Charles Prickett Obituary

Learning now, at the same time, that Chuck Prickett had had a wonderful life and done so much and also that he passed away suddenly at an early age, is stunning. I am glad he kept right on being the funny good soul he was at Eliot Jr. High. I can't imagine the loss of such a larger than life person to his family and friends and patients.
Jonnee Lampsa Kohler PA-C, Pennsylvania

Dave and I have known Chuck since Junior High and High School and always felt very proud of him for his accomplishments through his life. We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing by reading the Tiger Beat Newsletter that we just received. Our thoughts are with Mary and his children at this very difficult time. I grew up with Mary and knew how proud she was of him as well. All of our love.

Dr. Prickett , my orthopaedic surgeon for more than a decade, was not only a pre-eminent physician but also an amazingly fine and compassionate human being. His death leaves a void in my heart. I will miss him. Sincerely, Anita T. Jackson.

In reviewing the latest AAOS Bulletin I was shocked to read of Dr. Pricket's passing. I completed my orthopedic residency with him at USC in 1984. Chuck then exhibited all the attributes of a true gentleman and compassionate physician. Moving to Montana I had little contact with him over the years, however his memory remains vivid to me. I am greatly distressed at his passing. With deepest sympathy--Lowell M. Anderson, M.D.

To the Prickett family especially Mary my deepest sympathy having just learned the sad news this Christmas time. I knew Chuck but a brief time when he spent a few days at our home during his time in med school but will forever remember him. Frank Pospisil

TO CHUCKS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ALL WHO KNEW HIM, I AM SO OVERWHELMED, THIS WONDERFUL AND LOVING MAN PASSED.MY SYMPATHY TO ALL OF YOU, ESPECIALLY HIS FAMILY. I WAS A PATIENT FOR FIVE YEARS AND I ADORED THIS MAN. HE GAVE ME HOPE AND HELPED ME WITH MY PAIN. IN EVERY WORD THERE WAS SUCH CONCERN AND LOVE FOR PEOPLE. I WILL FOREVER MISS HIM AS A DOCTOR AND A MAN WITH SUCH A GLORIOUS LOVE OF LIFE. GOD BLESS YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. JUDY WRIGHT

I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Dr Prickett's passing. I had the honor and privledge to have worked with him during my Orthopedic residency at USC. Dr Prickett was an exemplary surgeon, teacher and mentor. He truly exemplified what it meant to be a thoughtful and compassionate physcian. Above all else, he was a beuatiful human being. My life, as are countless others, is better for having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

My heart is deeply saddened upon hearing the passing of Dr. Prickett.
My daughter, Caitlin, has been a patient of his for the past 4 1/2 years, at Orthopedic hospital. We were supposed to see him tomorrow for her 4 month visit. How we looked forward to those October visits most of all when Dr. Prickett and his staff would dress up for Halloween and give us a halloween treat as we left! We will miss him dearly......

Our condolences to his wife and children...we will keep your family in our prayers.

Carolyn and Caitlin Garfin

Knowing Chuck intially through Mary and her family, and visiting over the years during the holidays, he was clearly a formidable presence, though gentle and unassuming at the same time. Always full of humor, hospitality and interest in you, he was patently a special person, particulary since he had the good sense and intelligence to marry Mary and help raise a wonderful family.
As a geographically remote friend, I was somehow suprised, in moments of personal medical distress or quandry, at the extent of Chuck's concern, generosity and graciousness in providing advice and support. I guess it would not really be suprising to those who knew him, despite the fact that he was intimately involved in the medical problems of scores of people at any time.
That he would take the time to call and talk while I was in a hospital hundreds of miles away and not under his direct care blew me away. However, as his friends and acquaintances will agree, that was just Chuck being Chuck: born to heal, comfort, and be in your corner as a sypathetic listener and friend. He accomplished a lot, and will be missed.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Chuck's sudden death. He was a life-long friend, personal physician, and I worked with him as a medical librarian at both Huntington Hospital and St. Luke Medical Center. My deepest sympathies go to his widow, children and family. We have all lost a loyal friend and compassionate healer who will always be remembered with great fondness.

My deepest condolences to the Prickett family. I was very shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Prickett's passing. I had the honor and pleasure of working with Dr. Prickett on the Orthopaedic unit at Huntington Memorial Hospital. He treated everyone with caring, compassion, and utmost respect. I'll always remember his smile, strawberry season, his Halloween costumes, and Notre Dame jokes. He brought a ray of sunshine to all he touched. Thank you.

My first visit with Dr. Prickett was late August. I was impressed with his focus and his empathy. He listened intently. He responded with compassion. He gave me hope. Dr. Prickett was a gifted professional and a remarkable man.

My heart goes out to all of you. As a friend of Drew's, and with brief meetings of Mr. Prickett I know how good a man he was. All my best, and I wish I could be closer.

I last had an appt. with Dr. Prickett on Oct. 2nd. On the way home my husband Pat & I were commenting that in all the years that we have known doctors that no one compared to Dr. Prickett as to his geniune concern of me as a patient & person and who always left me with such comfort that I knew I was being well cared for. Go peacefully now good and kind Dr. Prickett to receive the rewards of a good life well lived. You will be missed by many.

We rejoice in the gift and blessing of Chuck Prickett's life here on earth and celebrate with joy his eternal reward in Heaven! He has left an indelible mark on the lives of our family members with his wisdom, knowledge and sense of humor. He taught us all to accept life's challenges with dignity and grace but most of all with joyful surrender. We will always hold a very special prayer for Mary, Drew, Laura and Erin and his extended family whose lives were indeed enriched and graced by him.

With our love, Anne, Mike and Jonathan Murphy

To Chuck's family; Thank you for allowing us to have some time with such a great guy. I only knew him as another hard worker that was a member of the Tournament. I had no idea that he was such a prominent member of the medical profession. He surely will be missed by all of us that had any contact with him. Mary, we thank you and your children for sharing his life with us, we have become much richer for the time spent with him. Thank God there are people like Dr. Charles Prickett

I was shocked to hear of Dr. Prickett's death. I was his patient for about 18 years. He is a model for how medical care should be delivered. I came to him those many years ago in severe pain and desiring to have children. I saw him a few months ago with my two children who are now 10 and 11. Over the years we have cried together when our mutual friend and mentor June Marshall, PhD died, and laughed together as he examined the spines of my two ticklish kids. He was truly a "gentle giant" He was not afraid to give hugs. I will miss him.

My heartfelt sympathies to the Prickett family. Laura was one of my best students at Santa Clara University and my thoughts of comfort go to her and her family.

I'll always have this very special place in my heart for Dr. Prickett. He performed three of my five surgeries and I'm living a better life because of him. I always looked forward to my appointments to chat with him all about my personal life and his children. My mother died a two months ago and I know she's waiting to hear his report on my health. Go in peace Dr. Pricket and walk around heaven all day fixing people. God rest your soul. Thanks from the bottom of my spine.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Chuck's death. Although we had lost touch as adults, in junior high school and high school, Chuck was a close friend. He was a gentleman even as a twelve-year-old, escorting me to the movies (with Maudie driving and Cherie coming along for the ride). I remember him always ready wiht the answers in English class with Miss Spellacy, as a leader in the Bengal Club in high school, and our joint selection in the senior yearbook as "Most Likely to Succeed." Clearly, Chuck did succeed, building a loving family with Mary, and giving his heart and soul to the patients in his medical practice. What a tragedy that his successful life was cut so short. My father, Con Gertmenian, and my brother, Jim, join me in remembering Chuck with affection and sending condolences to everyone who loved him. Carol Doumani

Dr. Prickett transformed my life after performing a spinal fusion. He was the sweetest, kindest doctor I've ever met.

When he came to check on me in the hospital, he had just come from a medical conference, and he was all dressed up in a suit and tie. Since it was close to Halloween and in a salute to his profession, his tie sported dancing skeletons. What a guy!

I'm able to dance, do yoga, and walk--I have him to thank for all of that and more.

What a terribly sad loss for his wife and children, patients and colleagues. My heart goes out to all of them. It was a privilege to have known him and to have had him as my dr.

I was shocked and very sad upon learning about Chuck's death. I have known Chuck all my life (we lived next door to each other as kids), he was an attendant in our wedding 30 years ago. He will be missed and our sympathy goes out to Mary, the kids, and Cherry.

My family and I were sadden to hear the news of Chuck's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to his beautiful wife Mary, his wonderful children, Drew, Laura and Erin. We will cherish the memories we shared with him and Mary when we all enjoyed cheering on our kids when they played Little League baseball and softball together. Chuck was always positive. A strong influence to all of us, soft spoken, humerous and most important, caring. We will miss Chuck dearly. Que Dios Lo Bendiga.

I was truly saddened to hear about Dr. Pricketts passing. I just saw him in his office last week and he was full of life, energy and smiling as he always was, joking with me talking with me about my father for whom he worried so much about riding his motorcycle as well as my own issues. Dr. Prickett was the only Dr. that would take me on as a patient when no other Dr. would with all my spine problems as well as being a very caring person who had a heart of gold for each and every one of his patients. He was a Dr. that told it like it was never holding back and I had tremendous respect for him as a Dr. and friend. I loved just visiting with him at each of my appts. He will be truly missed by myself and my family for who he did so much for. Rest in Peace Dr. Prickett. I will forever be grateful.

I had the pleasure of working at the Risser Group for 8 years in the office as well as their scrub nurse at St. Lukes and working with Dr. Prickett was always interesting & fun. He made a huge impact in my life and helped encourage confidence in my abilities. I'll always consider him a great doctor,mentor and a good friend and most of all I'll think of him with a chuckle and a grin. I will miss him.

We will miss Doctor Prickett not only for his friendly, effective and highly professional treatment of several of our family members, but also because of his cheerful optimistic outlook for us all. He was an inspiration to our family. Now it is our turn to reflect his optimism and cheerful attitude, lest it be forgotten. My the Lord bless his family and many friends during these difficult days!

I am sad to learn of Chuck's passing. We served two years together on the Tournament's Float Entries Committee. Chuck was a diligent and dedicated volunteer who always stepped up to lend a hand. He was a highly intelligent and humble human being. Our community has lost a great citizen. I will miss him.

It is with the greatest sadness that I learned of Dr. Prickett's death. My mother was a patient of his for years and had spine surgery two and a half years ago. She has had other health problems with many doctors participating in her care, but it was Dr. Prickett who was always there for her irregardless of her condition. He cared about the whole person all the time and did everything in his power to get the necessary team players and help for my mother. He became a man we could all call friend as well as doctor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We, the Zebb family, will miss him greatly.

Dr Prickett was like a family member to my family. He gave medical help to at least a half dozen of my relatives. The week before he passed he performed surgery on my sister's back, a surgery which very few doctors would even attempt to perform. We can't say enough for this very gentle giant of a man. His death came as a tremendous shock, and we share the sympathies with so many, especially his family who he loved so very much. Thank you Dr. Prickett.

We will miss Chuck on the Tournament of Roses Auxiliary Committee. He was an avid supporter and diligent worker.
May he rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him.

As the office manager of the Risser Medical Group, what a pleasure it was to welcome Chuck Prickett to the practice in 1984. During the eleven years of our association, he was a true inspiration to all those around him. His commitment to his patients, sense of humor and kindness will be truly missed. He was a great gentleman and it was an honor to know him.

Until I met Chuck, I’d never met anyone with a more boisterous and infectious laugh than myself. It is humbling and an honor to walk alongside the thousands of lives that are richer because of him. May his spirit and legacy be cherished and carried forward forever.

I am not aware of anyone who knew Chuck that didn't adore him, respect him, and love him. This was certainly true for our USC Medical School Class (1978). Generous in both spirit and action, he was a role model to all of us. Following our graduation, we may have been dispersed to other regions of the country. but we all took a part of Chuck with us. He was the glue that held our class together in so many ways. I am honored to have known him, and blessed to have called him my friend.

I was shocked and filled with sadness to hear of Chuck's passing. I worked at the Risser Group when he joined the practice and for many years after. He was respectful to his staff, extremely kind to his patients, and, as we all knew,a wonderful husband and father. I remember with happiness the day Erin was born and we all enjoyed seeing Mary and the children whenever they came into the office, especially on Halloween. He was a man of integrity, intelligence, a great sense of humor and will be sorely missed by all of us who were lucky enough to know and love him. Pam Everett

The Obituary that we read was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. How many lives he must have touched along the way! We are so sorry for your loss.

What a wonderful light!

Dr. Prickett performed 2 hip replacements for me this year and he restored my faith in the medical profession. He always had time to sit and chat...about our children...about USC ... the latest books we read....a real gentleman. I will miss him as though I had known him all my life and my heart goes out to his family.

Our father was so proud that Dr. Chuck had attained the rank of Eagle while he was scoutmaster of troop 369 in South Pasadena. Chuck was indeed the gentle giant and was always a pleasure to talk to when we would visit his office. His eyes would sparkle and he would laugh as we talked about the scout troop and the high school days. He was a humble and caring doctor, but most of all he was a good person. We will all miss him immensely

My daughter, Lisa Burnett, used to work at Risser and there was a time she had a severe migraine and Dr. Prickett picked her up, carried her to his car, drove across the street to St. Luke's, and carried her into emergency. She adored him. I met him once as I was a patient of Gio's and am a patient of Dr. Laster.
My daughter is also a softball pitcher and Dr. Prickett used to toss her a roll of bandages and squat down like a catcher and tell her to pitch to him. She would get the biggest kick out of that.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.

It is with extreme sadness for me to hear of Chuck's sudden passing. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends and to the world in which he made a more wonderful place and for which he will truly be remembered.

He will be missed. He preformed spinal surgery on me 2 years ago and helped me great deal. I trusted him more than any Doctor I have ever had. I cannot thank him enough.