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Gretchen Wyler Obituary
Wyler died at her home in Camarillo, Calif., of complications from breast cancer, the Humane Society of the United States said in a statement.
''The humane movement has lost one of its brightest stars,'' said Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. ''Gretchen Wyler devoted 40 intense years to protecting animals, and the cause gained so much ground during that time because of her extraordinary achievements and advocacy _ in the media, in law-making, and in raising public consciousness.''
Wyler's theatrical career spanned 50 years, including parts on Broadway in the original ''Guys and Dolls,'' ''Silk Stockings,'' ''Damn Yankees,'' ''Bye Bye Birdie'' and ''Sly Fox'' with George C. Scott.
She was a regular on the short-lived 1970s CBS television series ''On Our Own,'' spent a season on ''Dallas'' and made guest appearances on a number of shows including ''Friends,'' ''Judging Amy'' and ''Providence.''
Wyler began her crusade for animal rights in 1966 after witnessing poor conditions at a New York shelter. Wyler managed the shelter for 10 years and in 1970 became the first woman member of the board of directors of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
She formed The Ark Trust in 1991 and ran the organization until it joined forces with the Humane Society in 2002. Last year she retired as vice president of the Humane Society in Hollywood.
In 1986 she created the Genesis Awards, which honors the media and entertainment industry for shining a spotlight on animal cruelty. This year, the first Gretchen Wyler Award was bestowed on Paul McCartney, for a lifetime of activism for animals.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
30 Entries
May 28, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort..My heartfelt condolences...
Bob Perkins
April 8, 2018
You were my first girl friend ( we Were age 7&8. How much fun we had together riding double on my pony " Blue Boy"
Unfortunately,I just learned of your passing by reading your bio. Great memories!
Harry Simpson
May 27, 2016
Thank you for sharing apart of your life with us. Godspeed.
KATHY & BUDDY BARNETT
June 13, 2012
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ALL THE ANIMALS. YOU WERE AN ANGEL ON EARTH AND NOW YOU ARE AN ANGEL IN HEAVEN.
How you can show support
Molly
February 11, 2012
I did not know of this lady but as an animal rescuer, I grieve that one of the big hearts has gone.
Susan Erlich
June 3, 2007
Gretchen: A heart so wide, so gentle. She
took me under her wing... lifted a broken heart
and allowed me the great honor to serve her
as her assistant in her home . The most beautiful light the animal world will ever see.
Gayle Williams Herring
May 30, 2007
Sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Peg and Lou. Ken and I were pupils in Gretchen's Ballroom dance class: We were 7th graders in Bartlesville, OK. Also, my sister and I took ballet from Gretchen in her upstairs bedroom. I still have the program entitled, "Come Dance With Me" which ballet Gretchen wrote and produced. Fond memories linger to this day.
May 30, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
C Polk
May 29, 2007
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Gail Siegel
May 29, 2007
Rest In Peace, Gretchen.
Carol Ann Hefner Newberry
May 29, 2007
Gretchen was a legend in Bartlesville, OK. There are many of us who remember our ballet lessons in her parents home, and her leaving to "make it big" in NYC.
To Lou and the rest of the family, my deepest sympathy.
sheila smith
May 29, 2007
RIP
James Hefner, MD
May 29, 2007
Before Gretchen became a Friend of Animals, she taught my friends and I how to dance when she was a senior in high school in Bartlesville, OK. Talk about being a friend to a bunch of human animals! She will never know how much she helped a bunch of kids to see a side of life they would not have seen.. God bless.
May 28, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Gretchen Wyler.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
May 28, 2007
REST IN PEACE GRETCHEN
Amber Fay
May 28, 2007
May you rest in peace!! The last 7 months of my life has been an amazing journey working for you. You have taught me more than you know and I love you very much!!! I am blessed to have been in your presence Gretchen.
A furkids mom
May 28, 2007
I am sure that all the four legged creatures that you have help and saved will miss you. May your passion to help abused and homeless animals shine on through others.
David A. Burgoyne
May 28, 2007
May she rest in peace.......
ray interlandi
May 28, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Gwen Parker
May 28, 2007
My sympathy to the family of Gretchen. One thing that will help you get through this situation is God's word the Bible. And there he assures us. "Jehovah is near to those broken and heart and those who are crused in spirit he saves. The Bible gives you hope of seeing Gretchen again in the very near future, right here on a paradise earth. It also promise us that our enemy death will be no more. May these words give you a measure of comfort and strength to endure in this time of such deep sorrow.
marie jones
May 28, 2007
i am deeply sorry about the lost of your love one may the god of comfort be with you in this time of grief and give your family the peace the and strength that is needed during this time.romans 15:5
Sheila Smith
May 28, 2007
Rest in Peace Gretchen.
Candace Dye
May 28, 2007
May God bless your family Ms. Wyler.
kathe allen
May 28, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.Such a beautiful and vibrant lady!. Let us all reach out and continue her work with the Humane Society all over the world. She would have wanted that more than anything.Her legacy will live on if we all strive and continue to work together.Bless Her Sweet Heart,We know Gretchen walks with the Lord.
connie sing
May 28, 2007
Rest in peace.
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