Dr. Jack Douglas Halpin, a respected physician practicing in Ventura County for 40 years, passed away on
December 22, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Muncie, Indian on May 14, 1936, to
Eugene P. and Virginia Lee Halpin. He was the first in his family to be born in a hospital rather than on
the family farm. Dr. Halpin attended primary and secondary school in South Bend Indiana. He attended
Carleton College in Minnesota. College summers were spent in Alaska working for the Department of
Fish and Game and guiding canoe trips through the Boundary Waters Wilderness between Minnesota
and Ontario, Canada. After graduating from Carleton College, he was accepted to Cornell University
School of Medicine in New York City. Soon after graduating from medical school, Jack married the love
of his life, Beverly Mejo, on July 13, 1963. He immediately went on active duty with the United States
Public Health Service in San Pedro, California. Upon completion of his service obligation, he had
achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He then went on to complete a residency in internal
medicine at West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital. During his third year of residency, Dr.
Halpin had the opportunity to participate in the AMA Volunteer Physician for Vietnam Program working
in a civil hospital in Danang, Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, he spent a year as a
Gastroenterology Fellow at UCLA Harbor General Hospital.
Dr. Halpin was recruited by Dr. Newton Friedman, to the Buena Ventura Medical Clinic in 1969. Shortly
after coming to Ventura County, Dr. David Fainer asked him to participate in the VCMC Internal
Medicine teaching program. Dr. Fainer became a good friend, mentor and exemplary role model. In
2003, Dr. Halpin received the David Fainer “Physician of the Year” award. Dr. Halpin contributed his
professional growth to the late Dr. Leo J. Tauber, the late Dr. John Toohey, and Dr. Newton Friedman
and many more. After 20 years of practicing primary gastroenterology, he achieved the Certificate of
Added Competency in Geriatric Medicine. His most gratifying portion of his career was in the care of the
elderly patient.
Dr. Halpin retired in 2009. He spent his retirement years hunting, reading, spending time with his
cherished grandchildren, working in his yard, and listening to classical music. Many friends would see Dr.
Halpin running or walking down Foothill Rd. He continued his passion for exercise till his passing.
Dr. Halpin leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Beverly, son Dr. Timothy Halpin, daughter
Katherine Halpin (spouse Robert), sister Diane DeBellis, brother Thomas Halpin, grandchildren Roberto,
Matthew and Maegan, nephew Douglas DeBellis, nieces Allona Halpin and the late Gina DeBellis and
many other beloved family members and friends.
Dr. Halpin is being remembered quietly and privately by family, in the manner he requested. In lieu of
flowers, remembrances in his name can be made to Livingston Memorial Hospice. The Halpin family
wishes to extend their gratitude to Livingston Memorial Hospice for the compassionate care given to Dr.
Halpin and his family.
Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY &
CREMATION, Ventura.