Obituaries

Richard Charles Kenfield, 88, left us on November 1st, following a sudden cardiac event in Memphis, Tennessee. He passed peacefully, his only daughter Kimberly Ann, beside him. “Dick” had battled a long course with Alzheimer’s disease, remaining happy and content thanks to the devoted and loving care of his wife, Sandra Kay Kenfield, who he affectionately called “Buzzy” (short for her maiden name Busbin). The couple were married 65 years and had relocated to Germantown, 3 years ago, following their long and happy life together in Yorba Linda, California.
“Dick” was born in Peoria, Illinois on March nd 1936 to Mary Ann Skadden Kenfield and Frank James Kenfield. In 1937, the family moved to Hastings, Michigan where he spent his youth. He lost his mother, following childbirth, at the age of 5, leaving a sadness that remained with him until his death. His father married Lenora Kenfield in 1946. He was blessed to be loved by a large family that grew to include two sisters, and three brothers. He grew up surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles and a grandmother that played a special part in his life. He had a special love for the family cottage on Middle Lake. He spent significant time in his last years going through old pictures of his family reminding him of “home,” and treasuring the memories.
He attended Southern Missionary College, where he met and married his wife, graduating in 1959. His move to California was prompted by his academic pursuits. He completed a medical degree (M.D.) at Loma Linda University, in1963. Following an internship, he practiced general medicine for two years, before being drafted by the United States Army. He served two years of active duty, including a year as a field doctor in Viet Nam, during 1967, which left in him with the scars of war. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions. He chose to never discuss his experiences there. Upon his return he settled his family in the beautiful small town of Yorba Linda, in Orange County, California. He joined a family practice group that grew exponentially over the years. He worked with other physicians in the area to build a hospital and medical facilities needed to serve their patients. He was adored by his patients and respected by his colleagues for his dedication and hard work. He was a known “perfectionist” in all things.
Through the benefits of his diligence and a “Depression-era” financial frugality, he delighted in the building of his own water-front sanctuary, on Lake Arrowhead. It was there that he found rest and where he shared many happy memories with family and friends. He enjoyed the care of his property and landscaping. He was known for his perfectly manicured yards. “Dick” was an avid reader, touting his “only non-fiction” appetite for information, including the completion of the entire Encyclopedia Brittanica and the Will and Ariel Durant Collection. His cherished book collection included a host of rare books and magazines of his special interest in magic. His enjoyment of all things “magic” started as a youth and continued throughout his life. He delighted in performing classical magic and practiced his art regularly. He credited his grandmother with keeping him off the stage and for providing his education and medical path opportunity. This legacy continued in his encouragement of his daughter to follow in his footsteps as a physician. He was known for his practical joking and unconventional sense of humor. His laughter continued to the end and he was especially delighted by the entertainment of his grandchildren. He was affectionately known as “Grampy”.
Dick and Sandra especially enjoyed cruises and relaxing at home after his retirement. Dick was an active member of the Anaheim Seventh Day Adventist Church for fifty years.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his daughter, Kimberly Kenfield Nesbitt, grandchildren William Nathan Nesbitt, Katherine Ann Nesbitt, brothers Frank James Kenfield and Michael B. Buckland, sisters Sally (Kenfield) Mulder and Nancy (Kenfield) Chapin. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, stepmother and brother Thomas Frederick Kenfield.
His memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew him best and he will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend.
Private services to be scheduled. He will be buried, next to his mother and father at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings, Michigan.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel (901)379-0861.