In Memory – October 26, 2023

Albert J. Angel

Dr. Angel, 71, Boca Raton, Florida, died April 2, 2023. A 1980 graduate of National Autonomous University of Mexico School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, he moved to south Florida and founded Boca-Delray Animal Hospital in Delray Beach, Animal Hospital of the Palm Beaches in Lake Worth, and Animal Hospital of Boca Raton.

During his more than 37-year career, Dr. Angel also trained with the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. He was a member of the Florida VMA and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Dr. Angel is survived by his wife, Gladys; two sons and a daughter; four grandchildren; and a brother. Memorials may be made to the ASXL Rare Research Endowment Foundation, P.O. Box 4662, Portland, ME 04112.

Bernice (Happy) A. Babbish

Dr. Babbish (Michigan State ’83), 66, Sarasota, Florida, died April 17, 2023. Following graduation, she practiced mixed animal medicine in Brennan, Texas. Dr. Babbish subsequently established Jet Set Vet, a relief practice based in Houston, eventually expanding services to other states. Certified in veterinary chiropractic and acupuncture and knowledgeable about homeopathy and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, she later owned an ambulatory practice, focusing on Eastern veterinary medicine. Dr. Babbish is survived by a brother. Memorials, toward the Happy Babbish Scholarship, may be made to the World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 141324, Gainesville, FL 32614.

Warren L. Beard

Dr. Beard (Texas A&M ’83), 65, Olsburg, Kansas, died July 24, 2023. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, he was a professor of equine surgery at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Beard’s work focused on surgery of the upper airway and head of performance horses, colic surgery, and urogenital disorders. His research interests included management of postoperative colic patients, surgical treatments for dorsal displacement of the soft palate, and endotoxemia.

Following graduation, Dr. Beard practiced two years in Dickinson, Texas. He subsequently completed a residency in equine surgery at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and then served on the veterinary faculty for several years as an equine surgeon and an associate professor. In 2004, Dr. Beard joined the veterinary college at Kansas State University.

He was a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. Dr. Beard was honored for his teaching and recognized for his mentoring of residents at Kansas State. He also received recognition for teaching and his time and efforts toward the residency program at Ohio State. Dr. Beard is survived by his wife, Dr. Laurie Beard (Washington State ’91), also a veterinarian; two children; his mother; and a sister and a brother.

Ralph L. Buckel Jr.

Dr. Buckel (Georgia ’68), 81, Chestertown, Maryland, died August 21, 2023. Following graduation, he joined Chestertown Animal Hospital, a mixed animal practice, where he eventually became a partner. A diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Dr. Buckel was a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Maryland VMA, Maryland Farm Bureau, and 4H All Star organization. His wife, Sara; a daughter and three sons; nine grandchildren; and a brother and a sister survive him.

Steven D. Crews

Dr. Crews (Auburn ’95), 54, Union City, Tennessee, died May 4, 2023. He practiced at Reelfoot Animal Hospital in Union City. Dr. Crews is survived by his wife, Lisa; two daughters; and a sister. Memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church Journey of Faith, 831 N. Everett Blvd., Union City, TN 38261.

T. Larry Gilbert

Dr. Gilbert (Georgia ’67), 80, Cumming, Georgia, died April 1, 2023. He owned a veterinary clinic in Cumming, retiring after 34 years of practice. Dr. Gilbert traveled to Mongolia as part of the Christian Veterinary Mission. His wife, Barbara; two sons and a daughter; and eight grandchildren survive him. Memorials may be made to the Concord Baptist Church Youth Center, 6905 Concord Road, Cumming, GA 30028.

Alan M. Kelly

Dr. Kelly, 88, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, died May 13, 2023. Known for his research on muscle disease and muscular dystrophy, he was dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) from 1995-2005. Dr. Kelly received his veterinary degree in 1962 from the University of Bristol in England and earned his PhD in pathology in 1967 from Penn Vet. He subsequently joined the faculty of Penn Vet as an assistant professor of pathobiology. Dr. Kelly went on to serve as a professor and chaired the Department of Pathobiology for four years. In 1994, he was named acting dean of the veterinary school, becoming dean a year later.

As dean, Dr. Kelly led laboratory renovations and the construction of new buildings and facilities as well as secured funding for a new teaching and research building. He retired from Penn Vet in 2010. Dr. Kelly was a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. From 2002-05, he represented the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges on the AVMA Legislative Advisory Committee. Dr. Kelly was a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, American Society for Cell Biology, and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute. In 1974, Penn Vet honored him with a Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

Dr. Kelly’s four sons and two grandchildren survive him.

David W. Krick

Dr. Krick (Cornell ’82), 67, High Bridge, New Jersey, died July 4, 2023. He practiced at Dog, Cat, & Bird Clinic of Nutley in Nutley, New Jersey, prior to retirement in 2020. Dr. Krick also owned Veterinary Relief Service to the Small Animal Practitioner, a relief practice. Early in his career, he practiced at Parkway Veterinary Clinic in Burke Centre, Virginia; Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital in Kearny, New Jersey; and Fairlawn Animal Hospital in Fairlawn, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife, Nora; a son; a grandchild; and four sisters and a brother.

Stephen G. Soule

Dr. Soule (Pennsylvania ’73), 75, Wellington, Florida, died May 25, 2023. He owned an equine practice in Wellington prior to retirement in 2013. Dr. Soule began his career as a racetrack veterinarian with the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission at Penn National Race Course. He subsequently co-established and served as a partner at the Delaware Equine Center in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida in 1992.

During his career, Dr. Soule also served as the veterinarian for the United States Equestrian Team for several years. He was among the veterinarians who officiated at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and served as the official veterinarian for multiple horse shows, including the Washington International Horse Show. In 2009, the United States Equestrian Federation honored him with the Marty Simensen Memorial Trophy, recognizing his commitment to the welfare and protection of horses.

Dr. Soule is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and a sister. Memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

A version of this story appears in the January 2024 print issue of JAVMA

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