Obituary of William R. McFadden DVM

WILLIAM R. MCFADDEN DVM William Roger McFadden DVM passed peacefully at his home on April 12th, 2014 with his family by his side. He was born May 6th, 1925 in McCool Junction, Nebraska to William Earl and Helen Rachel (Churchill) McFadden. Bill joined the Merchant Marines in World War II and served in the South Pacific. After serving his country, he moved to Alaska and opened a dance studio to finance his college education. He graduated from the Veterinary School of Medicine at Washington State University in 1957. After graduation, he moved to Ontario, California and opened his first Animal Hospital. At this time he also worked with Walt Disney Studios animals. In the late 1960s he moved to Sedona, AZ. and opened a new Animal Hospital. Shortly after that, he opened other Animal Hospitals in Flagstaff and Page. With these three offices and his love of flying he was known as the "Flying Vet of Arizona" as he would fly to each office at least once a week. In the mid 1970's, he sold the Sedona and Flagstaff hospitals. Then he moved to Lake Havasu City and opened his new Veterinary practice. In 1978 he started the Western Arizona Humane Society and served as its president for over five years. In 1984 he built and opened the Animal Hospital of Havasu. He was known as "Doc" by most of his friends and pet owners. After selling the Animal Hospital of Havasu and a short retirement, he purchased a pet caring facility and turned it into the Pet Resort. After a few years he retired in 1997. Bill was a member of the Elks for over 60 years, London Bridge Rotary Club in which he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award, American Legion, Arizona and California Veterinary Associations as well as a faithful member of the Mount Olive Lutheran Church and Cursillo Member #45 and WSU Alumni Association. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Orline McFadden of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Step-son, Brad Meger of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Step-daughter, Lynn Juneau and her husband Greg of Woodinville, WA and Step-grandchildren, Kyl, Klay, Katy and Tara. Services will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church on Friday, April 18th at 10:30 AM with Pastor Jim Price offering words of comfort. Donations can be made in Bill's name to Hospice of Havasu or Mount Olive Lutheran Building Fund. Thoughts and condolences can be set to Bill's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.