Lester Tottenham Hibbard passed away peacefully surrounded by members of his loving family on October 3, 2016. A physician by profession, he was appreciated by all who knew him for his unique sense of humor and relish in telling a good story.
Born in Los Angeles to parents Kathleen and Hudson, Lester received his high school diploma from Harvard School in 1937 (where he was Valedictorian), his undergraduate degree (economics, with distinction) from Stanford University in 1941, and his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1944. After serving briefly as a Captain in the Army Medical Corp at the end of World War II, Lester returned to Los Angeles and established a private practice in obstetrics and gynecology. In his long and distinguished medical career, Lester served on numerous medical boards and committees; authored or co-authored many peer reviewed articles; wrote the chapter on caesarian section for Obstetrics, Normal and Problem Pregnancies, still a standard reference in the field; and wrote scripts for nearly two dozen medical training films, some of which won awards at medical film competitions and festivals. He also taught obstetrics and gynecology for over three decades at the Keck School Medicine at the University of Southern California, where he became the Vice Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1979. As a teacher, he was much beloved. At his last lecture, his students honored him by all wearing red socks-his favorite, and only, sock color.
Lester retired from medical practice and teaching in 1986. The Lester T. Hibbard Award, established in his honor, is awarded annually to the outstanding senior resident at the Women's Hospital, Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.
Lester moved to Carmel, California shortly after he retired. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling to far-flung destinations with his friends and he became an accomplished watercolorist. He leaves behind a collection of several hundred paintings, including an extensive series on the Saint George and the Dragon legend.
Preceded in death by his sister Carolyn and wife Betty Ann, Lester is survived by his four children, David (Jane), Cynthia, John (Andrea), and Peter; as well as his four grandchildren, Liana (Joshua), Beth, Alanna, and Cincinnatus; and his beloved great grandson, Axel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more