In Memory – February 29, 2024

John J. Brennan

Dr. Brennan (Cornell ’52), 94, Guilderland, New York, died January 18, 2024. Following graduation, he served two years in the Air Force, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. Dr. Brennan subsequently established Guilderland Animal Hospital in Altamont, New York. He also served as veterinarian for Albany County. Later in his career, Dr. Brennan was appointed track veterinarian for the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.

He chaired the veterinary examining board for the New York State Education Department and served on the Cornell University Council. A past president of the executive board of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Association, Dr. Brennan was a recipient of the alumni association’s Frank H.T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award in 1999. Active in his community, he was a past president of the local Kiwanis Club and elected to the Guilderland Public Library Board. In 2010, Dr. Brennan authored the book “This Vet Has Tales.”

He is survived by two sons, a daughter, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the John J. Brennan Sr./John J. Brennan Jr. DVM Scholarship, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 37334, Boone, IA 50037, or Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY 12084.

Meda L. Doffermyre

Dr. Doffermyre (Auburn ’84), 70, Wilmington, North Carolina, died January 8, 2024. During her 30-year career in Wilmington, she owned Azalea Coast Animal Care, Holistic Animal Healthcare, and Pets at Peace. Dr. Doffermyre previously worked in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her husband, Art; two children; and a brother survive her. Memorials may be made to Monty’s Home, a non-profit organization sponsoring pet education, pet loss grief support, and canine rescue-prison training programs, and sent to P.O. Box 821, Burgaw, NC 28425, or Skywatch Bird Rescue, 3600 Lynn Ave., Castle Hayne, NC 28429.

Ralph W. Grogan

Dr. Grogan (Texas A&M ’53), 93, Wister, Oklahoma, died June 27, 2023. He practiced at Acadia Veterinary Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Grogan served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was a longtime member of Rotary International, serving as president of the local chapter. Dr. Grogan is survived by two children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to Rotary International, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693.

William M. Harvey

Dr. Harvey (Purdue ’71), 78, St. Louis, died January 7, 2024. Following graduation, he joined Lemay Animal Hospital in St. Louis, where he practiced for 15 years. In 1986, Dr. Harvey established Lemay Plaza Veterinary Clinic in St. Louis. He was a life member of the Missouri VMA. Dr. Harvey is survived by his wife, Donna; two daughters; three grandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to Open Door Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 870, House Springs, MO 63051. 

Lindsey V. Heard

Dr. Heard (Georgia ’75), 72, Macon, Georgia, died September 4, 2023. He was the founder of Wesleyan Animal Hospital in Macon. Dr. Heard also established a mobile veterinary practice in the state. His wife, Becky; five children; two grandchildren; and a brother and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to All About Animals Rescue, 101 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31201, or Emory Healthcare, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Felix C. Pryor

Dr. Pryor (Florida ’97), 53, Pinetta, Florida, died December 14, 2023. He began his career at Lake Veterinary Clinic in Mount Dora, Florida, becoming a co-owner of the practice in 2012. Dr. Pryor retired in 2019. He was a member of the Florida VMA. Dr. Pryor volunteered at public schools in Mount Dora. His five sisters and five brothers survive him. 

Charles T. Robinson

Dr. Robinson (California-Davis ’56), 94, Santa Rosa, California, died October 25, 2023. Following graduation, he worked in California at Richmond and Ukiah before moving to Santa Rosa, where he established Lakeside Pet Hospital. Dr. Robinson also helped establish an emergency veterinary clinic in California’s Sonoma County. He is survived by three sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Earle Baum Center for the Blind, 4539 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95401; National Glaucoma Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871; or Canine Companions for Independence, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402.

Don I. Williamson Jr.

Dr. Williamson (Auburn ’81), 69, Pinedale, Wyoming, died January 21, 2024. Following graduation, he practiced in Torrington, Wyoming. Dr. Williamson later worked in Pinedale. Dr. Williamson also mentored young veterinarians and helped establish management companies that assisted owners of veterinary hospitals, and provided coaching and learning opportunities for veterinarians and practice administrators. Dr. Williamson is survived by a brother and a sister. Memorials may be made to MESA Therapeutic Horsemanship, P.O. Box 516, Pinedale, WY 82941.

A version of this story appears in the May 2024 print issue of JAVMA

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