April 29, 1960 – June 26, 2026
The world lost a courageous and vibrant influence when Anne Loftin Lazar died peacefully on June 26th, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on April 29th, 1960 to Jack Herbert Loftin and Linda Harris Loftin, Anne spent her childhood in Albuquerque, NM and Bothell, Washington. Early on she developed her life-long love of animals, running, nature and music, interests she pursued all her life. Deciding while still young that she wanted to become a veterinarian, she kept herself busy in school by running cross country, playing cello in a youth philharmonic, riding her beloved horse Go-Go, and holding every position in her 4-H club. To pay for her studies, she worked at veterinary clinics and in stables, raised and sold rabbits in her backyard, cleaned houses, and applied for and received many hard-earned scholarships.
She graduated from Washington State University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. She interned with large animals in Iowa but eventually decided to concentrate on small animal care. Just four years into practicing, she bought and remodeled an old Lake Oswego house into the Oswego Veterinary Clinic, building a thriving practice of her own. She somehow found the time to marry and have three children during those early years, as well as become involved with the American Animal Hospital Association and run three Boston Marathons, among other races. Impressively driven, she always displayed a spirited optimism and determined resilience, knowing where she wanted to go and working hard to get there.
During the 24 years in which she courageously battled a devastating neurological disease she pivoted to new interests, such as playing the harmonica with her grandson, painting, flower arranging, yoga, recumbent biking and swimming. She swam three times a week at the Multnomah Athletic Club, where the staff generously chose to reserve a dedicated lane for her called “Anne’s Lane.”
Anne’s superpower was finding the best in everyone, winning them over with her overflowing joy and uninhibited goofball personality. She touched many people’s lives, spreading sunshine wherever she went. She had many, many friends from all walks of life.
Anne is survived by her three children, Jack, Rebecca and Cooper, her daughter-in-law Karissa, her grandsons Oliver and Ryland, her brothers, Keith and Mark, as well as many other friends and family who carry forth her memory and passion for life.