John R Carney

Dr. John Russell Carney, 86 of Scottsdale passed away May 10, 2011 at the Dream Catcher Assisted Living home. He was born on August 24, 1924 in Greeley, CO to Pearl Anne and Naphus Vest Carney. He graduated from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM). There he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and active in team roping and bull riding in the College Rodeo winning the buckle for College All Around Cowboy. John served in the Army during WWII and was a Captain in the Air Force during the Korean War. Having relocated to Arizona where he practiced veterinary medicine in Chandler and Mesa. John was active in political and community organizations and served on several boards and commissions. He was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star in Chandler and Sr. Life Member of the Rotary club. Governor Raul Castro appointed him in 1975 to be the AZ State Bicentenial Chairman. He participated throughout the state in Bicentennial celebrations and in 1976, was invited to the White House. Governor Bruce Babbitt appointed him to the Merit System Counsel of the Department of Public Safety which he served on for 10 yrs. He was given the honor of the Life Member of the AZ Highway Patrol Association in 1987. Starting his political involvement, John became Vice Mayor of Chandler at the age of 26. He was appointed Chairman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party in 1966 leading the delegation to the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and was a strong supporter of Hubert H. Humphrey. Later, John was appointed by Governor Rose Mofford to the Commission of Trial Court Appointments. John and his wife, Yvonne, founded the Who’s Who Married Association in 1980. This social group has been active for 30yrs. They traveled extensively all over the world which qualified them to be a member of the International Circumnavigator Club, an organization comprised of people who have traveled around the world in one trip. Dr. Carney was preceded in death by his parents, N. V. and Annie Carney, two brothers, Paul and Albert, sister, Vera Landen and grandson, Patrick Carney. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Carney and 5 Children: Cassandra Bentley, Debbie Norton, Paul, Kevin and John D. (Patricia) and 3 step children: Ted DeCorte (Christine), Michelle Irby (Pat) and Jeannette Billings, 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Memorial Service will be held this Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 4:00 PM St. Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church, 6715 N. Mockingbird Ln. in Scottsdale. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Dr. John R. Carney’s memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, 85014.