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Roger Kuhn
April 24, 1942 - February 22, 2022
Dr. Roger Charles Kuhn DVM passed away peacefully February 22, 2022 at the home he loved in Strawberry Point, surrounded by his family. Roger was born on April 24th, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of Marie Amelia and Frederick August Kuhn, who he credits for teaching him to always be there for family. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Roger is survived by his wife Lynn of 57 years, his three sons Shaun, Todd and Blake, his daughters-in-law Amy and Jennifer, his six beloved grandchildren, Clayton, Sydney, Siena, Sebastian, Mylee, and Charly. He was also survived by his brothers, Frederick and Kurt and was predeceased by his brother Craig.
President of his senior high school class, Roger was a noteworthy athlete, both in football, basketball and track and field where he was a state hurdle champion. He played trumpet in the school band and continued to play casually when the spirit moved him. He attended The University of Missouri on a football scholarship. Following graduation he attended the Missouri Veterinary School of Medicine graduating Magna Cum Laude with the highest GPA in his class. Roger was one of eight national veterinarians accepted for an internship at the prestigious Angel Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston Massachusetts. There he learned the value of being mentored by a highly skilled and respected veterinary staff and aspired to mentor others throughout his career. In 1969 it was off to San Francisco, the land of flower power, where Roger joined Marina Pet Hospital as an associate veterinarian. A year later he purchased this historic hospital, from Dr. Howard Caroll. The hospital has served San Franciscan's since 1938. Dr. Kuhn along with many devoted veterinary associates over the years, and hundreds of caregiving employees continued the hospitals tradition by serving the Marina community for decades helping the well-being and lives of family pets for generations. He practiced as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine for 49 years.
In 1973, Roger and partners founded All Animals Emergency Hospital in San Francisco, the third of its kind in the United States. He went on to expand, acquiring Valley Veterinary Hospital in Walnut Creek and Danville Veterinary Hospital in Danville, often rotating as a doctor to each, which earned him the title of "Vet Man" from his wife Lynn. During his career he influenced many doctors and employees continuing the mentorship he learned at Angel Memorial. His brothers Kurt, Craig and son Shaun joined him at management levels, all contributing to the success of the practices. He truly loved his profession, found it exciting and loved working with clients and their pets. He served as Vice President and President of the local chapter of VMA, was a frequent contributor and speaker to practice management seminars and publications. He was board certified in Companion Animal Medicine, Surgery and Animal Dentistry. He also served as Executive Secretary of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. For several years he was involved in the development and start-up of Pet Smart Clinics inside Pet Smart Stores. In 1994 Roger was recruited to be one of the original founders of the nationwide Banfield Pet Hospitals which grew to 700 locations and was eventually purchased by the Mars Company in 2008. His contributions and influence within his profession were local and national, earning him respect within the veterinary community.
Roger was a dynamic force and lived life fully engaged. His plate and days were always full. He loved adventure and he often "was" the adventure. His energy was boundless and inspired positivity. He was lured to the challenge of new beginnings. Professionally and personally, he was a visionary, a big picture person, a knowledge seeker, a contributor, and a mentor to many. Often, he gave encouragement to those he worked with, cultivating confidence. There was little he wouldn't try, limitations and the words "You can't do that" rarely occurred to him, nor did he think they applied to him. He was a risk taker, liked to live a bit on the edge, but usually didn't see it that way. He was all about having fun in life, a participator. He was a runner, a swimmer, a basketball player, a biker, a mountain biker, a motorcycle rider, a snow skier, a fisherman, a tennis player, a golfer, a good dancer, reader of long historical biographies and even hopped on a horse now and then. He loved to be well dressed, the adventure, and excitement of traveling the world and absorbing cultures with Lynn, family, and friends. His smile, enthusiasm, personality, and curiosity were wide. In an educational setting he was usually the first to ask a question. Always productive and good natured, Roger was friend to so many. He enjoyed meeting and being with people, hearing their story. He was most generous with his time, support, and advice, especially, when it came to family, friends, and their beloved pets. Roger was a unique and colorful individual, as his oldest grandson always says "I don't know anyone like Papa." He was king among princes, one of a kind, a truly good human being. His family is grateful for the gift of hard work, time, love and care he gave to us and extended family. We will miss his energy that could fill a room. Goodbye beautiful man. It was a privilege to share life with you. Your spirit's journey is off to new beginnings. Our hearts will be missing you always and dearly.
A celebration of life is being planned. For those who would like to make a gift in Rogers memory the family invites donations to the Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Center in San Francisco, an Animal Welfare group of your choice, or Hospice by the Bay.
