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Dr. Robert Fairley Tolley

1914 - 2016

Dr. Robert Fairley Tolley

1914 - 2016

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1914

DIED

2016

Robert Tolley Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Dr. Robert Fairley Tolley
Start: 2016-03-07T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Wood Haven Hall

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2016.

WILLIAMSBURG - Dr. Robert Fairley Tolley passed away on February 27, 2016 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Dr. Tolley was born on May 14, 1914 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of the late Oswald Francis and Lottie Belle Fairley Tolley. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Milnor Keeling Ashburn of Virginia Beach. Dr. Tolley graduated from the Veterinary School of Colorado State University and practiced veterinary medicine in Newport News, Virginia for 40 years. He served on several community boards, including Rotary, Peninsula Fine Arts and the Virginia Living Museum. He is survived by four children: Camp T. McElveen of Charlottesville, Alice T. Goodwin and her husband, William H. Goodwin, Jr., of Richmond, Robert F. Tolley, Jr., of Falls church, and Gayford T. Bowden and her husband, Len Bowden, of Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Tolley is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was passionate about his family, his profession and the game of golf. The family wishes to thank the staff for the fine care Dr. Tolley received during his years at Williamsburg Landing. A Memorial Service will be held at Wood Haven Hall, Williamsburg Landing on Monday, March 7th, at 2:00 pm. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencare.com.

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Recent Activity

February 22, 2019

Raye Harper posted to the memorial.

January 23, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 12, 2016

Raye Harper posted to the memorial.

15 Entries

Raye Harper

February 22, 2019

Our family always used Dr Tolley for our cats and dogs. He was the best.

January 23, 2018

going through my husbands metal detecting items, decided to research some. found a 1955 dog rabies vaccination tag with serial number 1734. is family interested? octagon shape. thought maybe it could be special to family. any family members go in to Vet. care? Respond to [email protected]

Raye Harper

August 12, 2016

He was our vet for years. I really thought he was the only vet in town. Sorry to hear of his passing

Doc Garnett

March 8, 2016

Dr. Tolley and Mrs.Tolley, too, were admired and liked by all who knew them. My parents were especially fond of them and enjoyed their company on many occasions. Never forget the day my dad came home with our new dog "Dixie", whom Dr. Tolley personally selected as the perfect pet for our family! (He was right - she was perfect!)
Condolences and heartfelt sympathies to all.

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Carol Welch

March 7, 2016

Camp & Alice
I have fond memories of visiting your house on Hopkins Street.
Your Dad was always available when a pet needed mending. (He even wired a cat's jaw together when it was hit by a car.)
I last saw your parents at Fort Monroe in the 60s, he still remembered the kid with the animals!
Carol Curtis Welch

Rob Saunders

March 7, 2016

My condolences to the family on your loss. I remember Dr. Tolley as a fine man. I know my father valued his friendship with Bob greatly, and enjoyed their golfing trips with the Yamashita group. He contributed much to his community.

Shot & Glow Mangum

March 6, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Patricia Wainwright

March 6, 2016

Hello and deep sympathy to the family of Dr. TOlley. I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Tolley and daughter Alice. Back in the summer of 1963 thru 1967, I worked as receptionist for Dr. Tolley at his Vet Hospital. He employed me each summer and thru the Christmas holidays every year while I was in college - income that went a long way in those days that helped me enormously with college expenses. I met Alice then as well. She had a major influence on my carrier selection - she introduced me to the field of Medical Technology, which I subsequently pursued. (Went on to graduate training at Norfolk General Hospital, to Johns Hopkins and then to Stanford..finally to hospital in Monterey, Calif. and became an administrator there til retirement)
I learned of Dr. Tolley's passing from my sister who still lives near Williamsburg.

Great memories (KrispyKreme doughnuts next door! )---I remember your Dad as a man who
loved his work and and greatly respected all the peolpe who sought his loving help for their animals. He was a wonderful role model for what it takes to be successful in a career....focus, hard work and passion for what you love to do...he had all that and more.

It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that I send this message of sympathy to all the family that I know he loved so much...

Pat Ferguson Wainwright
Monterey, California

Scott Matthews

March 6, 2016

I grew up in the Hilton Village area. The folks back then didn't say they were taking their pet to the vet, they said they were taking their pet to Dr. Tolley. I have a fond personal memory of him that would be too lengthy here. Let's just say I remember him well. He was a fine vet and a fine man. My condolences to the family.

Cam Yacobi

March 5, 2016

My condolences to the family of Dr Tolley. I always thought so highly of him as did my father, Xavier Yacobi and my brother-in-law Marvin Turley. He was our "go to" guy for many, many years. What a kind and gentle individual. I don't know what we would have ever done without him. I still have dogs and still think of him so often. He will be missed.

Kitty (Dichtel) and Terry Heffington

March 4, 2016

We have fond memories of Dr. Tolley. My parents started using him as our vet in the 50's and we continued the tradition. He was a wonderful man who was so gentle and caring to the animals he cared for in addition to their owners. I can see him now in his crisp white jacket with his big smile. What a life well lived. All of you have our deepest sympathy and will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Donna Chandler

March 4, 2016

Gayford, Kennett and I along with my parents, Richard and Betty Moser, want to express our condolences to you and your family. We were very heartbroken to hear of his passing. We feel fortunate though to have met him when we were your neighbors. We wish all of you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Ned Walker

March 4, 2016

I remember Dr. Tolley well, My family relied on his Professional Vet Skills for our pets. I remember he and my Dad joking with each other about going to the same High School in Colorado Springs, and then both moving to Tidewater. When visiting at their home he would always pull me aside offer me a drink and give me some much appreciated words of wisdom that stuck like Super Glue. He is one of those men that will always remain in my memories. My condolences to his family for their loss of this fine Gentleman!

Rick Thomasson

March 4, 2016

Alice and family, I am saddened to read of the passing of your father. I use to see him and your mother every time I would play at Williamsburg Landing, and even after your mother passed, your Dad and I would always strike up a conversation. May the memories of the past help ease the pain and sorrow that you now feel.

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