Russell E. Howard, DVM

"Russ"

Our dear Russ was born on June 29, 1960, in Poughkeepsie, New York, the oldest son of Edward and Edwina Howard. His family moved to Sandy, Utah in 1976.

While in high school and college, Russ was a counselor at YMCA summer camps, on the Solitude Ski Patrol and participated with the Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs group with his German Shepherd, Cima. He was an avid hiker and skier.

Russ graduated from the University of Utah magna cum laude in 1985, received his Master's Degree in Science from the University of Utah in 1989 and his DVM from Colorado State University in 1992.

In 1993 he married Kerry Fisher, DVM, and they moved to Spokane, WA, establishing several animal clinics. They were later divorced. Russ returned to Salt Lake to continue his profession. His progressive illnesses caused him to restrict his working hours but he became more active with several bluegrass music groups. The last one was "Rusty Shovels" and they performed at several events in the area. Russ was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Intermountain Acoustic Musician Association.

Russ built a small cabin in Teasdale, Utah, where he passed away (with his beloved dog Luna) on May 29, 2017. He will be remembered as a courageous spirit who loved teaching and mentoring. A Memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date.

Russ is survived by his dad Edward (Suzan); mother Edwina Green; brothers Glenn (George); Garry (Tracy); sister Valerie Lovegrove (Andrew); 4 nieces; one nephew, and one great nephew along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Color Country Animal Welfare, P.O. Box 750329, Torrey, Utah 84775.