Robert Kells Griesbach

Dr. Robert "Kelly" Kells Griesbach

Dr. Robert "Kelly" Kells Griesbach, DVM, 91, of Charlottesville, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at his residence.

He was born in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, on February 28, 1918, the son of the late Franklin Griesbach and Annie Isobelle Kells Griesbach. Also predeceasing him was a brother, Floyd Griesbach.

Kelly received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Toronto in Ontario. He first practiced in New Zealand, part of a contingent of fellow Toronto graduates recruited to serve as veterinary surgeons in rural areas of that country during World War II. He returned to North America in 1946 with his New Zealand wife, Yuline Bell Griesbach, nee Latham, on the first post-war Pan American Airlines clipper flight from Auckland to San Francisco.

Settling in Charlottesville, Kelly established the Charlottesville Animal Hospital, one of the first architect-designed small animal clinics in Virginia, and served families and their pets for over 35 years. Active in veterinary affairs, he was a founding member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and a proud practitioner in his profession.

In addition to his wife of almost 65 years, Kelly is survived by their two daughters, Ann Neet and her husband, Wayne, of San Antonio, Texas, and Jennifer Workman and her husband, John, of Charlottesville; and four grandchildren, Pamela Neet, Teresa Burlison, Jessica Kells Workman, and James Frederick Latham Workman.

Kelly maintained his New Zealand links throughout his life, including many visits with Yuline, and a successful hobby in thoroughbred horse breeding. He bred the 2005 New Zealand Filly of the Year, Justa Tad, later a multiple stakes winner of over 2 million dollars.

Services will be private.

The family thanks Senior Helpers and Hospice of the Piedmont for all their support.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy Texas, 1016 La Posada, Suite 145, Austin, TX 78752.

Friends are invited to sign the online register at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.