Obituary of David Thorgate

Dr. David Thorngate April 21, 1925 - September 1, 2010 Monterey, Ca. - Dr. David Thorngate, 85, died September 1, 2010 at home after a heroic battle against cancer. Dr. Dave was born in Liuho, China, April 21, 1925 where his father, Dr. George Thorngate III operated a medical mission in China. Two of Dr. Dave?s brothers were also born in Liuho, China, ( Dr.Steve and Dr. Philip ). His older brother ( Dr. George IV ) was three years old when the family arrived in China. They lived in a sturdy house built by a former missionary born and raised in Nebraska. No frills, but typhoon had no effect and only blew off some roof tiles. There was no central heating, so they wore woolen underwear, heavy coats and thick wool socks. Dr. Dave and his brothers attended grade school and high school in Shanghai. As the war approached the family moved on and landed in Phoenix, Az. where they attended middle school. One of Dr. Dave?s highlights in Phoenix would be going on house calls with his father. His father would always say ?mums the word? as they headed out to visit patients, with Dr. Dave knowing what would follow, the highlight; his favorite treat, a pint of ice cream, probably Chocolet, something he never surrendered until his death. After high school Dr. Dave joined the Navy and they sent him to college at Worcester. It was like a military school but great because he had to study. Graduating in 1949, Dr. Dave was awarded a commission and called up for military duty and sent to Korea. Following his service in Korea he was stationed in Spokane, Wa. where he met and married his wife, Mary Ann. Then it was on to Cleveland, Oh. where he completed two years of residency as well as his internship at Cleveland City Hospital. During that time he and his wife had two children, David Jr. and Debra Ann. Following his father and brother George ( Briar ) to Monterey, Ca. in 1954 he joined them in practice. Now three, they were joined by his other two brothers, Steve and Philip and they formed the Thorngate Medical Group. As a group of five doctors they formulated a multi-specialty clinic. To the disappointment of many of his patients Dr. Dave retired from his medical practice in 2000 at the young age of 75. Since then Dr.Dave worked, volunteering with the Monterey Rotary Club, Alliance on ageing and the Gateway home group for impaired adults. He also enjoyed attending Grand Rounds at CHOMP and attending Tumor Board meetings when he could. He enjoyed his volunteer work with the city and private organizations that were involved with historical remembrances and historical activities of Monterey. He left his fine life keenly aware of what is going on in the world, both good and bad and was never at a loss to express his opinions. Dr. Dave is survived by his son, David Jr. and his wife Cris, their children, Courtney and Taylor. He is also survived by his daughter Debra Ann of Tucson Az. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Mary Ann, brothers, George IV, and Philip, his father, George III and mother, Helen. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, 501 El Dorado st. Monterey, Ca. In lieu of flowers, Donations in Dr. Dave?s memory may be made to The Hospice, The Community Foundation of the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula ( The Thorngate Fund ) which purchases medical equipment at hospitals and clinics in Monterey County as well as makes grants with a focus on un-insured or undeserved individuals and families.