Dr. John "Jack" Woolsey Jr.

Jack Woolsey, DVM, retired equine veterinarian, passed away on March 23, 2011, at his home in Santa Rosa, CA. Dr. Woolsey was born in San Francisco on July 14, 1923, to Dr. and Mrs. John Homer Woolsey. Jack moved to Woodland, CA, at age 10, where he enjoyed life in a small town. His life-long love of horses and dogs goes back to his boyhood days with his father and grandfather, and working in the summer at a boys' camp near Mt. Lassen, CA. Jack graduated from Woodland High School in 1941 where he participated in football, basketball and tennis. He then studied at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, before entering the Army Air Corps, right after Pearl Harbor. Jack was a navigator on a B24 (bomber) and flew 35 missions over Germany. After the war, he attended and graduated from Kansas State University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Jack taught at the newly-created UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, for two years where he established life-long friendships and collegial relationships. Dr. Woolsey longed for his own practice and in 1952, along with Berwyn "Rick" Richards, DVM, established a veterinary practice in Santa Rosa that continued for over 20 years. Jack and Rick treated "all creatures great and small", be it at their first office in Jack's garage on Russell Ave and later, in a veterinary hospital located next to Louis Ricci's auction yard on Sebastopol Rd. Jack's keen interest in helping ranchers, led to his importing Queensland Blue Heelers and later, the Australian Working Kelpie. Dr. Woolsey was honored by the Working Kelpies, Inc. for his efforts in establishing and promoting the Working Kelpie in America. In his last years, Jack enjoyed watching his beloved Kelpie, Karana Dixie, as she worked sheep in the hills of Sonoma County. Dr. Woolsey's long-standing interest in horses led to his development and specialization in equine medicine. He built the first private equine hospital in Northern California with a complete surgery center. Dr. Woolsey also enjoyed being on the road dealing with pregnancies, fertility issues, foalings, emergencies, and general equine health issues. In the 1960's, Dr. Woolsey became involved in the breeding, raising, standing of stallions, and racing of Thoroughbreds and a few Quarterhorses. For over 50 years, Jack enjoyed many friendships and partnerships with horse enthusiasts from all walks of life. His conformation and bloodlines expertise was recognized throughout the Thoroughbred industry. He was a familiar face at the Keeneland Thoroughbred Sales in Kentucky. Jack was well-known in the horse world for his great mares, Grenzen and Raise Your Skirts. Dr. Woolsey's contribution to the racing world was recognized by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 2008 where he was featured as the keynote speaker at their annual meeting. Dr. Jack Woolsey was appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan to the State Board of Veterinary Examiners where he served from 1968-1974. He was the first recipient of the Sonoma County Fair Award of Excellence in the Horse Industry in 2007. Jack was also an inductee in the Sonoma County Horse Council Equus Hall of Fame in 2006. Dr. Woolsey "officially" retired from vet medicine in 1988, but continued to treat friends' horses until his passing. Jack lived a joyous life. His inquisitive mind and search for knowledge, kept him active and involved. He considered his friends to be family, and maintained boyhood friendships throughout his life. They too deeply mourn his passing. Jack is survived by the by his wife of 24 years, Linda; five children: Elizabeth Herbert, DVM of Australia, Jeanie Woolsey Olson (Dr. Steve) of Santa Rosa, Jane Woolsey Gropp (Steve) of Corona, Mark Woolsey (Jackie) of Cloverdale, Lynn Woolsey of Occidental,: stepsons: Jason Bransford (Carol) of Florida, Patrick Bransford of Santa Rosa, Pat Porter, Scott Porter and Mike Porter of Santa Rosa. Jack is also survived by his sister, Jane Cassady of Yreka, 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Dixie. A celebration of Dr. Woolsey's work and life will be held April 16th, 1:00pm-3:00pm at Wild Oak Saddle Club, (Oakmont) in Santa Rosa, CA. Jack was a strong supporter of the UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine and especially of the work by fellow equine veterinarian and dear friend, Dr. John Hughes. Contributions in Jack's memory can be made to the Dr. John Hughes Endowed Chair Fund c/o UC Regents, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, P.O. Box 1167, Davis, CA 95617