Robert Louis Chandler

CHANDLER, Robert Louis Passed away October 31, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. Robert is survived by his wife and best friend Carol Rathmann; children - Craig and Edith Chandler, Mark Chandler, Megan Chandler, Gabriel and Nathan Rathmann, Emily and Joseph Davidson; grandchildren - Natalie, MyKaila, Trey and Christian; sisters - Charlotte (Art) Meier and Shirley Elrod and numerous nieces and nephews. Soon after Bob's birth, August 24, 1924 in San Jose, CA, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Bob spent the next 17 years. Always fascinated by air travel, Bob learned to fly at a young age and was trained as an Aviation Cadet at 17 and enlisted in the Army Air Force shortly after his 18th birthday. He was a veteran of World War II flying B-24 Liberator Bombers in combat missions in the Eastern Pacific obtaining the rank of Captain and Squadron Leader before he was old enough to vote. Following his military discharge Bob attended Taft Junior College where he was student body president. He later moved to Ithaca, New York where he attended Cornell University. He earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1952 graduating third in his class. Bob practiced veterinary medicine in Turlock, Ukiah and Greenbrae. In 1989, at the request of the Humane Society of Sonoma County, Bob developed a medical program for the homeless and unwanted animals in the community. Over the next 16 years, he provided routine and emergency care for the shelter animals, spayed and neutered over 10, 000 dogs and cats, and mentored countless veterinarians and technicians. Additionally, he was a volunteer for Pets Are Loving Support, providing veterinary care for the pets of people with AIDS. At the time of his death Bob was the Medical Director at the Animal Hospital at the Humane Society of Sonoma County. A private Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2005. Donations in his name may be sent to the Humane Society of Sonoma County or Hospice of Petaluma. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma.