Edward N. Eames II

RYE - Edward N. Eames II, doctor of veterinary medicine, of Rye, passed died Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a lengthy illness.

He was born on July 14, 1924, in Wilmington, Mass., the son of Harold Nelson Eames, V.M.D., and Ina Redgrove Eames. He grew up in Lowell, Mass., and Brunswick, Maine, and spent summers at the family cottage on North Beach in Hampton. He was a former resident of Portsmouth; South Freeport, Maine; and Sun City, Ariz.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Priscilla Bryant Eames; two daughters, Margie Eames of Portsmouth, and Beth and husband Rick Simpson; two sons, Ted and wife Susan Eames of Augusta, Maine, and Robert Eames of San Diego, Calif; six grandchildren, Molly Simpson of Washington, D.C., Ina Grace Simpson of Portsmouth, and Abigayle, Emily, Charlie and Isabelle Eames, all of Augusta, Maine. He is also survived by his brother, Harold N. Eames II; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Leonard N. Eames, D.V.M., and sister Gwen Eames Quinn.

WE REMEMBER: Dr. Eames attended Brunswick (Maine) High School, The Choate School, and graduated in 1944 from the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. He served on various merchant ships as chief mate in the Merchant Marine Service during World War II. Following the war, he attended the University of Maine and transferred to Michigan State University, where he received his doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1956. In 1957, he and Priscilla purchased the Animal Medical Center on Woodbury Avenue and he practiced for 30 years with his brother, Leonard, specializing in small animals.

Dr. Eames was an active member of the New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts and American Veterinary Medical Associations. He was a director of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth, N.H. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Portsmouth Rehabilitation Center, Easter Seal Society and Bank East; a member of the Mechanic Fire Society; and fleet surgeon of the Harraseeket Yacht Club.

In 1977, Dr. Eames was named Veterinarian of the Year by Michigan State University and received the Humanitarian Award from the N.H. SPCA.

He was a passionate fisherman, lobsterman, crab picker and gardener. He and Priscilla loved to travel and bird watch. He loved all animals except woodchucks.

The Eames and Simpson families wish to thank the staffs of Webster of Rye and Portsmouth Regional Hospital for their devotion and caring.

SERVICES: A celebration of the life of Dr. Eames will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at the Elks Club on Jones Avenue in Portsmouth. Family and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the NH SPCA or to a charity of one's choice.