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STEPHEN SHORES Obituary
Dr. Stephen Shores, 1941-2016, passed in the comfort of his home following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Irving, TX, the son of florists Howard and Hazel (Mosher) Shores, Dr. Shores attended Texas A&M University, where he served in the Corps of Cadets and earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1963. Over many decades, he provided compassionate care to thousands of pets in Irving, TX and Gainesville, FL and influenced hundreds of young veterinarians. He is a past-president of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and a founding member of the Alachua County Veterinary Medical Association. In 2015, Dr. Shores was presented with the first honorary doctorate of veterinary medicine issued by the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine in honor of his many contributions to the College and its students.
He is survived in life by his wife of 33 years, Pat Shores, sons Mark Shores, and Jeff Shores, daughter Syndi Tow (Rodney), step-daughter Shannon Clements, step-son Jeremy Clements (Rachel), grandsons Justin Reese, Michael Tow, Nolan Shores, Jonathan Clements and Lucas Clements, granddaughters Emma Clements, Hillary McCrory and two great-granddaughters, cousin Leah Rae Nichols (Joe) and many friends.
Dr. Shores will be interred alongside his parents at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, TX at 3:00 PM on Friday, April 22, 2016 and a celebration of his life will be held at The Rock of Gainesville at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.
In honor of his parent's profession, he requests that in lieu of donations, flowers be sent. Please visit his memorial page at
www.williamsthomas
funeralhome.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN SHORES
Irene Sylvester
April 14, 2021
I will never forget how caring a Doctor he was. He saved my dogs life when he was a puppy and I will always be grateful. That puppy is now 14 years old. I know how much you all must miss him.
HARRY MASON
April 14, 2020
Dr. Shores, a grand gentleman with a kind heart, a great sense of humor, all wrapped up in that bright and turning mind. Sorely missed and always remember with a smile. God bless Dr. Shores you are home now.
Debbie Frometa
May 29, 2016
Dr. Shores was such a gentleman so kind. A very Godly man , yes he's in a better place but will be truly missed
Cynthia Chennault
May 16, 2016
We had been bringing our dogs to Shores Animal Hospital for many years. Dr. Shores was a wise and compassionate veterinarian. We will miss him truly.
Kim Newlin
May 2, 2016
Deepest Condolences to Dr Steven Shores family, Pat and children. Dr Shores was a past FL Jaycee, FL JCI Senator and President of the FL JCI Senate in 1981/82 and JCI SENATOR 14039 from Gainesville, FL. I too finished an MS in IE from Texas A&M, never knew were alumni of it until now.
Scott Reed
April 27, 2016
My first mentor as a newly minted veterinarian in 1990, I will always remember Dr Shores fondly. His skills in managing people and his great bedside manner were always abilities I envied. I am sure he will be missed by many and I will never forget his guidance and generosity. Greatest sympathy to the entire Shores family and his large circle of friends.
Diana Levering (Koon)
April 27, 2016
Dr. Shores was an amazing, caring man. He cared for many of my four-legged children throughout the years and I could not have asked for a better vet. He truly touched so many lives during his life and heaven is blessed to have him back there!!
Sherry Thomas
April 26, 2016
A Letter From Heaven
A Letter From Heaven - Ruth Ann Mahaffey
To my dearest family, some things Id like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here, theres no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.
Its good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and Id like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night....My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when its time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
Debbie Herman
April 26, 2016
Dr. Shores was a kind and generous man and a great Vet. Thank you for all that you did for my daughter, Nicole. We love you and miss you!!!
Suzie Svacina
April 26, 2016
What an awesome person who took incredible care of all of my four legged buddies. Thank you Dr. Shores.. May God bless your family at this time.
Kelly Koch
April 25, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to his family. He will be missed by many people and animals. His Fl JCI Senate family will miss him as well.
Nancy Wickes
April 25, 2016
Dr Shores took such good care of my cat,Rosebud and over the past years, he has been taking care of Buster,my Jack Russell...a real gem of a man....so caring of animals, and us humans....he will be missed...I will miss this sweet man..
Arlene Barbara Antz-Hanson, DVM
April 25, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the family, close friends and all of the veterinary community for the passing of this great man. A very dear mentor, employer, friend and colleague, Dr. Shores has played such an important role in my life as well as my family. He was such a kind and devoted man. I will miss being able to stop by and chat or run into him at veterinary conferences or see him receive another award for his outstanding contribution to the veterinary community for so many years. Always encouraging, always interested in the progress of my family, Dr. Shores was a very endearing and valued person. God's blessing on his soul and his family. Dr. Shores leaves behind a tremendous legacy.
Dewey Beck
April 23, 2016
Doctor Shore will be missed.
Wilson Bofani Family
April 23, 2016
We were truly sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. Shores. We have been taking our animals to him ever since we've been in Gainesville, many many years. He literally saved several of our dogs lives. And even though Dr. Shores had many good veterinarians in his practice over the years, Lou would always insist on scheduling our appointments when Dr. Shores could see our animals. We really appreciated and trusted him. He will really be missed. But we know he is in a better place. God Bless You Dr. Shores.
Todd Elliott
April 23, 2016
We will love and miss him so very much. He is one of the last true, caring, loving and giving spirits we have anymore. I've known him for only a decade or more and there will be less sunshine in our world. He not only was he our vet,but a mentor,friend,and like a father to me.I will miss you buddy,I will miss you. I will see you on the other side cause you belong up there in the front row.Love Todd,Todd Jr,Barbara,Ryan and Amber Elliott..
FRED HILL
April 22, 2016
Great person,wonderful vet. He will be extremely missed.
Annie Horne
April 22, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kate Devine
April 22, 2016
Dr. Shores was a wonderfully compassionate man and he will be greatly missed.
A'Metrice Smith
April 22, 2016
Dr Shores will forever be the greatest veterinarian. I will never forget what you've always told me. You will be truly missed. Forever in my heart
James Pennington, DVM
April 22, 2016
I've known Steve for over 40 years and have considered him a close friend for all that time. An amazing person and excellent veterinarian, he will be dearly missed. My prayers are with his family.
Vicki Mason
April 21, 2016
A lovely man, a wonderful Vet. We are so saddened by your leaving Dr. Shores but ever so glad you were here. God's speed good sir, and thank you for everything.
Harry and Vicki Mason
Glenn Huth
April 21, 2016
I owe my career to this man. He gave a New York boy a job at Butler Plaza many years ago as I moved to Gainesville after undergrad. I worked for him for years as I tried to get into vet school, which I did in 1992 (I believe with some influence by him). Married an employee of his, and we celebrated 25 years yesterday. When asked to name the people who affected my life the most, Dr Stephen Shores is on that short list. My love and prayers to his family. Dr Glenn Huth
Holly Dixon
April 21, 2016
Dr. Shores was my vet for over 10 years and he was a great, compassionate man. The Shores family and the entire Gainesville community has lost a hero.
Pat Burgess
April 21, 2016
Prayers are with the the family during your time of loss. He was the best Vet and it showed in his treatment of the animals. If they could talk I am sure they would say the same. I have never had a dog that loved going to the Vet but mine did. He was able to save here leg after she got hit by a car.Dr Shores will be missed by many.
Shari Kempton
April 21, 2016
To the Shores Family, We enjoyed knowing him and having him hunt with us in Colorado. He was always so full of life and energetic when he arrived at the ranch as I'm sure he was in all the other areas of his life. We will think of him often. Doc Shores was a very special man not only to those that knew and loved him but to the countless animals that he helped throughout his life. Being animal lovers ourselves we hold a great respect for Doc Shores and always will. He was a very special man and we are honored to have known him.
THE TIDE
The tide recedes, but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on
in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.
Author: Unknown
Jeff & Shari Kempton
April 21, 2016
We are very saddened to hear about DR Shores passing. He was a great man, and he will be truly missed.
Frank Burr
Digenti Pool Services
Christopher Fuller
April 21, 2016
I loved Steve. Nothing else to be said about this great man who followed Jesus so closely. I miss him. So do my pets!
Craig and Sandy Eaton
April 20, 2016
Doctor Shores, thank you for caring for us through the years. though we shivered and shook when we came to your office, you always addressed us by name and stroked us compassionately and calmed our fears while giving us the best care a dog could hope to receive. our owners, Craig and Sandy Eaton had the utmost confidence in you and knew you were the BEST. you were a wonderful man and kind to animals and generous with your time and advice. We miss you terribly. on behalf of Greta who has gone on to dog heaven before us, we say thanks for a life dedicated to our kind.
Sammie, Fritz and Elsa Eaton
Charlotte Stark
April 20, 2016
His spirit lives on forever with God!
Steve Steverson
April 20, 2016
What a great man and friend. You'll be missed.
Steve Ann Stockstill
April 20, 2016
My condolences to the entire family. Steve was always an outstanding young man in school and those of us who attended IHS together have many good memories. It is my prayer that each of you will find comfort in the everloving arms of God and peace knowing that Steve is no longer suffering.
Brandy Hardcastle
April 20, 2016
We love and miss you!
Meri, Darren, & Noah Nantz
April 20, 2016
The first day I met Dr. Steve Shores, somehow I knew he would be an important person in my life for many years to come. I worked for Steve for over 10 years and have to say, he was truly the best boss (and Vet) I have ever had! Steve became like a father to me and he and his amazing family took me in and adopted me as one of their own. I will be forever grateful for all of the blessings, and special times, that I had with Steve and the entire Shores clan, including his lovely Mother, Miss Hazel. Words alone cannot express the love, admiration, respect, and honor I have for Steve and Pat. Steve, impacted my life in more ways than I could ever count. The loss of this wonderful man is too large to measure! Dr. Steve was an exceptional, giving, and generous man - he truly did have a heart as big as Texas! His spirit and positive attitude was always inspiring; he had an incredible work ethic, esteemed family values, a great love and appreciation for God, animals, people, and this earth; and he displayed sincere humility as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat, Mark (Hillary), Syndi (Rod, Justin, Michael), Jeff (Nolan), Shannon, Jeremy (Rachel, Jonathan, Emma, Lucas), Leah and Joe, The Shores Animal Hospital Family and many countless other friends. We will miss you dearly Steve; the world is truly a better place because of you!
Irene Sylvester
April 20, 2016
Dr. Shores saved my dog's life and for that I am ever grateful. He was a very caring doctor and will be missed in Gainesville.
Charlotte Stark
April 20, 2016
Pat and family I am so sorry for such a great loss...Remembering Steve from the IHS class of 1959...He was such a fine outgoing and kind person...Steve was always true to himself...I know each of you will miss him and his classmates as well...Though many of us have lived distances since our school days, there will always be that bond we have with each classmate...My prayers and my support are for each one of you...May God's grace bring you through this difficult time and heal each of your broken hearts...
Charlotte Cissna Stark IHS 1959
Jona Record
April 20, 2016
Rest in Peace. My condolences to the family.
LG Mantooth
April 20, 2016
Not only my Best Friend, but the Brother I never had. You are greatly missed and loved.
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