December 1, 1939 – September 5, 2024
Leland A. Veith passed away peacefully on September 5th, 2024 with his beloved wife, Kathy Shafer, by his side. Lee was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a steadfast friend; a helpful, thoughtful neighbor; and throughout his career as a veterinarian, a lover and caregiver of animals.
Born in 1939, Lee was adopted at three months of age by Martha and Loyal Carstensen. He grew up in Washington at the beautiful Lake Crescent Lodge in the Olympic National Forest, spending his days helping around the hotel and riding a boat across the lake to school. Loyal passed away when Lee was 13. When Marty remarried, Lee was adopted by George Veith. Soon after, the family moved to Sequim, Washington.
A sports enthusiast and lover of the outdoors, Lee excelled in studies and athletics including football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, Lee enlisted in the Army. While in the Army, he married Linda LaCount. Together they had two daughters: Marlo (Dan) Liddle and Amanda (Tony) Patron.
Lee’s family expanded when he married Sharon Keyes and gained two step-sons: Blake (Behnaz), Westman and Tyler (Shawna) Westman.
Lee earned his Bachelors and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Washington State University. After his internship at Kansas State University, his career led him to Los Altos, CA for his residency. Later, Lee moved to Vancouver, WA, to run his own clinic and be closer to his parents. Having developed a special interest in veterinary dermatology, he also established the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Portland, OR.
Lee spent several years working in the animal health industry in technical service and veterinary support, before going back to what he loved best, hands on animal care. His last years in practice were spent at Oasis Animal Hospital in Gilbert.
In 2003 Lee married Kathy Shafer in a beautiful ceremony overlooking the lake in the back of their home, surrounded by close friends and family. Lee cherished time spent with family and friends at his home with Kathy, enjoying music, good conversation, cooking, holiday parties, and boat rides on the lake in the evening. Retirement allowed time for travel, including visiting sunny beaches and cruising with friends.
Lee will be remembered as a devoted husband to Kathy; a wonderful father to Marlo, Amanda, Blake, and Tyler; and a loving grandfather to Hannah, Allison, Nico, and Lucy. His great-grandson, Kyle Leland John Keay, is named in his honor. He will be missed every day.
A private Celebration of Life will be held October 26. In honor of Lee’s love of animals, the family invites donations to Friends for Life Animal Rescue in Gilbert. As Lee often said, “Always adopt.”