Obituaries

AVMA member

AVMA honor roll member

Nonmember

Charles H. Aiken

Dr. Aiken (TEX ’51), 88, Georgetown, Texas, died Feb. 11, 2014. He owned a mixed animal practice in Georgetown, serving ranchers, farmers, and dairymen in addition to pet owners in the area for 44 years. Dr. Aiken was a member of the Texas VMA. He served in the Navy during World War II. Dr. Aiken’s wife, Anna; two daughters; and two sons survive him. Memorials may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 311 E. University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626.

Sammy K. Allen

Dr. Allen (IL ’70), 69, Wayzata, Minn., died Jan. 8, 2014. He was the founder of Northwest Animal Hospital in Plymouth, Minn., where he practiced small animal medicine with a special interest in allergies and other areas of dermatology, prior to retirement in 2012. Dr. Allen was a past president of the Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service and Minnesota VMA and a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology and Academy of Veterinary Allergy. The MVMA honored him with the 1998 Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Allen is survived by his wife, Janis; a son; and a daughter. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, 7900 W. 78th St., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55439.

J. Bruce Arensman

Dr. Arensman (IL ’64), 73, Martinez, Ga., died March 6, 2014. A small animal veterinarian, he practiced at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital in Evans, Ga. Dr. Arensman also worked at the Augusta Animal Emergency Clinic in Augusta, Ga., for several years. Early in his career, he served in the Army Veterinary Corps for 20 years, attaining the rank of major. Dr. Arensman was a member of the Georgia VMA and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. His wife, Geri; two sons and a daughter; and three grandchildren survive him.

Memorials may be made to Augusta Warrior Project (an advocacy program for service members and veterans), 4115 Columbia Road, Suite 5-333, Martinez, GA 30907; or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.

John M. Bryan

Dr. Bryan (TEX ’47), 90, Farmington, Ark., died Jan. 11, 2014. He began his career in North Dakota, later moving to Batesville, Ark. Dr. Bryan served in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during World War II. He is survived by three sons and four daughters; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, AR 72703.

Jonathan E. Diehl

Dr. Diehl (UP ’83), 60, Weston, Mass., died Oct. 10, 2013. A small animal veterinarian, he was the co-founder of Winchester Veterinary Group in Winchester, Mass., where he practiced for more than 20 years. Dr. Diehl was active with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; a son; and a daughter. Memorials may be made to Mass Audubon (the Massachusetts Audubon Society), 208 S. Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773; or Boy Scout Troop 147, Weston, MA 02493.

A.M. Easterling Jr.

Dr. Easterling (TEX ’62), 75, Centerville, Texas, died Dec. 30, 2013. He owned Easterling Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Centerville, for 51 years. Dr. Easterling was a past president of the Three Rivers VMA and a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Texas Academy of Veterinary Practitioners, and Texas VMA. In 1994, he was named TVMA Food Animal Practitioner of the Year. Active in civic life, Dr. Easterling served on the Centerville School Board and was the Centerville Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year in 1986. His wife, Peggy; two daughters and a son; and three grandchildren survive him. One daughter, Dr. Denise Easterling (TEX ’85), owns Easterling Veterinary Services in Madisonville, Texas. Memorials may be made to the Bonnie Easterling Scholarship Fund, 813 S. Commerce St., Centerville, TX 75833.

Maynard O. Engstrom

Dr. Engstrom (IL ’59), 85, Moline, Ill., died March 9, 2014. He was the founder of Towne & Country Veterinary Clinic in Rock Island, Ill. Dr. Engstrom is survived by six children, 14 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 5th Ave., Rock Island, IL 61201; or Beacon of Hope Hospice, 256 S. Soangetaha Road, Galesburg, IL 61401.

Robert Ferber

Dr. Ferber (COR ’39), 99, Syosset, N.Y., died Dec. 12, 2013. He established a small animal practice in Bayside, N.Y., following graduation. During World War II, Dr. Ferber served in the Army Veterinary Corps, attaining the rank of captain. He then established North Shore Animal Hospital in Bayside. Dr. Ferber was joined in practice shortly thereafter by his brother, the late Dr. Leonard Ferber (COR ’43), and, in later years, by his son, Dr. Alan Ferber (COR ’70), and his grandson, Dr. Michael Ferber (COR ’96). Dr. Robert Ferber retired in 1987. His son and daughter, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Daniel C. Gray

Dr. Gray (STG ’08), 37, Brooklyn, N.Y., died Feb. 15, 2014. A 2008 graduate of St. George’s University in Grenada, he was a partner and medical director of Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group (South) in Brooklyn. Dr. Gray served on the board of directors of Positive Tails, an organization dedicated to providing critical assistance to animals and people in need. Memorials may be made to Morristown Memorial Hospital Cancer Research Center, 100 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960; or Positive Tails, P.O. Box 27192, Brooklyn, NY 11202.

Dale L. Haggard

Dr. Haggard (MIN ’59), 79, White Bear Lake, Minn., died Nov. 27, 2013. From 1978 until retirement in 1995, he was on the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, also holding an appointment with the university’s extension service. Earlier in his career, Dr. Haggard practiced large animal medicine in southwest Minnesota and served on the faculty of Michigan State University. He is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren.

George E. Hahn

Dr. Hahn (COR ’56), 81, North Branford, Conn., died Feb. 1, 2014. In 1956, he founded Jeffersonville Animal Hospital in Jeffersonville, N.Y., where he initially practiced mixed animal medicine, later focusing on small animals. Dr. Hahn retired in 1995. Active in civic life, he served on the Sullivan County Parks and Recreation Commission and Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central School Board and was a member of the Jeffersonville Lions Club. Dr. Hahn is survived by his wife, Barbara; a daughter and a son; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Sullivan County­–4H Education Programs, 64 Ferndale Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754.

Manuel A. Hernandez-Segovia

Dr. Hernandez-Segovia (MEX ’56), 99, San Salvador, El Salvador, died Feb. 18, 2014. From 1992-2012, he worked in product representation for Laquinsa in San Jose, Costa Rica. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hernandez-Segovia served with the Ministry of Agriculture in El Salvador in a variety of roles, including heading the sections of hygiene and poultry sanitation and laboratories. During his career, he also served as a consultant for various laboratories. Dr. Hernandez-Segovia helped establish a veterinary medical association for Salvadorian veterinarians.

Dr. Hernandez-Segovia is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; four children; and eight grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Asociacion Protectora de Animales (Abandoned Pets Organization), Calle San Carlos, No. 507, Colonia Layco, San Salvador, El Salvador.

Midge Leitch

Dr. Leitch (UP ’73), 67, Cochranville, Pa., died Feb. 15, 2014. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, she was staff veterinarian in the Section of Sports Medicine and Imaging at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center from 2005-2011. Dr. Leitch began her career as a member of the surgical staff at New Bolton Center. From 1980-1996, she owned Londonderry Equine Clinic in Cochranville, also serving as an equine consultant. Dr. Leitch then returned to New Bolton Center, where she was an adjunct assistant professor of surgery for the next 10 years.

She served as veterinarian for the United States equestrian team at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympic games and was a member of the United States Equestrian Federation’s Veterinary Committee. Dr. Leitch was a past director of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, a past chair of the AAEP Animal Welfare Committee and Tennessee Walking Horse Task Force, and a member of the Pennsylvania VMA. She was active with Canine Partners for Life and raised puppies for The Seeing Eye, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of blind people through the use of trained dogs.

In 1988, Dr. Leitch received the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Award of Merit. The AAEP honored her with the President’s Award in 2008, and, in 2012, she received the AAEP Distinguished Service Award. In 2012, Dr. Leitch also received the Best Friends Award from The Seeing Eye. Memorials may be made to The Seeing Eye, 10 Washington Valley Road, P.O. Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963.

Paul D. Lundgren

Dr. Lundgren (MIN ’51), 88, Montevideo, Minn., died Dec. 30, 2013. He was a partner at Montevideo Clinic, where he practiced for 48 years. Dr. Lundgren was a member of the Minnesota VMA. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dr. Lundgren was also a member of the Lions Club and Ducks Unlimited. He is survived by his wife, Bette; a son; and a granddaughter and two grandsons.

Donald E. Martinelli

Dr. Martinelli (CAL ’55), 86, Sacra­mento, Calif., died Dec. 23, 2013. He practiced small animal medicine at Ben Ali Veterinary Clinic in Sacramento for more than 44 years. In retirement, Dr. Martinelli served as a relief veterinarian. He was a past president of the Sacramento Valley VMA. Dr. Martinelli’s wife, Betty; three daughters and a son; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren survive him.

Clial D. McDonald

Dr. McDonald (KSU ’54), 89, Sarasota, Fla., died Jan. 9, 2014. He worked for the Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector prior to retirement. Earlier in his career, Dr. McDonald was in general practice in the Downs area of Kansas for 35 years. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy and earned a Purple Heart. Dr. McDonald was a charter member of the Downs Lions Club and a member of the Marine Corps League of Salina. He is survived by his wife, Georgia; a daughter; and two granddaughters. Memorials may be made to Johnson Cancer Research Center, 1 Chalmers Hall, Kansas State University, 1700 Anderson Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502; or Marine Corps League of Salina, Salina, KS 67401.

Grady A. McElmurray Jr.

Dr. McElmurray (GA ’58), 80, Lexington, S.C., died Feb. 15, 2014. In the mid-1960s, he established Veterinary Services in Aiken, S.C., where he initially practiced mixed animal medicine, later focusing on small animals. Dr. McElmurray retired in the early 2000s. In the beginning of his career, he practiced in Kentucky and Georgia.

Dr. McElmurray was a past president of the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians and served six years on the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, including service as chair. In 1993, he was named South Carolina Veterinarian of the Year. Active in civic life, Dr. McElmurray was a past president of the Aiken County Heart Association. He is survived by his wife, Thera; two daughters and a son; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, 5106 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29204; or Guido Evangelistic Association of Metter, 600 N. Lewis St., Metter, GA 30439.

Robert C. McKnight

Dr. McKnight (WSU ’53), 84, Florence, Ore., died Dec. 24, 2013. Prior to his retirement in 1998, he owned a mixed animal practice in Florence. Dr. McKnight was a life member of the Oregon VMA. His wife, Phyllis; three sons and a daughter; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren survive him.

Memorials to Dr. McKnight may be made to New Life Lutheran Church, 2100 Spruce St., Florence, OR 97439.

Quintin C. Metzig

Dr. Metzig (MSU ’45), 96, Oshkosh, Wis., died March 2, 2014. He owned a primarily large animal practice in Wisconsin’s Winnebago County, where he practiced for 45 years. Dr. Metzig was a past chair of the Wisconsin VMA Executive Board and a past member of the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board. He was named 1959 Wisconsin Veterinarian of the Year. Active in civic life, Dr. Metzig was a past president of the Oshkosh School Board. In 2013, he and his wife, Jeanne, were named Volunteers of the Year by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.

Dr. Metzig is survived by his wife; three daughters and three sons; 21 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church Endowment, P.O. Box 177, Rosendale, WI 54974; Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Metzig Family Conservation Fund, 230 Ohio St., Suite 100, Oshkosh, WI 54902; or University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI 53711.

Barbara F. Nichols

Dr. Nichols (TEX ’97), 62, Richardson, Texas, died Dec. 25, 2013. A small animal veterinarian, she most recently practiced at Animal Medical Center of Richardson.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Nichols worked in Lewisville, Texas.

Jose P. Quintana

Dr. Quintana (COL ’77), 66, Farmington, N.M., died Oct. 27, 2013. A mixed animal veterinarian, he co-owned Animal Haven Clinic in Farmington with his wife, Dr. Susan Moreland (GA ’76). Dr. Quintana was a member of the New Mexico VMA. He served in the Marine Corps from 1965-1970.

He is survived by his wife. Memorials may be made to the Kona Fund, c/o Animal Haven Clinic, 822 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 87401; or Riley Industrial Men’s Health Fund, P.O. Box 110, Farmington, NM 87499.

Stuart R. Rosenburg

Dr. Rosenburg (TEN ’93), 46, Tampa, Fla., died Nov. 19, 2013. He was the former owner of Bayshore Animal Clinic in Tampa, where he practiced small animal medicine with a special interest in acupuncture and herbology until 2013. Early in his career, Dr. Rosenburg served as zoo veterinarian for the Silver Springs attraction in Silver Springs, Fla., and the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. His wife, Gayle Marie, survives him.

John H. Schmidt

Dr. Schmidt (WSU ’52), 87, Klamath Falls, Ore., died Feb. 6, 2014. A mixed animal practitioner, he retired from Klamath Animal Clinic in 1987. Earlier in his career, Dr. Schmidt practiced in Stockton, Calif.; Merrill, Ore.; Walla Walla, Wash.; and Redmond, Ore. He was a life member of the Oregon VMA and a member of the American Animal Hospital Association. Dr. Schmidt served in the Navy during World War II and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his daughter, son, and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to High Desert Hospice, 2894 Greensprings Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97603; or Klamath Animal Shelter, 4240 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603.

Niles J. Thomason

Dr. Thomason (OKL ’07), 31, Eagle, Colo., died Dec. 25, 2013. He practiced small animal medicine at Castle Peak Veterinary Service in Eagle for the past seven years. Dr. Thomason’s wife, Tiffany, and a son survive him. Memorials toward an investment fund for his son may be made to Fidelity Investments, FBO Carter Hinson Thomason, c/o Steve Streeter, 4111 S. Darlington, Suite 120, Tulsa, OK 74135.

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