06/05/2023
Kenneth Ralph Whitcomb teacher, coach, school board member 1/17/1931-5/25/2023 Kenneth Whitcomb Obituary
Thousands of San Diegans display beautiful smiles because Dr. Kenneth R. Whitcomb was their dentist. He served our community as a children's dentist for over 50 years, while also volunteering extensively.
Ken, a third generation San Diegan, grew up in La Mesa and graduated from Grossmont High School with the Class of '49. He stayed in contact with many 49ers; a group of fellow Grossmont Foothillers met monthly for lunch well into their 80s.
At Grossmont, Ken played varsity quarterback, excelled in basketball, and set a school long jump record, which stood for many years. "Kenny" was an outgoing, people-person, elected as Senior Class President by his peers. He earned his BA and MA in Secondary Education from San Diego State while in the ROTC. In 1952, he married his former Grossmont classmate, Beverly Helen (Dull). Following graduation, he served as an Air Force bomber pilot in the Strategic Air Command at March Air Force Base. Upon his honorable discharge, he taught and coached at Helix High School until turning his sights on dentistry. He completed his D.D.S. and Pedodontic degrees from Loma Linda University in 1966.
Dr. Whitcomb returned to San Diego, first practicing children's dentistry in the College area until he opened his office in La Mesa overlooking Collier Park. Many of his former patients fondly remember playing with the model train in his waiting room, as well as his kindness. Dr. Whitcomb showed his young patients that visiting the dentist did not have to be scary or unpleasant.
Committed to widely sharing his expertise, in 1984 Dr. Whitcomb authored the book Growing Up with My Teeth: A Parent's Guide to Children's Dental Development. He later relocated his dental office to downtown La Mesa, where he proudly partnered with his son, Steve, until Steve's untimely death in 1996. Dr. Santiago Surillo joined the dental practice, where he and Dr. Whitcomb served the children of East County together until Dr. Whitcomb's retirement.
While Ken and Beverly were raising four children in La Mesa, he began his community involvement. He served for 20 years as an elected member of the Grossmont Union High School District School Board, including multiple terms as President of the Board. He was respected for his leadership and calm demeanor through the challenging times of the 1970s and 1980s. Ken later went on to serve as President of the East County Chamber of Commerce.
Ken was active in his churches, including St. Luke's Lutheran Church in La Mesa and later at Foothills United Methodist Church, which he attended with his second wife, Patricia Kaye (Pierce), whom he married in 1987. He was active in Bible studies and joined a mission trip to Vladivostok, Russia.
Ken enjoyed many activities and hobbies. He played racquetball into his 80s and took his family on camping and dune buggy expeditions to the desert and Mexico. Summers boating on Lake Powell were a family tradition. In later years, he took up woodworking and photography, excelling at both. He was an avid Aztec Basketball fan and excitedly watched them reach the NCAA final game in 2023.
Ken is survived by his wife, Patricia, and an extensive blended family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved them all and enjoyed going to their sporting events and celebrations. One of his greatest joys was attending family parties.
Ken passed away peacefully at age 92, with family at his side. Services will be held at noon on June 11 at La Mesa First United Methodist Church. Donations call (619) 740-4200.
Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jun. 4, 2023.
