Roy Sheffler Musick M.D.

Roy Sheffler Musick passed peacefully to birdsong in the early morning of May 25 due to complications from diabetes. Born February 4, 1938, to Mary Moyer Herbert and Roy Sheffler Musick, Sr., Roy spent his early years in Washington D.C. where he stayed for all his schooling. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School, American University for a double major in Pre-Med and Philosophy, and medical school at George Washington University. Roy began his medical career with seven years in the Public Health Service, which brought him and his first wife, Susan, to San Francisco and the North Bay. There they welcomed their daughter, Donna. Roy and Susan parted ways in 1971.

In 1972, Roy opened his private practice in Petaluma. Medicine was his passion. It was never a job for him, and he quipped that he never worked a day in his life. While the science of medicine kept him learning, the practice of medicine expressed his creativity. He would continue to do so for the next 34 years - and he wouldn’t do it alone.

In 1973, he met his soul mate, co-adventurer, and partner for life, Linda (Sparrow). They married in 1974, and together they spent the next 48 years on the adventure of a lifetime. He was a true romantic, and went to great lengths to show his love for her.

Roy was an avid outdoorsman - sailor, backpacker, scuba diver, fly fisherman, snowskier, runner (although never destined to run a marathon). He loved to travel to new places, and he and Linda experienced the world together.

The true Aquarian, Roy had a myriad of talents and interests. He was a great cook, a skilled woodworker, and an avid student of history. He was a reader, always with his nose in a book or his kindle, and had an exceptional memory with a penchant for Shakespearean monologues and song lyrics. His love for all types of music was pervasive in every facet of his life. Classical, country, folk, jazz - he was always accompanied by the proper soundtrack.

He told a great story and loved a good joke. He enjoyed good wine, good beer, and a good cocktail. He loved Christmas! He was a fierce friend and took every opportunity to gather with those closest to him. Roy had an infectious laugh, and laughter shared was laughter doubled with so many who are lucky to have known him.

He is celebrated by his wife, Linda; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Derek; his beloved grandchildren, Grace, Nicholas and Ian; sister, Mary Lindberg; mother-in-law, Bobbie; sisters-in-law, Sue and Lucile; cousins, Kris, Scott and Peneé; nieces, Brandy and Amy; nephews, Don, Jonathan, Mark and Steve; and his many grandnieces and nephews. He laughed with his extended family members Maria, Reuben, Graciela, Miriam, Jessica, Diana, Felipe, and all the Cavillo family. His beloved pets, Ronni and Marco, feel his loss deeply.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Roy; first wife, Susan; brothers-in-law, Dick and Gene; his nephew, Chris; and his personal hero, mentor and brother-in-law, Donald Lindberg, M.D. The family would like to thank Providence Hospice and his caregivers, especially Maria, Tui and Opeti, who gave him such grace and dignity in his final days.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on July 31. For further details, and to RSVP, please call 707-484-7675. While Roy loved flowers, especially Linda’s garden, please consider a donation to Providence Hospice (Santa Rosa), Humane Society of Sonoma County (Santa Rosa), Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Petaluma), or a charity of your choice.

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