Dr. Robert Wayne Steyskal

Dr. Robert "Bob" Wayne Steyskal, 70, of Redding, California passed away September 29th, 2014. He was born in Klamath Falls Oregon, June 11th, 1944, the second of 4 children of Jacob (Jack) and Agnes Steyskal. Robert attended Malin High School, playing both football and basketball, graduating as valedictorian in 1962. He received his Bachelor's Degree at Southern Oregon College in Ashland, Oregon. He joined the U.S Army in 1969 while studying at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, achieving his M.D. in 1970, and becoming Board Certified in General Surgery. Bob fulfilled his internship and residency at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. In 1975, Robert transferred to Raymond W. Bliss Army Hospital, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona where in 1977 he became Chief of Staff, General Surgery. Honorably discharged from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel 1978, Robert chose to relocate his family to Redding, California where he opened his first private general surgical practice. He invited Donald Schepps, M.D. to join him as a partner. They founded Northern California Surgical Group. He and Dr. Schepps, with foresight and dedication, brought about the first trauma center in Redding, at Mercy Medical Center, and were influential in advancing medical care in the North State. Bob was extremely devoted to his patients and demonstrated great compassion for those for whom he cared. His talent at leadership was demonstrated in his serving on multiple medical committees and boards throughout his medical career, including Chief of Staff and Chief of Residents at Mercy Medical Center and Chief of Surgery at Redding Medical Center. He truly loved his work as a physician, making an immense contribution to the world around him, teaching others, and saving thousands of lives. In 1986, Robert chose to leave general surgery to accept a one year fellowship in diseases of the breast at The Breast Center Van Nuys, California. He came home to Redding to establish the first fully comprehensive breast disease clinic within hundreds of miles. Dr. Bob and his staff provided state-of-the art medical treatment, with exacting standards of compassionate care and professionalism. He authored and distributed a booklet titled "The Breast: A Guide to Understanding Breast Problems and Breast Cancer." He was thankful for the opportunity to impact the lives of others and grateful to those who influenced his own life. In 1996, at age 52, he suffered a stroke, ending his medical career. Robert had an extraordinary sense of humor. He is famed for telling joke after joke, always making his patients and co-workers laugh. He had a story for every occasion. An avid life-long reader, he also loved photography, cars, history; following his stroke, he took up painting and drawing and started attending All Saints' Episcopal Church. He especially cherished his role as father and grandfather. Robert is survived by two sons and their families: Aaron Steyskal, wife Andrea and grandchildren Claire and Luke of Portland, OR and Jason Steyskal, wife Kelly and grandson Carter of Edmonds, WA; and his two sisters (Shirley) Anne Steyskal of Malin, OR and Kathy Carmichael and husband John of Sonoma, CA. He was preceded in death by his father Jack in 1995, his brother Richard in 2011, and his mom, Agnes in 2012. Bob's life will be celebrated in a private service. End of life arrangements are through McDonald's Redding Chapel (530) 241-2256. Donations may be made in Memoriam to Dr. Robert Steyskal to the Malin Park Pool, P.O. Box 21, Malin, OR 97632 (541) 723-2021 (please indicate on your check that the donation is for the Pool), and NorCal Think Pink (Breast Cancer Awareness), P.O. Box 492191, Redding, CA 96049-2191 (530) 921-9212 or online at www.norcalthinkpink.org.