Gary B. Beard
Dr. Gary B. Beard, Auburn Class of 1959, passed away on March 9, 2024, at the age of 92 in Kingwood, Texas. A dedicated veterinarian and esteemed academic, Dr. Beard served as the Assistant Dean for Outreach at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1992 until his retirement in 2008. Prior to his tenure at Auburn, he practiced in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he owned Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital and Goodwood Animal Hospital. He also held adjunct faculty positions at Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Beard was a charter diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and played a pivotal role in establishing the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, serving as its first president. His contributions to the veterinary field were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year in 1973, the AVDC Peter Emily Service Award in 1995, and the Wilford S. Bailey Distinguished Alumni Award from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.
A veteran of the Korean War, Dr. Beard served in the Air Force and is survived by his four daughters, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Dr. Gary B. Beard Class of 1959 Endowed Scholarship at Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College St., Auburn, AL 36849.
Jerold B. Fullerton Sr.
Dr. Jerold B. Fullerton Sr., Washington State Class of 1963, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 85 in Roseburg, Oregon. After graduating, he served as a captain in the Air Force for four years before establishing Fullerton Veterinary Clinic in Roseburg, where he practiced for over three decades. Dr. Fullerton also provided veterinary care for livestock on local ranches, served as the onsite veterinarian for Schricker’s Livestock Auction, and cared for animals at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. He is survived by a son, a daughter, and four stepchildren.
Gary B. Gibbons
Dr. Gary B. Gibbons, Oklahoma State Class of 1963, passed away on February 25, 2024, at the age of 90 in Otsego, Minnesota. Following graduation, he practiced small animal medicine in Minneapolis and went on to own three practices in the Twin Cities area before retiring in 1995. He was an active member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Golden Valley Rotary Club. Dr. Gibbons is survived by his wife, Glenna; two sons, a daughter, two stepsons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Mount Carmel Ministries, the American Cancer Society, or the Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley.
Kristi J. Hulme
Dr. Kristi J. Hulme, Cornell Class of 2012, passed away on March 6, 2024, at the age of 37 in Bothell, Washington. Most recently, she worked at My Pet’s Veterinary Urgent Care & Wellness in Kirkland, Washington. Earlier in her career, Dr. Hulme practiced at St. Francis Animal Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, and served as an emergency clinician at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle for nine years. She is survived by her sister. Memorials may be made to Emerald City Pet Rescue, Pacific Science Center, or the Colon Cancer Coalition.
George F. Lent
Dr. George F. Lent, Georgia Class of 1967, passed away on February 22, 2024, at the age of 81 in Clayton, Georgia. After graduation, he worked in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, before moving to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he practiced for several years. Dr. Lent later worked in Clayton until early 2024. He served as the volunteer fire chief on Hilton Head Island for eight years and was a member of the fire rescue squad and Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island. He is survived by his wife, Marywinn; five children; 17 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Stephen A. Letzig
Dr. Stephen A. Letzig, Oklahoma State Class of 1976, passed away on March 10, 2024, at the age of 72 in Pryor, Oklahoma. After graduation, he joined Pryor Veterinary Hospital, a mixed animal practice, becoming a partner in 1978. Dr. Letzig was a member of the Oklahoma and Northeast Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Associations. He is survived by his two sons, a daughter, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three sisters.
Penelope A. Porter
Dr. Penelope A. Porter, Iowa State Class of 1969, passed away on February 15, 2024, at the age of 81 in Tucson, Arizona. An advocate for animal welfare, she founded Ajo Veterinary Clinic in Tucson and was a member of the Southern Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. She is survived by her sister. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Penelope Porter Fund at Helping Every Animal Receive Treatment Southwest.
Gerald T. Slobojan
Dr. Gerald T. Slobojan, Washington State Class of 1964, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 83 in Kalispell, Montana. He co-owned LaSalle Veterinary Clinic in Kalispell until his retirement and served as the veterinarian for the Northwest Montana Fair for several years. Dr. Slobojan was an Army veteran and a past president of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association. He is survived by his wife, Diane; three sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three sisters. Memorials may be made to Legendary Lodge Catholic Summer Camp.
Benjamin F. Turner
Dr. Benjamin F. Turner, Cornell Class of 1964, passed away on February 9, 2024, at the age of 86 in Skaneateles, New York. He founded Animal Barn Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Cortland, New York, and Maplelane Manor Farm, a dairy farm in Apulia Station, New York. Dr. Turner is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three daughters, two sons, two stepdaughters, a stepson, 15 grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and three sisters and a brother.
