TUFTS, Neely Gassaway, (Dr.)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Sunday, March 27, 2011 Dr. Neely Gassaway Tufts, 65, of Flagstaff, died Sunday, March 20, 2011. Dr. Tufts was born Aug. 29, 1945, in San Francisco, and he grew up in Los Angeles. His mother was an actress and writer, Jayne Drennan Tufts, and his father, Richard Tufts, owned his own investment company. Dr. Tufts served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an U.S. Army Airborne Ranger and received two Silver Star medals and two Purple Heart medals, among others. He remained a proud veteran and felt this was one of his greatest contributions. After returning from Vietnam, he began his education, attaining his Ph.D. in psychology from TCU. He had a private practice in South Dakota. One of his most enjoyable years was living with and studying wolves in the high Sierra Mountains, from which he published his studies. His love of animals led him to open a kennel in Sedona called Wolf Briar Kennels; he also worked doing studies with cattle at Texas A & M. Dr. Tufts and his wife, Bobbie Jean, lived in Flagstaff for the past five years; however, most of his fondest memories were growing up in Sedona with his grandparents, who built one of the first homes there. Dr. Tufts is survived by his wife, Bobbie Jean, of Flagstaff; and a daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren in Texas. He will be buried in one of the military cemeteries in Texas. His wife's wishes are that his friends and fellow veterans will remember him with honor -- the generous heart he shared with others, his contributions and sacrifices he made during his lifetime, and his true love of animals, which were always a part of his life. Condolences can be sent to the family at condolences@Lozanos-FlagstaffMortuary.com. Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary is handling arrangements.