AVMA News

In Memory – July 6, 2023

Updated July 7, 2023

Member status key:

AVMA member | AVMA honor roll member | Nonmember

George J. Camaras

Dr. Camaras (Colorado State '62), 95, Santa Ana, California, died June 11, 2023. Following graduation, he briefly practiced small animal medicine in Monrovia, California. With a special interest in orthopedics, Dr. Camaras subsequently established three practices in California's Orange County, retiring from Yorba Linda Veterinary Hospital in Yorba Linda, California, in 2003. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy. Dr. Camaras' wife, Patricia; three children; and six grandchildren survive him.

Keumhwa Choi

Dr. Choi, 69, Saint Paul, Minnesota, died May 8, 2023. A 1976 veterinary graduate of the University of Seoul in Korea, she was an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. During her nearly 40-year tenure, Dr. Choi became certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and helped establish the complementary and alternative medicine section in the veterinary college's Veterinary Medical Center. In 2001, the university honored her with a President's Award for Outstanding Service.

Dr. Choi was a past vice president of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture. Her daughter, mother, and four sisters survive her.

Cesar Gonzalez

Dr. Gonzalez (Kansas State '67), 81, San Juan, Puerto Rico, died December 14, 2022. He served as director of the Animal Control Center of Carolina in San Juan for several years. A past president of the Puerto Rico VMA, Dr. Gonzalez was a past vice-chair of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service and served on the Puerto Rico Board of Veterinary Examiners. In 2018, the PRVMA dedicated its convention to him, and, in 2021, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine honored him with the VMX Alumni Recognition Award. His family survives him.

K. Wayne Hollingshead

Dr. Hollingshead (Guelph '78), 74, Kamloops, British Columbia, died June 12, 2023. He was an instructor in the animal health technology program at what was known as Cariboo College in Kamloops prior to retirement in 2008. Dr. Hollingshead was a past president of what is now known as the Pride Veterinary Medical Community. He was also active with the Canadian and British Columbia VMAs, American Association of Veterinary State Boards, and Association of Veterinary Technician Educators. Dr. Hollingshead is survived by two daughters, a son, and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Hollingshead/Baird Bamford Anesthesia & Critical Care Award, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada, or Royal Inland Hospital Foundation Cardiac Care fund, 311 Columbia St., Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1, Canada.

David T. Lamb

Dr. Lamb (California-Davis '81), 70, South Strafford, Vermont, died March 17, 2023. He owned an equine practice in South Strafford. Dr. Lamb also volunteered at annual rabies clinics held in the community. He was a past president of the Vermont Board of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lamb served on the zoning board for South Strafford and was a member of the Lions Club. His three daughters, a son, two grandchildren, three sisters, and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to the Green Mountain Horse Association, 5491 S. Road, South Woodstock, VT 05071; Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc., 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20005; or High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program, 138 Horse Farm Road Box 278, Sharon, VT 05065.

Michael R. Marshall

Dr. Marshall (Colorado State '75), 78, Lake Point, Utah, died April 4, 2023. He served as Utah state veterinarian for 26 years, also serving as director of animal industry. Before that, Dr. Marshall practiced at Tooele Veterinary Clinic in Tooele, Utah, for eight years, and ran the LDS Beef Welfare Ranch in Vernon, Utah. He was a past president of the United States Animal Health Association and a member of the Utah VMA, receiving the UVMA Distinguished Service Award in 1994. Dr. Marshall served in the Army National Guard of Utah. His wife, Terre; two daughters and a son; and eight grandchildren survive him.

Robert A. Marston

Dr. Marston (Michigan State '65), 85, East Kingston, New Hampshire, died January 16, 2023. Following graduation, he practiced at Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Augusta, Maine. In 1967, Dr. Marston established Amesbury Animal Hospital in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He also served as animal control officer for East Kingston for nearly 30 years and was a member of the East Kingston planning board for more than 45 years. Dr. Marston is survived by his wife, Deborah; two sons and a daughter; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Christian Veterinary Mission, P.O. Box 5888, Lynwood, WA 98046.

Arlen G. Mills

Dr. Mills (Missouri '77), 75, Lyman, South Carolina, died December 6, 2022. During his career, he practiced in Coshocton, Ohio; taught at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Hospital; was an extension veterinarian at Pennsylvania State University; served as a veterinary medical officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture; practiced at Mount Airy Veterinary Hospital in Mount Airy, North Carolina; and taught veterinary technology at Central Carolina Community College. In retirement, Dr. Mills served as a relief veterinarian at Landrum Veterinary Hospital in Landrum, South Carolina, and Kanuga Animal Clinic in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

He was a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a member of the South Carolina VMA and Gideons International. Dr. Mills' wife, Cheryl; three daughters and a son; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 6284, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Robert Speyrer

Dr. Speyrer (Texas A&M '63), 83, Opelousas, Louisiana, died December 2, 2022. Following graduation, he established Speyrer Animal Clinic in Opelousas. Dr. Speyrer was a member of the Louisiana VMA. A veteran of the Army Veterinary Corps, he attained the rank of captain. Dr. Speyrer is survived by his wife, Claire; two daughters; six grandchildren; and two sisters and a brother.

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


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