Richard Samuel Shoberg Jr.

Richard Samuel Shoberg Jr. of Austin, TX passed away peacefully on the morning of October 23, 2022, two weeks shy of his 81st birthday. Loved and admired by his family and community, he will be forever remembered for his strength, humility, and immense heart.

Larger than life, with a twinkling smile and a gentle touch, Dick was a born leader who dedicated his life to helping others. For many, he was the tall, handsome doctor who held your hand and asked about your kids as you were headed into surgery. For others he was an imposing figure at the table, commanding attention simply by clearing his throat. For all, he was a friend, a great listener with a genuine desire to understand and help. Grounded in compassion and discipline, Dick was a man of many achievements and believed in playing the long game; strong foundations and thoughtful stewardship.

Dick was born in Chicago, IL on November 7, 1941 to Evelyn Ullman Shoberg and Richard Samuel Shoberg Sr. The family settled in Albuquerque, NM in the 1950’s where Dick and his three brothers, Duncan, Jim, and Eric, attended school and were known for their stature and hijinks.

After graduating from Highland High School, Dick attended Baylor University where he earned his BS in Chemistry, played basketball for the Bears, and met Marilyn Browne, the beautiful and brilliant woman who would become his wife. Marilyn and Dick were married on August 24, 1963 and settled in Albuquerque where they started their family. Peter was born in 1964 and Kerstin in 1969. Dick earned his Doctor of Medicine as a member of the first graduating class of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. During this time, Dick and Marilyn explored the mountains and culture of Northern New Mexico, and their love for this area would become a lifelong passion.

Dick proudly served in the US Army from 1970 – 1974. He earned the rank of Major during his residency at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, MD, and was named Chief of Anesthesia while stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. In 1974, Dick joined the newly founded Capitol Anesthesiology Association (CAA) in Austin, TX. The early years of CAA became a defining and cherished time in his life, and he would talk about it often. During his distinguished career as an Anesthesiologist, he served terms as President and Vice President of CAA, Chief of Staff at Seton Hospital, and Board member of American Physicians Insurance.

After a 38-year medical career, Dick retired and turned his energy to his many interests. Inquisitive and driven, he pursued topics with astounding breadth and depth. Finance, economics, land management, and the artists of Latin America and New Mexico, were some of his many passions. In recent years, Dick and Marilyn became patrons of The Couse-Sharp Historic Site in Taos, NM, and Dick took a keen interest in their projects and institutional success.

Dick and Marilyn had a beautiful 59-year marriage and love affair. He was inspired by her intellect, and never missed an opportunity to credit her for the cultural, artistic, and literary richness that defined their life together. She was his rock, his beauty, his great love, and his home.

Left to remember him are his wife Marilyn, son Peter, daughter Kerstin, and grandchildren Spencer, Holland, and Suida. who lovingly knew him as “Boppa”.

Also left behind are his brother Jim, cousins Bud, Jane, and Steve, nephews and nieces Matt, Luke, Meg, Ivan, Adrian, Raven, Laurie, Gary, Matt, Craig, Rick, and their partners and children. Dick is preceded in death by his brothers Duncan and Eric and his cherished grandson, Wyatt.

Dick will be dearly missed and never forgotten by his family, friends, and the countless people he touched throughout his extraordinary life.

A celebration of his life will be held on November 12th, 2022, 1:30 PM-4:00 PM at the Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701. Please join us to remember this remarkable man. For those wishing to honor Dick’s life with a donation, the family suggests The Couse-Sharp Historic Site in Taos, NM (couse-sharp.org).