J. Richard Wittwer, DDS, passed forward on January 4th, 2008, in Bishop, California.
He passed peacefully, with courage and grace.


Family members were at his side with support, encouragement, touch, and Love.
In passing, he joins his daughter Jennifer Wittwer-Turner, brother John Wittwer, daughter-in-law Linda Clark, and friend Robert W. Clark, Sr.


Remaining are his former wife Molly, grandchildren Wendy & Richie Turner, daughter Wendy Wittwer-Kennedy & husband Chris, son Rick Wittwer, wife Kris and granddaughter Katie, brother David, wife Betty and niece Vickie.
Also remaining are Richards beloved wife Hazel Clark-Wittwer, daughter Judi Clark-Vining and husband Pancho, grandchildren Tess, Alex, and Oliver, son Steven Clark and grandson Cory, son Robert W. Clark Jr., wife Judy and grandchildren Melissa, Danika, and Michael, and son John E. Clark, RN.


Richard was born December 5th, 1924, in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in Seattle and enjoyed exploring and adventuring with his family on Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands. He experienced a wonderful, happy childhood.
He enlisted in the US Army in WW II, and served and fought in North Africa and Italy as a Corporal in the 1st Army Air Force. He was decorated with The European/African/Middle Eastern Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was Honorably Discharged on October 31st, 1945.


After serving our Nation in WW II he began studies at USC, earning the Degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, Specializing in Orthodontics, in 1953.
He practiced for a total of 54 years as a highly respected and much-loved Orthodontist in Reseda, Newport Beach, and Mammoth Lakes. Dr. Wittwer also served as a Professor; teaching young orthodontic students at the USC School of Dentistry. His talent, dedication, and hard work are reflected in the smiles of the thousands of patients he served!
He was an active member of Rotary International for over 40 years; most recently he shared his endless humor & laughter with the Mammoth Lakes Rotary as Joke-Master Extraordinaire!
He lived for many years in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, and loved the sea, the beach lifestyle, and exploring the coast and offshore islands. He was a member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and Balboa Yacht Club.


Richard first came to the Eastern Sierra in the 1940s on ski trips with his USC buddies. He experienced the eras of Busters, Pennys Tavern, The VI, the underground Whiskey Creek, Toms Place, the Winter of 69, the McGee Mtn. rope tow and the Weasel rides to Mammoth Mtn.! He continued to ski until he was 75. Being a long-time skier, adventurer, and homeowner in Mammoth Lakes, Richard & Hazel happily made Mammoth their permanent home in 1990. He truly loved & respected the endless beauty and natural environment of the Eastern Sierra, Mono Lake, the Inyo, Owens Valley, Death Valley, and Yosemite. He enjoyed reading, sailing, birdwatching, bodysurfing, diving, fishing, and snow-shoveling! Lately he loved golfing, float-tube fly-fishing, and photography with his good buddies in Mammoth & Bishop.
An infinite number of cherished, true friends has made Richards life and our continuing circle of love, family, and friends whole and complete.
Together we shall continue to Walk In Beauty.

Finally, Dr. J. Richard Wittwer was a loving, friendly, kind, gentle, generous, fun, and truly honorable man.

Final arrangements are being graciously attended to by Brune Mortuary in Bishop, in association with Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery in Seattle.
Richard will be laid to rest beneath a Giant Sequoia, in Seattle..
Our Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, January 19th, at 2pm at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Mammoth Lakes. All are welcome.
The Clark-Wittwer Family wishes that in lieu of flowers,
those choosing to make donations consider:
The Mammoth Hospital Cancer Outreach Program
The Susan G. Komen Foundation
Chamber Music Unbound
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
Or the organization of your choice.

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