Memorial Tribute to Dr. Jack Walther (’63)

Memorial Tribute to Dr. Jack Walther (’63)

Sadly, our good friend and alum Dr. Jack Walther, DVM '63, passed away on November 29th surrounded by family. He had battled a form of dementia for several years. The family has arranged for the funeral and a Celebration of Life at the reception on:

Funeral service December 16 at 11:00 am

Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church

1138 Wright Street

Reno, Nevada

Celebration of Life (reception immediately following the funeral service)

The Grove

95 Foothill Road

Reno, Nevada

Walther received the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Achievement Award, the school’s highest honor, in 2013. He was recognized for his dedication and leadership to the profession and for his strong commitment to the mentorship of future veterinarians. In the 50 years since graduating from UC Davis, Walther led many professional organizations including the Nevada VMA, Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Reno Rodeo Association and National Air Race Association.

In 2001, Walther was first elected Vice President and then President of AVMA. As AVMA’s 140th President, Walther made several organizational improvements including the formation of the public relation’s branch to better inform members and the public on a national level about issues facing the profession. 

Walther simultaneously served as President of the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC). Through his efforts, the two groups collaborated to establish testing protocols and a test for graduates of non-accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. 

Walther was proud of the program he championed in 2002--to bring one veterinary student from each veterinary school in the U.S. and Canada to the WVC annual conference. In recognition of this program, it has been permanently named the Dr. Jack Walther Leadership Award. In 2013, the WVC meeting was named after Walther.

Walther began his veterinary journey at UC Davis where he earned his veterinary degree before serving two years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. He opened a small animal practice in Reno in 1965, which he later expanded to three veterinary hospitals in Reno. In 2000 he sold his practices and moved back to his cattle ranch in Lamoille, Nevada where he tended the cattle and for five years worked pro bono at the Elko Animal Shelter. 

Any questions or condolences may be directed to Dr. Walther’s daughter, Kathi Walther, at newhopeunderafricanskies@gmail.com or 775-826-8537 (landline).

Walther Family 

2655 West Lakeridge Shores

Reno, Nevada 89519