Dr. John O. Debenham

Beloved husband of Nancy L. Debenham, passed away December 1 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Nancy, daughter Victoria (Dan), grandson Matteo Radoslovich, son Jeffrey, brother The Rev Warren Debenham (Sally), brother in law Douglas Link (Barbara), 4 nieces, 2 nephews, 3 great nephews and 4 great nieces. John was born in 1938 in San Francisco to Josephine and Dr, Martin Debenham. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1956 and attended Stanford University. He graduated from UCSF Medical School and did his two year Internship at Minneapolis General Hospital. He entered the Orthopedic Residency Program at UCSF Hospital in1965. He joined Berkeley Orthopedic Medical Practice in 1968 and was on the staff at Alta Bates Hospital and Children’s Hospital Oakland. John also was a Captain in the Army Reserve for 7 years. John loved taking care of his patients young and old during his 46 years in practice and felt blessed to have been part of “The Golden Age of Medicine.”

John was on the Board of Alta Bates Medical Group; on the Board of Directors at Bonita House; was involved with NAMI in raising awareness of the plight of the mentally ill; enjoyed being involved with Berkeley Rotary; loved mentoring students at the Berkeley Medical School; and he was a tireless Board Member of the East Bay Children’s Theater for many years. John loved good wine and was a member of the Golden Gate Wine Society.

John and Nancy raised their children in Orinda and had many wonderful trips to the East coast, California beaches, and especially to the Sierras to enjoy the beautiful mountains and Lake Tahoe. John learned to love nature while a young man as an Eagle Scout. The family traveled to Europe and the UK where Victoria and Jeff learned more about their English/Scottish roots. He was always curious about the world and read constantly. He also loved music, and jazz and Mozart really spoke to him. He also loved walking in San Francisco, exploring old haunts, and then dining on great food. John was a lovely man who was beloved by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, January 17 at 1 pm at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church in Lafayette.

The family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to Bonita House, East Bay Children’s Theatre, or Berkeley Rotary.