Patrick Gavin, 72, passed away after battling prostatic cancer on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at his home in Sagle, Idaho. Pat was born on February 14, 1947, in Laramie, Wyoming to Charles and Shirley Gavin. He graduated high school in LaGrande, Oregon and attended Oregon State University for 2 years and then Washington State University, where he graduated with a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He then spent 3 years in the Army as a captain in the Veterinary Corps.
Pat married Kathy Kortekass on December 23, 1978, in Ontario, California. They made their home in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Pat practiced as a veterinarian. He then attended Colorado State University where he received his PhD degree in radiation biology and completed residencies in radiology and radiation oncology. Pat was board‐certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology in 1980 and he was a charter diplomate of the Radiation Oncology subspecialty. He taught at Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine for 29 years, and served as department chair of Veterinary Clinical Sciences for 8 years.
After retirement, he was active in telemedicine, reading MRI studies in animals from around the world. He authored over 200 papers and wrote the original textbook “Practical Small Animal MRI.” He enjoyed boating, skiing, fishing, cooking, traveling, and his family, especially his dogs “Sophie” and “Nikki.”
Pat was a pioneer in veterinary MRI, and he cared deeply for his residents and colleagues. He taught numerous students, interns, and residents over his career, and several radiologists through his MRI fellowship program. He enjoyed teaching, but mostly enjoyed connecting with his colleagues and students. He was visionary in veterinary medicine, a mentor in radiology, and a loyal friend to many. Through many years of research and clinical applications, Pat contributed to advancement of radiation oncology including the development of dog and human brain tumor treatments using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BCNT). While difficult to quantify the positive impact Pat Gavin had on the lives of his family, friends, and colleagues, and in the fields of veterinary radiology and oncology, his absence will be felt around the world.
Donations may be made to Cancer Care Services, 1205 Highway 2, Suite 101B, Sandpoint, Idaho, 83864.
Jaime Sage & Russell Tucker