In Memoriam

Jacob E. Mosier, 1924-2001

Dr. Jacob E. Mosier

Former AVMA president and professor emeritus of veterinary medicine at Kansas State University, Dr. Jacob E. Mosier (KSU '45), Manhattan, Kan, died April 25 at the age of 77. He was an AVMA honor roll member.

Many of the issues Dr. Mosier focused on as AVMA president in 1981-1982 are relevant today. They included practice economics and animal rights. He also initiated steps to create opportunities for a forecast surplus of veterinarians. The prediction he made 20 years ago in his address to the House of Delegates as incoming president has proved true: that it would become increasingly important for the Association to coordinate the strength and vigor of its constituent organizations.

Honored to have once been a student of Dr. Mosier, AVMA executive vice president, Dr. Bruce W. Little (KSU '65), said, "Dr. Mosier was a very special person to me, as he was to a large number of people, veterinarians and nonveterinarians alike. His physical presence will be missed by all, but his legacy of compassion, integrity, and dignity will be felt throughout the veterinary profession for many years to come."

Dr. Mosier's career at Kansas State University spanned 47 years. Although he retired in 1992, he remained active as an emeritus professor and chair of the college's scholarship campaign committee. During his tenure at Kansas State University, he reached out to other veterinarians, students, breeders, and pet owners by presenting more than 220 continuing education programs in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

"Dr. Mosier was a friend and mentor to me for 40 years," KSU provost and former veterinary college dean, Dr. James Coffman said. "I was among a very large number of people who benefited from his example and advice. His passing marks the end of an era in veterinary medicine, and especially in the life and history of veterinary medicine at Kansas State University."

Following graduation, Dr. Mosier joined the faculty of the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine as an instructor in the anatomy department and the Department of Surgery and Medicine. From 1949-1950 he was an assistant professor at the University of Illinois in Urbana. Dr. Mosier returned to Kansas State in 1950 as an associate professor in the Department of Surgery and Medicine, achieving full professor status in 1954. He served as head of the Department of Surgery and Medicine from 1961-1981. In 1985, Dr. Mosier became the director of development for the college.

Dr. Mosier served as vice president of the World Veterinary Association from 1977-1980 and as president of the Kansas VMA in 1981. He was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

In January 2001 he was recognized for his contributions to the health and well-being of animals through a lifetime of service by receiving the Mark L. Morris Sr Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. His other honors included being named to the Edwin J. Frick Chair of Veterinary Medicine at KSU and being awarded the FDA Commissioner's Special Citation. Dr. Mosier received the Kansas Veterinarian-of-the-Year Award in 1977, Intermountain VMA Award, Kansas VMA's President Award, American Animal Hospital Award, honorary membership in the Eastern Iowa VMA, and the Outstanding Teacher Award, twice.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his sons, Steven Mosier, MD, Michael Mosier, MD, and Dr. Kelly A. Mosier (KSU '82); and his daughter, Susan Mosier Brown, MD. Of his nine siblings, four are veterinarians: Dr. Ross O. Mosier (KSU '52), Dr. Larry K. Mosier (KSU '60), Dr. Donald L. Mosier (KSU '62), and Dr. Steven R. Mosier (KSU '66). His nephews, Dr. Derek A. Mosier (KSU '78) and Dr. Brad D. Fansher (KSU '83), and his niece, Dr. Melisse M. Gray (ISU '95), are also veterinarians.

Memorials may be made to the Lela and Decker Mosier Scholarship, the Mosier family scholarship for KSU veterinary students, or the KSU Foundation for the Center for Basic Cancer Research. They should be sent c/o Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Dr. Garskis (CAL '64), 84, Northridge, Calif, died Dec 7, 2000. Retired in 1985, he practiced at the small animal clinic he established in Encino, Calif, in 1965. He was a member of the California VMA and the Southern California VMA. Dr. Garskis is survived by his wife, Mitzi, two sons, and three daughters.

Dr. Holt (UP '39), 85, Winchester, Mass, died March 10, 2001. He was the past owner of a small animal clinic in West Medford, Mass, where he practiced for 40 years until retirement in 1980. Dr. Holt sold his practice to Dr. Bill Looby, who had taken his first puppy to Dr. Holt when he was 5 years old. Dr. Holt was a member of the Massachusetts VMA and the New England VMA. He also served on the Medford Board of Health. Memorials may be made to the MSPCA, 350 S Huntington St, Boston, MA 02130.

Dr. Mettler (COR '44), 78, Copake Falls, NY, died March 27, 2001. In 1947, he established his practice in Copake Falls. Dr. Mettler became involved with the DeLaval Separator Company in milking machine research and development in 1969. From 1977 onward, he concentrated on equine medicine, retiring in 1985.

A World War II veteran, Dr. Mettler served as a captain in the Army Veterinary Corps, in the Pacific Theatre. He was a member of state and regional veterinary societies, serving as president of the Hudson Valley VMS in 1965. Dr. Mettler wrote a veterinary column for the "American Agriculturist" from 1964-1985, articles on veterinary medicine for "Highlights For Children," and three animal-related books. He chaired the zoning board of appeals and planning board for the town of Copake and served as an assessor. He helped organize the local VFW Post and served as quartermaster.

Survivors include his wife, Elinor, his son, and five daughters. Memorials may be made to the Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene, 47 Liberty St, Catskill, NY 12414, or the Community Rescue Squad, Copake Falls, NY 12517.

Dr. Morgan (TEX '43), 84, Houston, died March 21, 2001. Until retirement in 1976, he was the senior vice president of research and development at Franklin Laboratories in Amarillo, Texas. Dr. Morgan had served the company from 1949-1963 in positions that included vice president and superintendent of the biological plant. His professional career as a research veterinarian also included the research faculty of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in College Station and American Home Products in Denver, where he was instrumental in the development of livestock vaccines.

An Army veteran, Dr. Morgan retired in 1966 from the Veterinary Corps as a lieutenant colonel in the Reserve. He was a member of the Colorado VMA and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. Dr. Morgan was named vice president of the Veterinary Biological Licensees Association in 1950 and chaired the Biological Section of the Animal Health Institute in 1968. His survivors include two stepsons.

Dr. Rubin (COR '46), 76, Dallas, died Feb 3, 2001. A dual diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in internal medicine and cardiology, he was associated with the Animal Cardiology/Internal Medicine Clinic in Dallas. Following graduation, Dr. Rubin practiced in Port Jefferson, NY. He then taught at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Rubin also served on the faculties of the University of Illinois, Texas A&M University, Southwestern University, and Ben Gurion University in Israel. During his career, he was also a veterinary cardiology/internal medicine consultant at Yale University and directed several New York practices. Dr. Rubin helped establish an animal husbandry college in Beer Sheva, Israel.

He wrote a book on veterinary medicine, publishing it on the Internet. The AAHA named Dr. Rubin Veterinary Practitioner of the Year in 1981. His wife, Leah, and four children survive him.

Dr. Speyrer (TEX '61), 63, Lafayette, La, died Jan 9, 2001. Early in his career, Dr. Speyrer practiced in Lake Charles, La, and spent a year working for the state of Louisiana. Then he opened a mixed practice. Dr. Speyrer was a member of the Louisiana VMA. Survivors include his wife, Wilda, one son, and two daughters.