Michael Stafford

1942 - 2021

Dr. Michael Stafford, DVM
June 3, 1942 - July 23, 2021
Charles "Michael" Stafford was born June 3, 1942, in Novato, California, to Dr. Charles and Marie Togni Stafford. As the son of a large animal veterinarian, he grew up surrounded by animals, including a pet skunk named Junior. Michael had a wonderful sense of humor. One of the many pranks he pulled was at the high school prom, when he let Junior loose on the dance floor. No one knew his scent gland had been removed.
Michael followed in his father's footsteps and enrolled at Kansas State University. There he met a nursing student named Elizabeth Splichal and the couple married in 1963.
Following Michael's graduation with a degree in marine biology, they moved to San Jose where he worked as Marine Mammal Curator at Marine World. His experiences working with whales, dolphins and sea lions strengthened his resolve to devote his career to the loving and humane treatment of animals. Once again, he enrolled at KSU, this time in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
After his 1978 graduation, California called the family home and the newly minted veterinarian worked at a practice in Sacramento. There Michael met John and Kassie Loehr and a lifelong friendship filled with adventure was born.
Michael's dream was to have his own practice. That dream came true in 1982 when he opened Lakewood Hills Veterinary Clinic in a small strip mall in Windsor. The early days were not easy. Michael recalled selling a single bottle of flea shampoo his first week in business. Over time the practice grew, fueled by Michael's tireless work ethic, love for animals and ability to connect with each pet owner. His love to hear or tell a great story was only surpassed by his love to tell a good joke.
In 1987, Elizabeth died, leaving him to raise their children, Chris, Laurie, and Sarah. Not long after, Michael reconnected with his former sweetheart, Karen, at his high school reunion. She had two children, Greg and Lise, and the two families became one. The children recall a Brady Bunch-like household with many dogs and cats. Harry the French bulldog held a special place in Michael's heart.
Karen helped Michael grow the veterinary practice and together they designed and built a larger, state of the art facility nearby. The couple took up sailing, practicing in the San Francisco Bay, before embarking on longer trips.
After moving to Bodega Bay, Michael noticed his new community did not have a veterinarian. While maintaining his practice in Windsor, he formed Coastal Veterinary Services, a mobile veterinary practice. He would make house calls with his tackle box that had been converted into a medical bag.
After some time, Karen was diagnosed with ALS. Michael was a devoted partner through her decline and eventual death in 2007.
Later Michael was summoned to the home of an ailing cat named Stella and for the third time in his life, he found love with her owner, Linda. In 2008, Michael and Linda invited friends and family on a chartered boat ride. The boat stopped under the Golden Gate Bridge and they were married in a surprise ceremony.
Michael and Linda loved to sail and participated in the Baja Ha-Ha, a boat rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. In 2014 Michael realized a lifelong dream and sailed his 38-foot yacht, the Hotel California, from Sausalito to La Paz in Baja, Mexico. They lived aboard the boat for 5 months and made memories to last a lifetime.
Michael sold Township Animal Hospital after 30 years but never fully retired. He worked part-time because he enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues.
Michael Stafford is survived by his wife Linda, son Chris (Cathleen) and daughters Laurie (Steve) Park and Sarah (Chris) London; stepchildren Greg (Andrea) Savage, Lise (Craig) Stephens, Ben (Keira) Pensack, Adam (Courtney) Pensack; twelve grandchildren and his sister Susan (Steve) Davis.
Michael's ashes will be scattered into the Pacific Ocean under the Golden Gate Bridge.