| Stanley’s first exposure to veterinary medicine came when he was a junior in high school. He accepted a job, quite by chance, as a kennel boy for Dr. Vitt Ferrucci in Puyallup. It was the honesty and dedication to his profession that Stan saw in Dr. Ferrucci that led him to pursue a career as a veterinarian. During Dr. Coe’s term as WSVMA president, several important events took place including hiring Mel Gaumer as our first legislative advocate to monitor and support legislation affecting the veterinary profession. The first Forward Planning Committee as established, and as well a Veterinary Manpower Study Committee was established. A nationwide investigation of veterinarians was launched in 1975 by the Federal Trade Commission to see if price fixing and restraint of trade was prevalent in the profession. Stan was called to the federal office in Seattle and questioned by an attorney for the Commission. They found nothing of significance either locally or nationally. At the state office level, a program was established to provide liability coverage for the officers and staff members to cover any errors of omissions on their part. Agendas of upcoming board meetings were sent to the presidents of each local chapter to inform their delegates of upcoming issues. While Dr. Coe was president, Loren Ford, the longtime executive secretary gave his resignation. Luckily, he had trained his assistant Marion Hickey very well and she was able to maintain the quality leadership in the state WSVMA office. Dr. Coe has been an icon in the Seattle area for his tireless efforts to improve and support the local humane societies in the area. Since the 1980’s, he has been a constant fixture in the support of the Doney Clinic for the homeless and their pets in Seattle. In 1987, he was recognized as WSVMA Veterinarian of the Year for the tireless efforts he has given to the profession. |
