| Dr. Bob Thompson was born into a U.S. Navy family in Waukegan, IL. Frequent moves were part of this lifestyle, and he seldom spent more than two years in one location. As a teenager he attended three different high schools. After four years in the USMC, he enrolled at New Mexico State University, completing a pre-vet curriculum and a B.S. in Animal Science. He attended Colorado State University, graduating with a D.V.M. and passing the National & State Board exams prior to graduation. With wife Sue and daughters Karla and Stacy, he headed out in a new Ford station wagon to “find a job.” After traveling 5000 miles from border to border of the Western U.S., the family chose East Wenatchee, WA, as their new home. Three daughters were raised here and, after spending time away for education and marriage, have all returned to raise their own families in this growing community. Central WA offers unlimited recreational opportunities, and Bob took advantage of many of them. During his 30 years as a resident he has enjoyed skiing, hunting, and refereeing soccer…and those activities have taken their toll on his knees (thank goodness for spare parts!) Starting out with a mixed practice, Bob offered the only AI for cattle and was the first AAEP member in Douglas County. His practice shifted gradually toward small animal, and he offered house call services as well. Areas in the upper valley were visited on a weekly schedule. Presently, he has a general practice and utilizes a clinic area downstairs in his residence as well as continuing house call services. Bob and his wife, Sue, operate Valley Veterinary Service (and arrange schedules to include lots of time for activities with the five grandchildren, who range in age from 21 years to 8 months.) Having an interest in the development of all aspects of the Veterinary profession, Bob had served several terms on the Executive Board as the NCW representative when he was recruited into the chairs of the WSVMA presidency. Although he had no burning agenda, he had always been an advocate of a WSU – WSVMA partnership in creating an environment in which everyone, especially the students, would benefit. |
