| Dr. Don Clark’s interest in veterinary medicine began at an early age. After he had experienced a near death encounter with polio, he went through several months of recuperation. Don’s family lived in Spokane at the time and his father had a close friend named Dr. Frances Beckman, He was a graduate of the University of Colorado. Dr. Beckman worked as a field veterinarian in Spokane County testing cattle for tuberculosis for the U.S. Bureau of Animal Industry. He traveled the territory in a Model A Ford Coupe, which served as his transportation and office. Don’s father asked Dr. Beckman if he might ride the route with him. The idea was that it would take Don out of confinement and expose him to the fresh air of the country. It would also allow him to experience the fun of cavorting and playing in the haymows at the visiting farms. It worked! The fresh air was healing for Don and it left a lasting impression to emulate Dr. Beckman and become a veterinarian. For Dr. Clark, the profession has been a rewarding lifetime pursuit. The entire family has been involved in the practice, including his wife Jinx, son Randy and daughter Mickey. When Don entered Washington State University in 1936, he met Jim Kraft, who had come to WSU from North Dakota. They became the best of friends and graduated together. In the years of practice, the friendship continued through their wives and children. In 1954, Don and Jim started calling veterinarians in the Seattle area and inviting them to meet on a regular basis in various venues (backyards, basements, individual homes, etc.). The idea was to consider the consolidation of the veterinarians to work together and to standardize the practice procedures. Another aim of the group was to put together construct a plan for handle handling emergency services for all the different hospitals. Dr. George McNutt of West Seattle Veterinary Hospital was one of the first members and was the patriarch of the group. The first secretary of the Seattle Veterinary Medical Association was Dr. Joe Ellis (Little Joe) from Tacoma. As the membership grew, it became necessary to establish an office in Bellevue with a paid secretary. Dr. Jim Kraft was elected the first president of the SVMA in 1953 and Dr. Clarke was elected to the office the following year. |
