Dudley A. Pfaff, Jr.

Dudley A. Pfaff, Jr., also known as Dr. Dud, a retired physician, died peacefully on November 21, 2012, at the age of 86. Raised in Indianapolis, he earned undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Indiana, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He began his medical practice in 1955, settling in the Newport-Mesa area, where he first was a general practitioner before specializing in adolescents (age 8-21). He was a pioneer in the field of sports medicine for young athletes. He loved working with young people, preventing and treating their injuries, and considered himself a “life coach,” as he imparted his personal and professional wisdom. He was on staff at Hoag Hospital for 41 years--longer than any other physician. For many years he served as the team doctor for Junior All-American football and for each of the four local high schools. He was active with Kiwanis Club of Costa Mesa (which also serves youth in the area), and was a long-time member of Grace Fellowship Church. He will be remembered for his special interest in every patient or athlete, making each one feel special, including each member of his large blended family and assorted friends that tagged along on their fun vacations, especially water ski trips. Always a calm, gentle, compassionate friend, he raised his children with love and trust. He was also known for his quiet sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Fran Carpenter Pfaff, their 7 children, DiAnna Pfaff-Martin, Donald Pfaff, Dawn Pfaff-Conavay (Mark), Ken Carpenter (Kris), Bruce Carpenter, Frank Carpenter (Nancie) and Scott Carpenter (Gina) together with 14 grandchildren, Dayne and Danielle Pfaff, Tyler Martin, Max, Gaby, and Mackenzie Carpenter, Natalie Butler, Carson, Dustin, and Landon Carpenter, Christopher (Lacey) and Cassandra Carpenter, Catherine and Benton Carpenter, and 2 great-grandchildren Aubree and Kasen Carpenter. His former wife Alyce Davidge predeceased him, as did his sister, Huldah Pfaff Caine. A public memorial service is planned for Saturday, December 22, at 1:00 p.m., at Liberty Baptist Church, 1000 Bison, Newport Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Dr. Dud’s memory be made to Grace Fellowship Church, 3170 Red Hill, Costa Mesa 92626, or their daughter’s non-profit, Community Animal Network (CAN), P.O. Box 8662, Newport Beach 92658, tax ID #33-097-1560, or a charity of your choice.