George J. Venama

George died January 7, at home in Patty’s loving arms, his wife and friend of 59 years. George leaves a legacy of passion; for his family and friends, for his love of life, laughter and for his pursuit of knowledge, all generously shared with all who knew him.

Together George and Patty raised five children in a house full of joy; where the doors were always open and the footprints of love, music, family, friends and animals wore a deep path through their home. He was the proud father of five children, grandfather of ten and great grandfather of one.

He embraced everything he did in his life with enthusiasm and dedication both in his work and in play. In his Bothell area Veterinary practice, he brought passion for excellence to his animal patients and compassion to his long time clients. He excelled in veterinary orthopedic surgery and he mentored aspiring veterinarians with honesty, passion and unquestionable knowledge. He delighted in seeing the potential in thoroughbred horses bred, raised and raced. He was a small plane pilot, sang with the Seattle Seachordsmen and played a variety of musical instruments.

George was born in Kirkland, WA to George Arie Venema and Lillian Elizabeth (Eitel) Venema on April 20, 1924. He graduated from Kirkland High School in 1942 then served his country during WWII with the US Navy Medical Corps in the South Pacific. He entered veterinary school at Washington State College, graduating in 1953.

He met Patricia Ruth Green on a blind date, they fell in love and were married July 31, 1953. Making their home in the Bothell-Kenmore area, George built the Bothell-Kenmore Veterinary Hospital (now Bothell Pet Hospital) where he was in practice for 32 years.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, his children and their spouses; Candace and Richard Behrends of Juneau, AK; Debra and William Cleveland DVM of Snohomish, WA; George W. Venema of Snohomish, WA; Laura Hoyt DVM and Lothar Owart of Quincy, WA and Schlierstadt, Germany; and David (Chris) and Mary (Iverson) Venema of Bickleton, WA. Grandchildren and their spouses or loved ones; Amanda (Behrends) and Kasen Spickler of Juneau, AK; Jacob Venema and Nichol of Tumwater, WA; Kaitlin Cleveland and Arlan of Snohomish WA and Greybull WY; Torie Cleveland of Snohomish, WA; Russell Hoyt of Olympia, WA, Becky (Hoyt) and Eric Hess of Mabton, WA; Andrew, Jamie and Nicholas Venema of Bickleton, WA. Great-grand child Willow Rain of Prescott Valley, AZ.

He is preceded in death by his only sibling, Robert Venema, and his beloved grandson McKinnon (Mac) Behrends; and many dear friends.

George was a lifetime member of the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association, and for many years the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He generously donated to many charities benefiting children and animals.

He will be interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery Street of Heroes. Friends and family will gather in celebration of his life this summer. He lived and loved both long and well. He will be greatly missed and forever loved.