Obituaries

AVMA member

AVMA honor roll member

Nonmember

R. Kenneth Braun

Dr. Braun (Cornell '65), 84, Gainesville, Florida, died May 17, 2019. He began his career as a member of the veterinary faculty at Cornell University. In 1978, Dr. Braun was appointed chief of what is now known as the Food Animal Reproduction and Medicine Service at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. He was named chair of the veterinary college's former Department of Preventive Medicine in 1984, and in 1988, he was appointed chair of the Department of Large Animal Sciences and chief of staff of the Large Animal Teaching Hospital.

In 1994, Dr. Braun returned to teaching and clinical service, continuing in this capacity until retirement in 2001 as professor emeritus. During his tenure at the university, he developed a field service clinical rotation to educate veterinary students on health care delivery for cattle, swine, and ruminants and conducted research on the diseases of dairy calves and the applied use of dairy records systems. Dr. Braun was a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. In 2001, he received the AABP/Alpharma Award of Excellence.

Dr. Braun is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth; a daughter and four sons; and 10 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 8830 Cameron St. #201, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090; or Visual Guides of Animal Reproduction, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608.

Clyde A. Brunner

Dr. Brunner (Colorado State '51), 93, Denver, died April 23, 2019. He was the founder of Broomfield Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, Colorado, where he practiced small animal medicine for more than 55 years prior to retirement. Earlier in his career, Dr. Brunner worked in Denver for a few years.

He served on the board of directors of the Colorado VMA in the 1960s and was a past president of the Denver Area VMS. Active in his community, Dr. Brunner was a two-time mayor of Broomfield and a past president of the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Dr. Brunner's daughter and brother survive him. Memorials, earmarked for tree donations, may be made to City and County of Broomfield, c/o Tom Wells, 3001 W. 124th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020, or Longmont Humane Society, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80501.

Jim Curtis

Dr. Curtis (Washington State '67), 76, Madison, Wisconsin, died March 21, 2019. Following graduation, he served as a captain in the Army. Dr. Curtis subsequently moved to Malta, Montana, where he established Phillips County Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice.

He was a past president of the Montana VMA and active with the Freemasons. Dr. Curtis is survived by his wife, Gaelen; two sons and a daughter; eight grandchildren; and a sister. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

Hummel C. Fager

Dr. Fager (Pennsylvania '53), 92, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, died April 16, 2019. He co-owned Camp Hill Animal Hospital with his brother, Dr. Charles B. Fager (Pennsylvania '55), in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, for 50 years. Dr. Fager provided spay and neuter services to Molly's Place Rescue for 15 years and volunteered in the 1970s at the Humane Society of Harrisburg.

He served in the Navy during World War II. Dr. Fager's two daughters, a son, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or Molly's Place Rescue, 5220 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Ralph J. Haehn

Dr. Haehn (Ohio State '55), 97, Mentor, Ohio, died March 27, 2019. A mixed animal veterinarian, he began his career working in Chardon, Ohio. Dr. Haehn later became a partner at Lake Animal Hospital in Painesville, Ohio, practicing there until retirement. During his career, he also served as veterinarian at harness racing tracks for several years.

Dr. Haehn's wife, Phyllis; five sons; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister survive him. Memorials may be made to Western Reserve Land Conservancy, 3850 Chagrin River Road, Moreland Hills, OH 44022, or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Martin L. Hoffman

Dr. Hoffman (Kansas State '72), 71, New Braunfels, Texas, died Feb. 12, 2019. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, he retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Army Veterinary Corps. Dr. Hoffman is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children and four stepchildren; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Max E. Jester

Dr. Jester (Ohio State '60), 87, Antioch, Illinois, died March 28, 2019. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned Lakes Animal Clinic in Antioch for 50 years. Early in his career, Dr. Jester practiced in Peotone, Illinois. His wife, Carolyn; three daughters; and four grandchildren survive him.

Linda K. Lord

Dr. Lord (Ohio State '99), 56, Worthington, Ohio, died May 23, 2019. She served as academic and allied industry liaison lead with Merck Animal Health's Veterinary and Consumer Affairs Team. Dr. Lord was responsible for developing strategies to promote Merck as a business partner to North American veterinary colleges and allied industry partners. She was an integral part of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study and played an important role in ensuring that all veterinarians had access to the AVMA Workplace Wellbeing Certificate Program.

Following graduation, Dr. Lord was in private small animal practice for five years. During that time, she conducted research on companion animal issues, focusing on animal overpopulation, homeless pets, and pet reunification, and developed an interest in health and wellness issues relating to veterinary students.

After earning her doctorate in veterinary preventive medicine and epidemiology from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006, Dr. Lord joined the college's Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She served as an assistant and associate professor and was service head for community practice, shelter, and outreach medicine, before being named associate dean of professional programs in 2011.

As associate dean, Dr. Lord oversaw the curriculum and student affairs and led the first two National Veterinary Health and Wellness Summits in 2013 and 2014 along with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. During her tenure, she also founded the student ambassador program, established the Office of Teaching and Learning and Office of Career Management, and co-established the college's veterinary medicine outreach program. Dr. Lord received the university's Career Services Committee Career Services Award in 2014, leaving to join Merck Animal Health in 2017.

Active in organized veterinary medicine, she was a past president of the Ohio VMA and served as the association's alternate delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates. Dr. Lord was a past chair of the AAVMC's Veterinary Wellness Advancement Group and a past vice chair of the AVMA Judicial Council, served on the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee from 2007-10, and was a member of the board of trustees of the Capital Area Humane Society. In 2016, she was named Ohio Veterinarian of the Year.

Dr. Lord is survived by her mother and a sister. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH 43055, or Columbus Humane, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026.

James C. Moore

Dr. Moore (Washington State '71), 72, Kingston, Washington, died March 5, 2019. A mixed animal veterinarian, he owned Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital in Kingston from 1972-2007. Dr. Moore continued to practice at the hospital until 2017.

Active with the Kitsap Humane Society, he helped facilitate a reduction in euthanasia rates at the society and was instrumental in establishing expanded veterinary facilities on-site, in addition to volunteering his services. Dr. Moore was a member of the Rotary Club and a founding member of the Kingston Park District.

His wife, Sharon; a daughter; and two siblings survive him. Memorials may be made to the Village Green Metropolitan Park, P.O. Box 1792, 26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346, or Kitsap Humane Society, 9167 Dickey Road NW, Silverdale, WA 98383.

Gerald W. Peterson

Dr. Peterson (Minnesota '53), 91, Hughson, California, died May 18, 2019. He began his career practicing mixed animal medicine in Minnesota at Kerkhoven and Willmar. From 1961-66, Dr. Peterson worked for the Eli Lilly Drug Co. He then moved to California, where he began working in the poultry industry, including employment at Williams Turkey Hatchery in Oakdale.

Dr. Peterson was the charter president of what is now known as the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni and Friends Society. He also served as president of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Dr. Peterson's two daughters, a son, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a brother survive him. Memorials may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 93536, or Global Leadership Training, New Life Church of Woodbury, 6758 Bailey Road, Woodbury, MN 55129.

Victor L. Puckett

Dr. Puckett (Georgia '63), 86, Canton, Georgia, died Feb. 16, 2019. He founded Alpharetta Animal Clinic in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he initially practiced mixed animal medicine, switching eventually to solely large animal practice. Dr. Puckett served the community for more than 50 years.

A Navy veteran of the Korean War, he continued his service in the Navy Reserve, retiring as a commander. Dr. Puckett's wife, Dorothy; a daughter; and a brother survive him.

Julie L. Raffety-Boone

Dr. Raffety-Boone (Louisiana State '96), 48, Wynne, Arkansas, died Feb. 10, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, she practiced at Cross County Veterinary Clinic in Wynne. Dr. Boone co-founded 363 Feed the Need, a nonprofit organization in Wynne.

Her husband, Matt; three sons; her parents; and a brother survive her. Dr. Raffety-Boone's uncle, Dr. Harmon Smith (Oklahoma State '70), owns Cross County Veterinary Clinic. Memorials may be made to 363 Feed The Need, P.O. Box 1002, Wynne, AR 72396, or Wynne Presbyterian Church, 1735 Poplar Ave., Wynne, AR 72396.

Joseph F. Roehl

Dr. Roehl (Michigan State '73), 68, Smiths Creek, Michigan, died Jan. 25, 2019. In 1974, he established Wadhams Road Animal Clinic in Smiths Creek, where he practiced with his wife, Dr. Kathryn E. Simons (Michigan State '73), prior to retirement in 1996. In retirement, Dr. Roehl served as the veterinarian for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours for five summers.

He was active with the Marysville Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus. Dr. Roehl is survived by his wife, a son, and three brothers.

Richard W. Siebert

Dr. Siebert (Ohio State '57), 87, Richmond, Indiana, died March 1, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, he owned Animal Hospital of Richmond for 42 years. Active in his community, Dr. Siebert served on the Wayne County Board of Health for 50 years and on the board of Richmond Community Schools, and he was a member of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Richmond. In 2009, the chamber awarded him the Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader Award.

Dr. Siebert is survived by his wife, Mary; three daughters and a son; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Animal Care Alliance Co., 1353 Abington Pike, Richmond, IN 47374; First English Lutheran Church, 2727 East Main St., Richmond, IN 47374; or Reid Foundation, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374.

Guy R. Spencer

Dr. Spencer (Kansas State '40), 102, Pullman, Washington, died April 27, 2019. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, he served as a professor of veterinary pathology at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1950 until retirement in 1978. During that time, Dr. Spencer chaired the Department of Veterinary Pathology for 18 years, conducted research, and was instrumental in the development of a graduate training program for veterinary pathologists.

Following graduation, he worked for the Department of Agriculture in Denver. Dr. Spencer subsequently served as a research veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He went on to join the Navy Reserve during World War II, attaining the rank of lieutenant. After his military service, Dr. Spencer was in private practice in Wisconsin for a period of time. He then returned to UW, where he served as an associate professor of veterinary science and earned a doctorate in medical pathology and veterinary science in 1949 before joining WSU's veterinary college.

Dr. Spencer's seven children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren survive him.

Edward W. Stewart

Dr. Stewart (Cornell '54), 89, Manchester, Connecticut, died April 6, 2019. Following graduation, he worked in Manchester for three years. In 1957, Dr. Stewart moved to Glastonbury, Connecticut, where he established Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital, practicing there until retirement in 1993. In retirement, he worked part time for Beckett and Associates Veterinary Services in Glastonbury.

Dr. Stewart was a past president of the Connecticut VMA. He served on the Glastonbury Redevelopment Commission for several years. Dr. Stewart's wife, Patricia; two sons and a daughter; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.

Norman D. Stewart

Dr. Stewart (Ohio State '83), 63, Crystal Lake, Illinois, died April 7, 2019. He was senior account manager of scientific sales affairs at Merck Animal Health, focusing on cow health, calf care, and reproduction. Dr. Stewart also oversaw the Merck Scholarship Fund for veterinary students. Prior to beginning his more than 30-year career in industrial veterinary medicine, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Ohio.

Dr. Stewart was a past treasurer of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians and a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and Academy of Veterinary Consultants. In 2000, he was named AAIV Veterinarian of the Year.

Dr. Stewart's two sons, five grandchildren, his mother, and a brother survive him.

Christine M. Welker

Dr. Welker (Cornell '00), 47, Tyrone, Georgia, died March 2, 2019. A small animal veterinarian, she practiced in Fayetteville, Georgia, prior to retirement in 2016. Earlier, Dr. Welker worked in Warren, Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Michael P. Wilson (Louisiana State '01), a small animal veterinarian in Georgia; her parents; and a sister.

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; newsavma [dot] org (email); or fax at 847-925-9329. For an obituary to be published, JAVMA must be notified within six months of the date of death.