Clyde Von Der Ahe (Dr. Clyde) passed away peacefully surrounded by family during the late hours of January 4th, 2014 at his longtime home in Hancock Park. As a dedicated physician (OB/GYN), loving husband, father, grandfather, and trusted friend, Dr. Clyde shared his love for life and family, humor and optimism, while bringing joy to family and friends of the greater Los Angeles community his entire life.
Born in February 1918, into the family that founded the Von's grocery stores, Clyde attended St. Paul and St. Gregory Elementary Schools, Loyola High School and Loyola University, and graduated from St. Louis University's School of Medicine in 1943. He served in the army during World War II caring for wounded soldiers in Naples with the 51st Evacuation Hospital, before returning to Los Angeles and beginning his residency at Queen of Angels Hospital in 1946.
In addition to his own practice and serving at various Catholic hospitals, most notably St. Joseph's in Burbank, Dr. Clyde served for 30 years on the volunteer staff at L.A. County-USC Medical Center beginning in 1951. He was an active supporter of the Mission Doctors Association which sends doctors to areas of the world in desperate need of trained medical care. Most special to his life's work was his fifty years of dedication to St. Anne's Maternity Home for pregnant, unwed young mothers in Los Angeles. Through his years of service with St. Anne's, Dr. Clyde was elected as their Chief of Medical staff and eventually appointed to St. Anne's Board of Directors. Other positions of distinction for Dr. Clyde include: President, The Von Der Ahe Foundation; Board of Directors, Loyola High School; Cardinal's Award Los Angeles Diocese, 2006; Mission Doctors Auxiliary, Honoree; Christ the King Parish and School, Benefactor; and membership to the Knights of Malta, Knights of St. Gregory, and the Holy Order of Sepulchre.
He is survived by the 'best thing that ever happened to him', his wife and best friend of 62 years, Peggy. His love and adoration for Peggy continues on as inspiration to their eight children and spouses: Kathy (Pat) Whalen, John (Susan) Von Der Ahe, Clyde (Leslie) Von Der Ahe, Judy (John) Menne, Jean (Tom) Moore, Bill (Susan) Von Der Ahe, Peggy (Scott) Young, and Bob (Christina) Von Der Ahe. Dr. Clyde and Peggy have been blessed to love and spoil their 16 grandchildren: Christine (Nigel) Pilkington, Ted and Brian Whalen, Peter and Charlie Menne, Linda and Barbara Moore, Megan, Michael, and Catherine Young, Diane, Kimberly, Christopher, Stephen, Gavin and Tyler Von Der Ahe. He is also survived by his loving sister, Dorothy, and her husband Ken Olsen. Clyde will be welcomed into Heaven by a large loving family, Charles and Linda (parents); Ted, Will, Karl, Walt, Virginia, and Muriel (siblings).
Speaking for the family, the thousands of souls you touched in your work, volunteerism, and friendship over the years – Dad, you did a great job, now rest. We love you!
A Funeral Mass will be held on Jan 15th, 10:30am at Christ the King Church, 624 North Rossmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004 with a reception to follow. Please sign an online guest book at www.callanancares.com Callanan & Woods Scovern (818) 242-0258. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Anne's, 155 North Occidental Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 and/or Mission Doctors Association, 3435 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1940 Los Angeles, CA 90010
