1932 – May 5, 2008
William Arthur Hess, D.V.M. William A. (Bill) Hess, long time resident of San Jose, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2008. He was 76. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, VaLee Ann Vogler Hess. He is also survived by his son David Hess (wife Susan), daughter Kathy (husband Jeff Holt); his grandchildren Tom, Laura, and Mike Holt, Kyle Hess (mother Patricia), and Sarah and Jason Hess. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Andrew Hess. Born in 1932 he was raised in Medford, Oregon, son of Arthur David and Georgia Nadine Williams Hess. Bill graduated from Medford Senior High School where he lettered on the track team and competed in the Oregon state finals. As an undergraduate Bill attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon before transferring to Washington State College where he met his future wife VaLee and later earned his D.V.M. from the School of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Bill and VaLee were married in California where Bill had accepted his first position as a veterinarian. Soon afterward Bill entered the army where he served in the Veterinary Corps for two years. He was stationed in Chicago, Illinois; Rochester, New York; and Columbus, Ohio. He returned to California and began his own veterinary practice, The Dog and Cat Hospital, where he practiced for 36 years, retiring in 1997. Throughout his career he was widely admired for his patience and compassion. He was devoted to his family, church and charitable organizations spending countless hours helping others. His favorite charitable organizations focused on children and animals. An avid reader and music enthusiast, his sense of humor was well known. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Alum Rock United Methodist Church, 30 Kirk Avenue, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer Project International, Ceres, Calif., or Alum Rock United Methodist Church.
Published by San Jose Mercury News on May 8, 2008.