J Richard Wittwer, D.D.S.

JDecember 5, 1924 – January 4, 2008 Richard passed away peacefully with grace and courage in Bishop, California. Born and raised in the Seattle, Washington area, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II and fought in North Africa and Italy with the First Army Air Force. He was decorated with the European / African / Middle East ribbon. Following his discharge, he earned a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at USC in 1953, specializing in orthodontics. Richard practiced for 54 years as a highly respected and much loved orthodontist in Reseda, Newport Beach and Mammoth Lakes.

As a Newport Beach resident for many years, he enjoyed sailing and cruising, diving and body surfing. He was a past member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and the Balboa Yacht Club.

In 1990, Richard and his wife Hazel Clark Wittwer, made Mammoth Lakes their permanent home. Richard started skiing the McGee Mountain rope tow and the Weasel rides in Mammoth in the 1940s and on returning he resumed his avocation as an excellent skier. He was also a golfer, flat tube fly fisher and photographer as well as a joke master-extraordinaire at the Mammoth Lakes

Rotary Club. He had been a member of Rotary International for more than 40 years.

His daughter, Jennifer Wittwer Turner, preceded him in death in 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel Clark Wittwer, daughter Wendy Wittwer Kennedy (husband Chris), son Rick Wittwer (wife Kris). Also remaining are daughter Judi Clark Vining (husband Frank), sons Steven Clark, Robert W. Clark, Jr. (wife Judy), and John E. Clark, R.N. Also surviving in his brother David (wife Betty) and 10 grandchildren: Wendy and Richie Turner, Katie Wittwer, Oliver Tess, and Alex Vining, Cory Clark, Melissa, Danika and Michael Clark, and niece Vickie.

A celebration of his life was held January 19 in Mammoth Lakes and he was laid to rest beneath a giant sequoia in Seattle.

Those wishing to honor Richard may make a donation to Mammoth Cancer OutReach, P.O. Box 100, Mammoth Lakes, CA 92456, or to a charity of their choice.