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Murray FOWLER Obituary


FOWLER, Murray E.
Dr. Murray Elwood Fowler, of Davis, passed away peacefully on May 18. He was 85 years old. Dr. Fowler was a doctor of veterinary medicine, professor and author.
In 1958, he became an equine surgeon on the faculty of the University of California Veterinary School at Davis, where he has resided for 56 years. Dr. Fowler developed the college's zoological and wildlife program in late 1967, the first known academic discipline dedicated entirely to the study of zoo and wild animals and is widely recognized as 'the father of zoological medicine.' The zoo and wildlife program provided medical services to the Sacramento Zoo for more than 25 years. In 2006, the Zoo opened the Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital to provide clinical care to the Zoo's animal collection. Dr. Fowler published 25 books and more than 250 academic papers over his career. A member of several professional associations, he spoke at veterinary conferences and received awards from organizations throughout the world, continuing to consult and teach after retiring.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dr. Fowler served his local congregation and community. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, where he served in various troop and district positions.
Murray would count as his greatest accomplishments the 64-year marriage with his wife Audrey, who survives him, and his family. He and his sense of humor will be missed by Audrey, his sister Eileen Freckleton, his children, Alan and Aileen Fowler, Janet and Don Alkema, Linda and Bill Allen, Patricia and Rick Craft, and Cynthia Peters, as well as his 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His son, Gene Fowler, preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Dr. Murray Fowler will be held at the meeting house of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 785 Elmwood Drive, Davis, California, on Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Sacramento Zoological Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Needham Times on May 25, 2014.

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Cub Troop 199 zoo tour before Dr. Fowler hospital

Corey and Wendi Cuvelier

June 20, 2014

linda janowitz

June 3, 2014

I am so sad to hear of Dr. Fowler's passing. He was such an inspiration. He always had time to stop and explain things to students and always had a kind word for everyone. I remember going to the Sacramento Zoo with him and was amazed at how the animals reacted to his presence - they obviously knew and loved him. I learned a lot from Dr. Fowler in my years at UC Davis. The veterinary field has truly lost a great man!

Dustin Plicka

May 30, 2014

So sad to hear of Murray's passing. He was and is a wonderful man. I have many fond memories as a young scout being taught and shaped by his knowledge and example. I remember almost impailing my foot with a dropped knife in his dining room and our after hours zoo trip where the monkeys threw all kinds of things when he entered. Most of all I remember his cheery countenance and love of life. Much love from the Dustin plicka family.

Joe and Sally Plicka

May 30, 2014

Dear Audrey and Family:
The Plicka's express heartfelt love to you at this time. We love and miss Murray, the most amazing and wonderful man we ever met. The 3 Plicka boys all learned much about life and the Great Outdoors from Murray as young Scouts. Where will we ever go to see a good Rope Show?
Happy Trails,from
The Plicka Family,
Davis, CA; Laie, HI; Santa Barbara, CA; Hooper, UT; and St. Johns, FL.

Dixie Witt

May 28, 2014

Audrey and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You are such special people that I remember with great fondness. You are in my prayers. (You will remember me as Dixie Hart -now Dixie Witt) Love you

Christa Nava (McMillan)

May 27, 2014

I loved serving as a missionary in Davis and seeing the Fowlers every week in the free English class. Brother Fowler was always quick with a smile and a cheesy joke. I cherish my memories of the Fowlers and have seen first hand many great and generous things that they have done.

Bill Taylor

May 27, 2014

Dr. Fowler was my neighbor in Davis when I was in 5-6 grade and encouraged my snake enthusiasm. He did amazing things for animals in his lifetime and will be missed.
Bill Taylor

Janie Smith

May 23, 2014

One of my most treasured memories of both Murray and Audrey is from my LDS mission in Davis, CA. My mission was mostly with the large Chinese population there, and involved a lot of trading of cultural traditions. As November rolled around, Murray offered to host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for as many Chinese as wanted to come. About 36 people responded and on Thanksgiving day, the Fowler household was awash with vast amounts of turkey, dressing, gravy, and other assorted Turkey Day specials, and of course, many folk from China. When Murray brought out the electric carving knife to carve the turkey, all conversation ceased. And then the turkey carving took a long time, because all of the men wanted their pictures taken with carving knife in hand. It was a wonderful day, and so typical of the kind and loving life of Murray Fowler, one of the kindest, most generous and giving of all men. Memories of him and Audrey are a treasure to me.

Cerian Chadderton

May 22, 2014

You graced our lives impeccably with your love, kindness and humility. Thank you!

You have a wonderful family who will always be your greatest legacy. May they always cherish knowing, they are indeed your greatest joy.

Arohanui, (with love)
The Chadderton Family.

Angella Cowan

May 22, 2014

We love you, Murray, and we'll miss your sense of humor and spry spirit.

We pray for comfort for your dear sweetheart, Audrey and all of your sweet family.

Love,
The Cowan Family

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