Dr. Richard H. Wiebe

Richard Herbert Wiebe, MD (“Herb”) passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021, surrounded by his family. Preceding him in death were his parents Herb and Olga (Jahnke) Wiebe, his sister Donna (Wiebe) MacDougal, his brother the Hon. J.E.N (Jack) Wiebe, his sisters-in-law, Susan Guest Yancy and Bernice MacDougal, and brother-in-law Ian MacDougal. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jacquelyn Yancy Wiebe; his son Richard Herbert Pelster-Wiebe, Jr, daughter-in-law Angela Pelster-Wiebe, and grandkid Jack Pelster-Wiebe; sister-in-law Ann Lewis Wiebe; brother-in-law W. Sam Yancy, MD, sister-in-law Cathy Yancy, and his many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.

Herb was born on December 28, 1937, in Herbert, Saskatchewan, Canada. He and his brother Jack had an adventuresome childhood, full plenty of laugher and mischief. Their big sister, Donna, had her hands full. Herb set off to college in 1956 and just after two years entered medical school at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1962. In addition to his medical studies, he wrote, directed, and performed in the irreverent musical Medico Mania, which garnered rave reviews. After completing his internship in Vancouver and residency in Galveston, TX, Herb practiced medicine in Estevan, SK from 1964-1967, during which time he was a founding member and lead singer of the barbershop quartet groups The Plainsmen Chorus and The Romeos. After further training at Queen’s University and Duke University, Herb joined the faculty at Duke as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, certified in Infertility and Endocrinology. He published many medical articles during his academic career at Duke University, University of South Alabama, University of South Dakota, and East Tennessee State University. He retired in 1998 having helped countless patients bring their babies into the world.

Herb’s sense of adventure increased with every passing year. Even in retirement he picked up a shovel and hat to do archaeological work, went back to college to study anthropology, and learned the art of pottery, making an impressive collection of cups, bowls, vases, and plates that decorate the homes of friends and family. He always worked hard, but also held sacred the time he made for journeys with Jackie and Richard to all corners of the globe. His travels with Richard were especially dear to him, when father and son, two perpetual students, could learn about the world together and from one another. Herb was overjoyed to include Angela and Jack on his late adventures to Cyprus, Jamaica, and his favorite city, New Orleans.

In their wedding vows, Herb and Jackie expressed to one another: “Your people will be my people. Your history, my history.” The sincerity of these words is recognized by every Yancy and Lindsey who got to know Herb. Uncle Herb, Cousin Herb, Brother-in-Law Herb, Son-in-Law Herb. He was embraced by everyone and his love for Jackie’s family was characterized by wholehearted interest and deep attention to all her people. Herb enthusiastically became a member of the crew.

From the day he met her, Herb adored listening to Jackie. Whether she was regaling him with her stories, giving him orders, reading books to him, or offering words of comfort, his ears always perked up at the sound of her voice. He also loved listening to music, he loved gardening, and being impressively sneaky at card games. Herb’s sense of humor, infectious laugh, limitless energy, keen mind, and abundant kindness were at the heart of many gatherings, whether in North Carolina or Saskatchewan. His immense legacy lives through the friends and family he loved so dearly.

The family would like to thank the many friends, family members, and caregivers who were present with Herb these past few years, sharing in his challenges and joys, always cherishing being together, which is a wonderful place to be.

No services to be held at this time.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.9099