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1981 - 2013 (31 years)
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