In Memory – July 20, 2023

Dawn A. Dutka

Dr. Dutka (North Carolina State '02), 60, Newland, North Carolina, died April 13, 2023. During her career, she worked at several practices and taught veterinary technology classes in Tennessee and New York state. Dr. Dutka's mother and a brother survive her. Memorials may be made to Avery County Animal Support, P.O. Box 1313, Newland, NC 28657.

Richard E. Fish

Dr. Fish (Tennessee '81), 72, Raleigh, North Carolina, died March 11, 2023. He served on the veterinary faculty of North Carolina State University, retiring in 2018. During his tenure, Dr. Fish was an attending veterinarian, directed laboratory animal resources, and was an associate professor of laboratory animal medicine. He previously served as the associate director of what is now known as the Office of Animal Resources at the University of Missouri.

Dr. Fish was a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. In retirement, he volunteered at the Wake Technical Community College's Beltline Education Center. Dr. Fish is survived by his wife, Margaret Hogan; two stepsons; five stepgrandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Foundation, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125; American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Foundation, 96 Chester St., Chester, NH 03036; or Joseph E. Wagner Fellowship in Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Missouri, 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211.

Harold D. James

Dr. James (Illinois '60), 87, Buncombe, Illinois, died April 17, 2023. A mixed animal veterinarian, he co-owned Meller-James Veterinary Services in Anna, Illinois, and a practice in Vienna, Illinois. Active in his community, Dr. James served on the Anna Community Consolidated School District 37 board and was a past president of a Shawnee Community College Citizens advisory committee. Dr. James was a veteran of the Air Force, attaining the rank of captain. He is survived by his wife, Frances Elizabeth; two sons; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to the Achievement Fund, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802.

Bennie F. King

Dr. King (North Carolina State '95), 55, Oak Island, North Carolina, died January 5, 2023. He practiced at Oak Island Animal Hospital for 27 years. Dr. King's wife, Traci; his parents; and a brother and a sister survive him.

LeRoy S. Roemer

Dr. Roemer (Cornell '61), 86, Moneta, Virginia, died May 7, 2023. Following graduation, he joined Doremus Animal Hospital in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, where he was a senior partner until 1965. Dr. Roemer subsequently took over ownership of the hospital and Edison Animal Clinic in Edison, New Jersey. In later years, he practiced in North Carolina, serving as a relief veterinarian.

Dr. Roemer was a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the Christian Veterinary Mission. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; two daughters and a son; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Saint Francis Service Dogs, P.O. Box 19538, Roanoke, VA 24019.

David K. Suzor

Dr. Suzor (Michigan State '65), 83, Charlevoix, Michigan, died May 22, 2023. Following graduation, he practiced in Jackson, Michigan. From 1966 until retirement in 1997, Dr. Suzor owned Houghton Lake Animal Hospital in Houghton Lake, Michigan. His wife, Nancy; two sons and a daughter; two grandchildren; and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or Todd Warner Memorial Scholarship Fund, 109 Clinton St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Alan V. Vogen

Dr. Vogen (Minnesota '65), 83, Lakeville, Minnesota, died May 4, 2023. He founded Cedar View Animal Hospital in Lakeville, retiring in 2000. Early in his career, Dr. Vogen served two years in the Army. He was a lifetime member of the Minnesota VMA. Dr. Vogen is survived by three children and six grandchildren.

A version of this story appears in the October 2023 print issue of JAVMA

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