Obituaries

AVMA member

AVMA honor roll member

Nonmember

Olive K. Britt

Dr. Britt (GA ’59), 88, Goochland, Va., died March 13, 2006. An equine practitioner, she co-founded Woodside Equine Clinic in Ashland, Va., in the late 1960s. Prior to that, Dr. Britt practiced in Richmond, Va. In the mid-1980s, she became associated with Virginia Equine Clinic in Manakin Sabot, Va.

During her career, Dr. Britt also served as veterinarian for Meadow Farm in Doswell, Va. A past president of what is now known as the North American Veterinary Conference, she also served on the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine from 1978-1988. Dr. Britt was a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Virginia Association of Equine Practitioners, and Virginia Thoroughbred Association. She served on the advisory board of the Virginia Museum of the Horse.

Memorials with designation to the Olive K. Britt Equine Scholarship may be made to Virginia Tech Foundation, 201 Pack Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

Jeffery V. Christison

Dr. Christison (CAL ’69), 60, Placerville, Calif., died Sept. 10, 2005.

Walter P. Doolittle

Dr. Doolittle (COL ’59), 73, Preston, Conn., died March 3, 2006. He owned Preston Animal Hospital. Dr. Doolittle was a past president of the Groton-Ledyard Rotary Club. His wife, Irene; three daughters; and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the Poquetanuck Fire Department Ambulance, 87 Route 2A, Preston, CT 06365; or Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut, P.O. Box 902, Uncasville, CT 06382.

Charles W. Edwards Jr.

Dr. Edwards (TEX ’49), 81, Granbury, Texas, died Feb. 14, 2006. From 1949 until retirement in 2002, he owned a mixed practice in Marfa, Texas. Dr. Edwards served on the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from 1975-1979. He was named Diagnostician of the Year by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in 1985, and was Texas VMA General Practitioner of the Year in 1997. In 2004, Dr. Edwards received the Texas A&M University Distinguished Alumnus Award.

He authored “Up to My Armpits: Adventures of a West Texas Veterinarian.” Dr. Edwards was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II, receiving the Purple Heart. His wife, Jo Ann, and two daughters survive him.

William H. Grau Jr.

Dr. Grau (UP ’48), 79, Knoxville, Tenn., died Sept. 8, 2005. A charter faculty member of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, he was its associate dean for resident instruction prior to retirement in 1990. Following graduation, Dr. Grau served in the Army for two years before transferring to the Air Force. He left a year later to practice in Philadelphia. Dr. Grau rejoined the Air Force in 1953. During his time with the USAF, he served as chief of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, command veterinarian, and assistant surgeon general for veterinary services. Dr. Grau attained the rank of colonel. In 1976, he joined the UTCVM as assistant dean for resident instruction.

Dr. Grau served on the AVMA Council on Education from 1968-1979, chairing it in 1972. He was also a member of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates. Dr. Grau was the recipient of the Air Force Commendation and the Legion of Merit. His three daughters and son survive him.

Harvey G. Hollis

Dr. Hollis (OSU ’54), 86, New Albany, Ind., died Feb. 4, 2006. He practiced in New Albany for 45 years. Dr. Hollis was a lifetime member of the Indiana VMA. A World War II veteran, he served in the Army. Dr. Hollis’ wife, Frances; two daughters; and two sons survive him.

His son Dr. James H. Hollis (PUR ’89) and daughter Dr. Brenda M. Hollis (PUR ’94) are veterinarians in Sunman and New Albany, Ind., respectively. Memorials may be made to the Floyd Humane Society, P.O. Box 1134, New Albany, IN 47151; or Floyd County Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 285, New Albany, IN 47151.

Orville M. Juhler

Dr. Juhler (ISU ’59), 74, Harlan, Iowa, died Sept. 30, 2005. From 1968-1989, he worked for the Squealer Feed Company as a veterinary consultant. Prior to that, Dr. Juhler practiced at the Harlan Veterinary Clinic. He was a life member of the Iowa VMA. Dr. Juhler was also a member of the Harlan Community School Board. His wife, Judy; a son; and two daughters survive him.

Richard LaFevers

Dr. LaFevers (MO ’63), 66, Clarkridge, Ark., died Feb. 18, 2006. He practiced primarily in Missouri for 43 years and maintained a cattle ranch in Tecumseh, Mo., for several years. Dr. LaFevers is survived by his wife, Margaret; three sons; two stepdaughters; and a stepson. Memorials may be made to The ALS Association, National Office, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.

D.B. Martin Jr.

Dr. Martin (TEX ’52), 77, Bossier City, La., died Nov. 23, 2005. He owned Martin Animal Hospital in Shreveport, La. Earlier, Dr. Martin practiced at Bossier Animal Hospital. He was the first track veterinarian for Louisiana Downs, having also served on its board of directors. Dr. Martin owned, bred, and raced Thoroughbreds. He was a member of the Louisiana VMA.

Dr. Martin was a veteran of both the Army and the Marine Corps, attaining the ranks of captain and 1st lieutenant, respectively. His wife, Karen; three sons; a daughter; and three stepdaughters survive him. Memorials may be made to Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX 77843.

Gerald L. McKee

Dr. McKee (MO ’50), 83, Pickering, Mo., died Sept. 27, 2005. From 1968 until retirement in 1991, he worked for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Dr. McKee also farmed and raised livestock. Earlier in his career, he was in mixed practice in Pickering. Dr. McKee was a member of the Missouri VMA.

A veteran of the Navy, he attained the rank of lieutenant. Dr. McKee is survived by his wife, Shirley; a son; and two daughters. Memorials in his name may be made to the Pickering United Methodist Church, Pickering, MO 64476; or Pickering Community Building, Pickering, MO 64476.

Guy T. Moore

Dr. Moore (TEX ’53), 82, Durham, N.C., died Sept. 1, 2005. He practiced small animal medicine in Durham. Early in his career, Dr. Moore practiced in Maryland. He served on the Durham County Animal Control Advisory Committee and the Board of Health. Dr. Moore also served on the Veterinary Medical Technology Advisory Committee of Central Carolina Community College and co-chaired the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation Board Equine Committee.

A life member of the North Carolina VMA, he received its Distinguished Veterinarian Award in 1987.

William H. Olson

Dr. Olson (ISU ’52), 75, Topeka, Kan., died March 1, 2006. Prior to retirement in 1988, he worked for the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service as assistant veterinarian-in-charge for the state of Kansas. Before that, Dr. Olson worked for the USDA in Iowa and Massachusetts. Early in his career, he practiced briefly in Norwood, Minn., and owned practices in Elmore, Minn., and Charles City, Iowa. Dr. Olson was a member of the Iowa and Kansas VMAs. A veteran of the Army Veterinary Reserve Corps, he attained the rank of 1st lieutenant.

Dr. Olson’s wife, Lenore; a son; and three daughters survive him. His brother, Dr. Robert D. Olson (ISU ’61), is a veterinarian in Bemidji, Minn. Memorials may be made to the Northeast Kansas Parkinson’s Association, P.O. Box 251, Topeka, KS 66603.

Cyril J. Padfield

Dr. Padfield (ONT ’40), 87, Solvang, Calif., died Feb. 21, 2006. He owned El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital in La Mesa, Calif., for more than 45 years. Dr. Padfield was a member of the California and San Diego County VMAs. A World War II veteran, he served in the Army. Dr. Padfield was a member of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board of Education for several years. His wife, Betty, and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to the Solvang Friendship House, 880 Friendship Lane, Solvang, CA 93463.

Charles M. Ruck

Dr. Ruck (MSU ’46), 81, Chesterfield, Mo., died Jan. 24, 2006. From 1965 until retirement in 1979, he practiced at Bel-East Animal Hospital in Belleville, Ill. Following graduation, Dr. Ruck worked with livestock in northern Indiana. He then moved to the Bloomington-Normal area of Illinois, where he owned a small animal practice. Later, Dr. Ruck established the Ruck Animal Hospital in East St. Louis, Ill. During that time, he helped eradicate a local rabies epizootic in his role as consulting veterinarian for the East Side Health District. Dr. Ruck also served as a meat inspector for local packing houses and meat processing plants.

He was a past president of the St. Louis Humane Society. Dr. Ruck’s three daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to the St. Louis Humane Society, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

John C. Sharp

Dr. Sharp (OSU ’42), 89, Fort Myers, Fla., died Jan. 2, 2006. From 1947 until retirement in 1965, he owned a large animal practice in Van Wert, Ohio. A World War II veteran, Dr. Sharp served in the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of captain. His wife, Miriam; a son; and a daughter survive him.

Arthur R. Skewes

Dr. Skewes (ISU ’49), 84, Muskego, Wis., died March 9, 2006. He retired in 1988 as senior partner at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee Associates, a veterinary firm focused on equine health care. Prior to that, Dr. Skewes served as resident veterinarian for Castleton Farm in Lexington. Early in his career, he owned a practice in Ives Grove, Wis. A Korean War veteran, Dr. Skewes served as a captain in the Air Force Veterinary Corps. He was a lifetime member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. A past president of the Kentucky VMA, Dr. Skewes was named Veterinarian of the Year in 1987.

His wife, Helen; three daughters; and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203.

Edwin F. Stula

Dr. Stula (ONT ’55), 81, Newark, Del., died Nov. 13, 2005. Prior to retirement in 1992, he served as chief research pathologist for DuPont Chemical Company in Wilmington, Del. Earlier in his career, Dr. Stula worked for the University of Connecticut as an instructor and extension veterinarian. He was the editor of “Toxicologic Pathology.” Dr. Stula’s son survives him.

Douglas C. Swacina

Dr. Swacina (MIN ’56), 78, Springdale, Ark., died Dec. 30, 2005. From 1968 until retirement in 1993, he worked for the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in Arkansas; Washington, D.C.; California; and Texas. Earlier in his career, Dr. Swacina owned a practice in Wisconsin.

He was a member of the National Association of Federal Veterinarians. A World War II veteran, Dr. Swacina served in the Navy. His wife, Henrietta, a son; and a daughter survive him. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2925 N. Old Missouri Road, Fayetteville, AR 72703; or Boy Scouts of America, S. Plains Council, 30 Briercroft Office Park, Lubbock, TX 79412.

Robert D. Williams

Dr. Williams (OSU ’45), 84, Pontiac, Ill., died Jan. 16, 2006. From 1945 until retirement in 1985, he owned a mixed practice in Pontiac. Dr. Williams later served as county veterinarian for several years. He was a past executive board member of the Illinois State VMA and a past president of the Kankakee Valley VMA.

Dr. Williams also served as president of the Pontiac Grade School Board of Education. His wife, Mary Ann; a son; and two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Passages Hospice, ASTA Care Center of Pontiac, 300 W. Lowell Ave., Pontiac, IL 61764.