Delbert Leroy Van Voorhis

While planning his 100th birthday God peacefully called Dr. Delbert Leroy Van Voorhis home. 

Raised in a Christian family in Colton by Lee Roy and Alfreda Van Voorhis, "Doc" attended RCC, University of Redlands and earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from USC. He met his lovely and beautiful wife, Margaret Jean Paver. They raised 5 children: Ted (Pat), Ron, Gayle (Jim, preceded "Doc" to Heaven), Bruce, preceded "Doc" to Heaven (Susan), and Melissa (Ken).

Celebration of Life: Oct.16, 9:00 a.m., Colton Funeral Home.  Burial: 10:30 a.m., Montecito.  Suggested donation in lieu of flowers: Dr. Van Voorhis' Memorial kids camp scholarships: https://ymcaeastvalley.org/doc-van-voorhis/

Doc said he wonders if he will hear Bruce greet him in Heaven with, "Hi Pa!", which Bruce got from the two of them watching "The Rifleman" and "Bonanza" together

When "Van" was only 15 he began a 10-year stint of driving an ambulance in San Bernardino, Riverside and L.A Counties! He happened to be the first person to save a life in So. Cal with CPR, and then it was immediately implemented within two days throughout the area, thus saving numerous people.

Serving our Country proudly as a World War II and Korean Veteran in the Army and then the newly created Air Force, Capt. Van Voorhis was assigned the responsibility at Norton AFB to establish the first dental offices and labs, plus teach the other dentists additional professional skills such as how to make dentures. When he left active duty, he opened his own dental office and lab in downtown Colton for an additional 42 years. Sometimes patients did not have money when he helped them, but they would arrive at their appointment with eggs or their garden produce, and "Doc" would smile and thank them profusely in order to save their pride...and he was happy.

Dr. Van Voorhis’ life was focused on his family, faith and serving others in the community as part of his tithing. There were literally thousands of adults and children who participated in each of the following events:

Colton's 3-day Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Celebration, Family YMCA Ice Cream Socials, providing Redlands Bowl Concerts, Concerts in Palm Desert for the Family YMCA, plus the YMCA Children's Christmas Parades for 32 years!

In Colton, Dr. Van Voorhis volunteered his time as Chairman of the Colton Finance Committee, Chairman of Citizens for Freeways and Highways, plus chairman of the industrial development committee. He and his wife were very active with Santa Claus Incorporated, a wonderful nonprofit organization that is still active and makes it possible for poor children to receive Christmas gifts. Doc served on the Colton School Board for 10 years (he always laughed and said it was to get his kids through school!), was President of the Colton (and later the San Bernardino) Chambers of Commerce, Chairman of Arrowhead United Fund where they raised more funds that year than previously to help those in need in the community.  In 1962 Doc and his family moved to San Bernardino. He continued his Dental practice in Colton and expanded his volunteer work with the San Bernardino Board of Trade, United Fund, he established and was Director of Secure Savings and Loan which he sold in 1988, then was owner of KIOT and KHPY radio stations which he sold many years ago. He was bright and enjoyed diversity. As Chairman of the United Way Doc's fundraising also helped the community, plus he enjoyed being a Realtor where he bought and made improvements to our communities. Doc and Margaret were asked to entertain a California Governor and provided the annual Welcome Gathering to new administrators and professors at Cal State University, San Bernardino at their home.

In later life, Dr. Van Voorhis attempted to retire from his many decades on the Executive Y Board, but the board members voted "No", and honored him with him being the only person with the status of executive board member Emeritus for a lifetime, plus gave him a specially made tie with the Y printed all over it. Doc was very touched by that.

Dr. Van Voorhis' life was focused on family gatherings and serving others as Christian tithing and example. He was a great Christian and family man who loved having all of his generations visit him with family gatherings at Palm Desert, Laguna Beach and Balboa Island.

He loved standing on the Laguna Beach seashore holding his children's hands as they jumped in the waves and then catching sand crabs that tickled their fingers as Ted, on his skimboard, went swooping by.  Doc continued his love of taking his family to the beach with his 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Giving back to our communities with his life of leadership, tithing and a big Christian heart to help thousands of others improve and enjoy their lives, was what truly gave Doc pleasure.

Dr. Van Voorhis' work here is finished and he peacefully went to Heaven while his daughter, Gayle, held his hand with two family friends singing Christian songs and thanking him. Thank you, Doc, for being you.