Obituaries

Published on July 30, 2014
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AVMA member

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John C. Barck

Dr. Barck (Ohio ’58), 81, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, died May 9, 2014. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he served in the Army Veterinary Corps for 30 years, retiring in 1992 with the rank of colonel. Earlier, Dr. Barck practiced in Steubenville, Ohio. During his military career, he served as commander and deputy staff veterinarian in Vietnam, chief of the food inspection veterinary service in the Office of the Surgeon General, and European command veterinarian in Heidelberg, Germany.

Dr. Barck was known for his expertise in food safety and quality assurance and received the surgeon general’s “A” proficiency designator for professional excellence in a recognized veterinary specialty. He was also a recipient of the Legion of Merit. In 1992, Dr. Barck was honored with both the AVMA President’s Award and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Society Recognition Award.

Memorials toward the Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund (Fund #641288) may be made to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Attn: Kathleen Coen, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210.

Kimberly Bebar

Dr. Bebar (Iowa ’10), 30, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, died March 11, 2014. She was a resident in emergency and critical care at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists in Buzzards Bay.

Dr. Bebar spoke at the 2012 International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium in San Antonio and taught the principles of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation and the RECOVER initiative to veterinarians and veterinary technicians through didactic lectures and wet labs. She was the primary author on a manuscript published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2014. Dr. Bebar helped organize a fundraiser for the Cape Cod community to assist in the care of pets whose owners are financially limited. Memorials may be made to The Sampson Fund for Veterinary Care, P.O. Box 1756, Orleans, MA 02653.

Bruce R. Charlton

Dr. Charlton (Colorado ’84), 62, Coulterville, California, died May 26, 2014. He was a professor of clinical diagnostic microbiology and branch laboratory chief of the Turlock laboratory of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. Earlier in his career, Dr. Charlton served as a veterinary medical officer in the Sacramento laboratory of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Veterinary Laboratory Services. He was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and American College of Poultry Veterinarians and served on the board of directors of the American Association of Avian Pathologists.

Dr. Charlton was one of the first to characterize the bacterium Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. He also developed tests for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma and Salmonella infections. Dr. Charlton served as editor-in-charge of the 4th, 5th, and 6th editions of the Avian Disease Manual. He worked closely with the California poultry industry, and, in 2007, the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association named him Poultry Scientist of the Year.

Dr. Charlton was a veteran of the Army. He is survived by his wife, Colleen; two sons; and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the University of California-Davis Foundation, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 1167, Davis, CA 95617; or Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709.

Arthur H. Cutter

Dr. Cutter (Cornell ’69), 70, Deerfield, New Hampshire, died March 26, 2014. He practiced mixed animal medicine in New Hampshire for more than 40 years. Dr. Cutter’s daughter and three grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885.

Steven C. Haskins

Dr. Haskins (Washington ’69), 68, Davis, California, died April 26, 2014. He was professor emeritus of veterinary emergency and critical care and former chief of intensive care at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine since 2006. Following graduation and after earning a master’s degree in anesthesia from the University of Minnesota in 1973, Dr. Haskins joined the veterinary faculty of UC-Davis. During his more than 30-year tenure, he advanced the specialty of anesthesia and established emergency and critical care as a specialty at the veterinary school

Dr. Haskins helped establish the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and was a charter diplomate. He was also a diplomate and a past president of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and a past president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. During his career, Dr. Haskins received several teaching and research awards. In 2002, he was the recipient of the VECCS Ira M. Zaslow Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Haskins received recognition in 2013 for teaching at all 19 International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care symposiums.

He is survived by his wife, Nanci Bristowe.

William M. Howe

Dr. Howe (Cornell ’57), 82, Olean, New York, died April 25, 2014. A small animal practitioner, he owned Olean Veterinary Clinic from 1961 until retirement in 2002. Earlier in his career, Dr. Howe owned a practice in Wellsville, New York. He was a member of the New York State VMS and a past president of the Hinsdale Central School District, Hinsdale, New York. His wife, Anne; three daughters; and eight grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410; Joyful Rescues, 1319 Turock Road, Cuba, NY 14727; or New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233.

John E. Le Jeune Jr.

Dr. Le Jeune (Texas ’46), 89, Celeste, Texas, died March 11, 2014. During his career, he worked in livestock inspection. Dr. Le Jeune was an Army veteran of the Korean War. His son and daughter; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren survive him.

Sam W. Levingston III

Dr. Levingston (Texas ’55), 83, Houston, died Feb. 7, 2014. Following graduation, he worked briefly in Port Arthur, Texas, before joining the Army.

Dr. Levingston was subsequently commissioned into the Army Veterinary Corps as a 1st lieutenant. During his military service, he commanded the European War Dog Program in Germany and attained the rank of captain. Dr. Levingston went on to establish Sharpstown Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Sharpstown, Texas. He founded four other clinics in Houston, continuing to practice until 1992. After that, Dr. Levingston worked for the city of Houston Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care until 2000.

He was a member of the Harris and Montgomery County VMAs, a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and a member of the Conroe Lions Club. Dr. Levingston’s two daughters survive him. Memorials may be made to Rescued Pets Movement, 3139 W. Holcombe Blvd., Suite 135, Houston, TX 77025; or Blue Ribbon Equine Rescue, P.O. Box 842, Katy, TX 77492.

Charles E. Martin

Dr. Martin (Missouri ’58), 84, Troy, Missouri, died May 5, 2014. Following graduation, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Marceline, Missouri, for almost seven years. After earning a Master’s degree in veterinary medicine from Purdue University in 1967, Dr. Martin joined the veterinary faculty at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine. During his tenure, he served as a professor and chaired the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from 1974-1980. Dr. Martin joined the Upjohn Company as a technical services veterinarian in 1980, working for the company until 1993. He then served as an independent consultant until retirement in 2003.

A charter diplomate and a past president of the American College of Theriogenologists, Dr. Martin was also a past president of the Missouri VMA. He was a member of the Society for Theriogenology, American Association of Veterinary Clinicians, and American Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians. Dr. Martin was also a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and American Association of Bovine Practitioners.

He was named Teacher of the Year at Purdue University in 1966. The University of Missouri honored Dr. Martin with the Distinguished Faculty-Alumni Award in 1969 and named him the Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher in 1973. In 1991, the Upjohn Company recognized him as a distinguished employee.

Dr. Martin was a veteran of the Air Force. His three sons, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren survive him. Dr. Martin’s sons, Drs. Tony Martin (Missouri ’77) and David Martin (Missouri ’87), work for MFA Inc. and Zoetis, respectively. His daughter-in-law, Dr. Alondra Martin (Mississippi ’93), works for Idexx. Memorials may be made to Fridens United Church of Christ, 980 Main St., Moscow Mills, MO 63362.

Thomas R. McCabe Jr.

Dr. McCabe (Texas ’77), 64, El Paso, Texas, died April 14, 2014. A small and exotic animal practitioner, he owned Northeast Veterinary Clinic and Montana Animal Clinic in El Paso. Earlier in his career, Dr. McCabe served in the Army Veterinary Corps, attaining the rank of captain. During that time, he worked in the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Fort Detrick, Maryland.

Dr. McCabe was a member of the Texas and El Paso VMAs and was named TVMA Companion Animal Practitioner of the Year in 2000. He was a member of the El Paso Humane Society and served on the El Paso City Board of Health. Dr. McCabe’s wife, Joyce; a son; and a granddaughter and stepgrandson survive him. Memorials may be made to the El Paso Humane Society, 4991 Fred Wilson, El Paso, TX 79906.

William R. McFadden

Dr. McFadden (Washington ’57), 88, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, died April 12, 2014. A small animal practitioner, he owned Pet Resort in Lake Havasu City prior to retirement in 1997.

Dr. McFadden established his first practice in Ontario, California, following graduation. During that time, he also worked with Walt Disney Studios. In the late 1960s, he moved to Sedona, Arizona, where he founded a practice. He went on to establish additional practices in Arizona at Flagstaff and Paige. Dr. McFadden moved in the mid-1970s to Lake Havasu City, where he established a new practice, then built the Animal Hospital of Havasu in 1984.

He was a member of the Arizona and California VMAs and the Elk and Rotary clubs. Dr. McFadden served in the Merchant Marine during World War II and was a member of the American Legion. His wife, Orline; a stepson and stepdaughter; and four stepgrandchildren survive him.

Robert L. McMillan

Dr. McMillan (Texas ’62), 77, Midland, Texas, died April 4, 2014. Prior to retirement, he was a mixed animal practitioner, focusing on small animal medicine in the latter part of his career. He is survived by his wife, Linda; a daughter and two sons; two stepchildren; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Mid-Cities Community Church Missionary Fund, 8700 State Highway 191, Midland, TX 79707.

Glenn A. Severin

Dr. Severin (Colorado ’53), 84, Fort Collins, Colorado, died April 20, 2014. A past president of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and a founding diplomate of the ACVO and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, he was professor emeritus at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences since 1996.

Following graduation, Dr. Severin served in the Air Force for two years. He then practiced in Salt Lake City before joining the veterinary faculty of CSU as an assistant professor in small animal medicine in 1957. Dr. Severin earned his master’s degree in physiology from the university in 1963 and became a professor in 1969, focusing on veterinary ophthalmology. During his tenure, he developed the cardiology, ophthalmology, and small animal internal medicine programs at the veterinary teaching hospital. He authored Severin’s Veterinary Ophthalmology Notes.

He was a past president of the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the Colorado VMA. Dr. Severin received several honors, including the American Animal Hospital Association Award in 1971 and the CSU Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award in 1973. In 1978, he was the recipient of the Gaines Dog Research Center’s annual Fido Award. Dr. Severin received the CVMA Outstanding Faculty Award in 1985 and the AAHA Award of Merit in 1988. He was named Colorado Veterinarian of the Year in 1994, received an AAHA Outstanding Service Award (Western region) in 1995, and was honored with the Meritorious Service Award at the Western Veterinary Conference in 2004.

Dr. Severin is survived by his wife, Joan; two sons and two daughters; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. His son Dr. Scott R. Severin (Colorado ’79) is a veterinarian in Texas.

Memorials toward the Dr. Severin Ophthalmology Endowment may be made to Colorado State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522.

Siegfried E. Sieber

Dr. Sieber (Ohio ’62), 79, Cincinnati, died April 17, 2014. A small animal practitioner, he founded Cincinnati’s Red Bank and Hyde Park veterinary clinics during his 50-year career. Dr. Sieber’s wife, Jenni; two daughters and four sons; and 11 grandchildren survive him.

Memorials may be made to the Carl H. Lindner Jr. Family Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220; or Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, 2806 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

David W. Stormer

Dr. Stormer (Texas ’77), 62, Muenster, Texas, died March 21, 2014. He was a retired small animal veterinarian and a veteran of the Army. Dr. Stormer is survived by a son.

Charles S. Thrush

Dr. Thrush (Michigan ’61), 79, Eagle, Michigan, died Dec. 30, 2013. A small animal practitioner, he began his career at Baker Animal Hospital in Midland, Michigan. Dr. Thrush later founded Waverly Animal Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. He was a life member of the Michigan VMA. Dr. Thrush’s two sons and six grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 2140 University Park Drive, Suite 210, Okemos, MI 48864.

Mahendra R. Varia

Dr. Varia (Bombay ’58), 78, Martin, Kentucky, died Feb. 16, 2014. He owned Martin Animal Hospital from 1980 until retirement in 2014, initially practicing mixed animal medicine, and, later, focusing on small animals. Earlier in his career, Dr. Varia served as a professor of pathology at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Anand, India, and practiced in Gujarat, India. He was a member of the Kentucky VMA and Martin City Council.

Dr. Varia’s wife, Chandra; a daughter; and two grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to Saint Joseph-Martin, Cardiac Services, P.O. Box 910, Martin, KY 41649.


Obituary notifications

Please report the death of a veterinarian promptly to the JAVMA News staff via a toll-free phone call at 800-248-2862, ext. 6754; email at newsatavma [dot] org; or fax at 847-925-9329.

For an obituary to be published, JAVMA must be notified within six months of the date of death.