GILLESPIE, Walter Randolph

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 13, 1999, p. 13 Walter Randolph Gillespie of Wickenburg passed away January 8 at Del Webb Memorial Hospital in Sun City West. He was 72. Mr. Gillespie was born October 13, 1926 in Ajo, Arizona and had lived in Arizona his entire life. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-47 and worked cattle until 1949, when he went to Mexico where he was employed by the Mexican/American Joint Commission to eradicate hoof and mouth disease. He returned in 1951 and attended the University of Arizona and in 1959 earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. Dr. Gillespie practiced veterinary medicine in Phoenix and owned his own practice, East Maryland Small Animal Hospital. He served as president of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Association in 1974 and president of the Central Arizona Veterinary Medical Association in 1968. He was named Veterinarian of the Year by the CAVMA in 1989. Dr. Gillespie was a founding member of the Academy of Veterinary Practice and a member of the planning committee responsible for the formation of the Emergency Animal Clinic, Ltd. He served on the board of directors for the Emergency Animal Clinic, Arvetco and Phoenix Flyers, Inc. He also served for many years as treasurer of AFTOSA International. Dr. Gillespie was a Mason, pilot and enjoyed woodworking. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Nance, of Wickenburg; sons Scott of Cleveland, Ohio, Craig of Tempe and William of Gunnison, Colorado; step-children Jody Garard of Peoria, Arizona, and John Bowers of Glendale, Arizona; brother Cordon of Glendale; sister, Marian Sitton of Mesa; five step-grandchildren; and a loving extended family and many friends. Memorial services will be held Thursday (January 14) at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wickenburg. The family suggests memorial contributions to: Wickenburg Foundation for Performing Arts, Wickenburg High School, P. O. Box 3554, Wickenburg, AZ 85358. Brown’s Wickenburg Funeral Home handled all the arrangements.