Ronald Keith Fliss

Former resident, Dr. Ronald K. Fliss, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a brief fight with advanced metastatic melanoma. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Zola Fliss and his brother Kent. Dr. Fliss was born on April 4, 1944 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He and his family moved to Whittier, California in 1952. Dr. Fliss graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology. While there, he was involved with the Young Republicans, the Young Californians and ever a strong supporter of athletics, he was OSKI, the mascot for Cal. Many recall one of his favorite quips, "Go Bears." He has continued to be actively involved in Cal activities over the years and has donated to both athletics and academic groups. Ron entered the University of California, Los Angeles and received a degree in dentistry in 1970. He was part of the first graduating class there. After graduating, he went on to serve in the military as a Captain in the Air Force and during that time, practiced dentistry for two years. He married Karen Dedmon on September 6th 1969 and enjoyed 48 years of marriage. After completing his military service, he and Karen, returned to California in 1972 where they raised their family in Fullerton. He continued to practice dentistry in La Habra for the next 40 years. He was a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Society, Orange County Dental Society and was a Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry. He loved his profession and prided himself in his work. He worked with children who could not afford treatment and provided dentistry to those in need. He received many accolades as well as Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Fliss was committed to helping others and in addition to his active participation in local dental societies and study groups, he served as president of Kiwanis, Lions Club, Rotary, Boys and Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Help for Brain Injured Children. Ron was indeed, a hands-on member of his community. Later on, Ron fulfilled a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a Mason. His membership in this group provided both a sense of community and brotherhood. Ron also loved skiing, fishing and golfing. Winters would find him in Aspen, Vail, Sun Valley, or Mammoth among other ski destinations. He also loved water skiing at the river with dear friends. River rafting brought even more excitement into his life. Fishing with his pals in Canada brought many warm memories. In addition, he and his wife enjoyed being a part of Hacienda Golf Club for 23 years. Later, as the grandsons became involved in sports, one could find Dr. Fliss and Karen in the stands rooting for them. Dr. Fliss and his wife recently retired to La Quinta, California near Palm Springs where he enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and his favorite pastime: golf. He joined the Palms Golf Club and took great pleasure in teaching his grandsons how to fish and, of course, play golf. Friends were an important part of his life and he was gifted at maintaining these friendships throughout the years, some since he was in grade school. These friends sustained him in his final days and provided comfort to him. For this, his family will be eternally grateful. His zest for life is captured in his favorite line, "No Bad Days." He is survived by wife Karen, children Julie (Carl) Erickson, and Gregory Fliss; four grandchildren: Kyra (Zack), Ryan Erickson, Brett Erickson and Jackson Fliss, and great grandchild, Braxton. He has one sister, Leah (Steve), two nephews, Wesley and Spencer, and several cousins. A memorial service will be held for Dr. Fliss on Tuesday, November 28, 11:00am in Hillside Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park. A reception at Hacienda Golf Club will follow.