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Joseph Damase Bergevin, DVM

Joseph Damase Bergevin, DVM

07/04/1936 - 10/12/2020

Biography


Dr. Joseph D Bergevin DVM passed away October 12, 2020 in Shoreline Washington.


“Dr. B” as he was affectionately known, was a real-life modern-day cowboy. Growing up in Walla Walla Washington he learned to ride and rope at a very young age. He was a successful equine veterinarian and lauded innovative surgeon.  He will be remembered by many as a hard-working lover of people, horses, rodeo and vet medicine.  Many might struggle to imagine having a conversation with or around Joe without a horse figuring into it somewhere.  He had a feverish passion for doing right by the horse and their families. He loved all things cowboy and was an avid reader of western books.  As a young man he dedicated himself to calf and steer roping went on to win the regionally famous Pendleton Roundup calf roping 1956 and steer roping 1959.  He often told and retold stories from those days to any interested listeners.  Some of his favorite stories included herding cattle with his mentor Dewey Drumheller. He also reminisced about the trucks of wild horses from Oregon’s Blue Mountains which were caught and trained by him and his dad Damase. He also enjoyed recalling tales of the “Bergevin Rodeo” that Damase started and was held on their family homestead.  He loved his work and was an innovator in the field of equine abdominal and arthroscopic surgery.  He was known for inventing various instruments and devices to support his pioneering work.  With a restless energy, he was always refining, reworking and re-inventing his tools and procedures.  He was an icon amongst his peers and colleagues and beloved by many.  In 2002 he was honored with an Excellence in Veterinary Practice award by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine his alma mater and where he once taught.  (Dad) Joseph was proud to be the first one in his family to graduate college.  He was one of a kind and will be missed beyond measure.


Son of Damase and Margaret brother to Elaine, Tom and Tricia and father to his six sons James, Jesse, Jon, Joseph, Jacob and Jeremy Bergevin. He leaves a legacy of seventeen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren to date.


Dr Bergevin died quietly in his sleep from natural causes.


Joseph will be laid to rest at Mountain View cemetery by his close family on Saturday November 7, 2020 in his hometown of Walla Walla, Washington.

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Family

About

Name Joseph Damase Bergevin, DVM
Date of Death October 12th, 2020
Home Town Walla Walla, WA, US 
Other City Shoreline, WA, US 
Interests Horses, Rodeo, People
Favourite Saying "Ya gotta have the fever" "Ya gotta get your education" "Lets roll-it" "Get the gate" "Let go"
In Memoriam Donation Bergevin Equine Scholarship
Cemetery

Memorial

Funeral Home Mountain View - Colonial Dewitt 
Cemetery Mountain View Cemetery
Address 2120 South 2nd Avenue
Walla Walla WA 99362
United States
Location CA 4 Row: 11, Grave: 10
Family

Family

SiblingsNorma Elaine (Bergevin) Lepage, Patricia Ann (Bergevin) Sorey, Thomas Clement Bergevin
ParentsDamase Bergevin, Margaret Katherine Fehrenbacher
ChildrenJacob Daniel Bergevin, James Damase Bergevin, Jeremy Stuart Bergevin, Jesse Dean Bergevin, Jon Douglas Bergevin, Joseph Drumheller Bergevin
Grand-ParentsJoseph Damase Bergevin, Joseph James Fehrenbacher, Margaret Kessler Fehrenbacher, Nydia Jane Burrows
Milestone

Milestones

1950 - 1954 Walla Walla High school, High school
1954 - 1960 Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA., Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
1960 - 1961 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis CA.
1961 - 1962 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Joseph Bergevin DVM, Salinas, CA.
1962 - 1963 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Joseph Bergevin DVM, Madera, CA.
1963 - 1975 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Joseph Bergevin DVM, Kirkland WA.
1975 - 2015 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Woodinville Equine Hospital, Woodinville WA.

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Lisa Newton published a tribute .

Something made me look up Dr B tonight and I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was an amazing mentor. He wrote my Vet school recommendation and here I am 30 years later still grateful. Thank you Joe for your kindness and support. You were one of a kind. Thank you.

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Judy Hedreen published a tribute .

Joe was my vet for many years. He was cantankerous, to the point, no bs with a great sense of (occasionally ribald) humor. He loved to educate horse owners and breeders, was innovative and always up to date or willing to research something odd. And he KNEW horses from the hoof up! GREAT vet!

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Ty Johnson Dvm published a tribute .

As a 22 year old graduate of Central Washington University considering a career in veterinary medicine, I called Dr. B out of the blue to see if I might volunteer as an assistant go gain insight into the profession and start to accumulate the hours needed for admittance. I distinctly remember him saying, "Well, why don't we meet up for coffee tomorrow, lets see if we can stand each other. How about 5:30 tomorrow morning?" So there I was, non coffee drinker drinking coffee in the 7-11 at 5:30AM with no idea what to expect. Off to the stables we went to vaccinate and deworm, and there mucking stalls was Jeremy, a friend from Central who I played intermural basketball with. When we saw each other, each of us surprised, he asked me what I was doing there. I told him, interview of sorts, with a Dr. Bergevin, some sort of horse veterinarian. "Yeah", he said, "thats my dad!"
I spent a year riding with Dr. B and I think it is fair to say we hit it off. I became a coffee drinker and a perpetual student of veterinary medicine, of equine husbandry and care, of human character, kindness, and generosity. Dr. B was the perpetual teacher, taking any opportunity to pass along knowledge to any who was curious. He was the real deal, in real life, and I owe more to him for those lessons learned than could ever be repaid and he was my friend.
During my interview for admittance to veterinary school at WSU, I remember at the end of the interview one of the professors saying to me that he hoped I had taken the time to let this Dr. B know how much he had influenced me in my endeavor to become a veterinarian. Apparently I dropped his name quite a few times....
When I think of all the people who Dr. B has influenced in such a profound way, it is nothing short of amazing. In just the 1 year spent riding with him, I witnessed the sheer volume of his commitment to teach and serve. He always went out of his way to serve his fellow veterinarian with absolute dedication and if he could teach them anything that improved their abilities to diagnose lameness or manage a patient, he was helping horses, he was helping the whole profession. Many have been his students.
As his perpetual student, I have tried to carry those lessons forward. The mantra of our hospital group is simple, it is three words: Learn, Teach, Improve. I owe a lot to you Dr. B. I thank you, rest in peace my friend.

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Roger Mcclellan published a tribute .

Kathleen and I extend our sincere condolences to Joe Bergevin's extended family and wide circle of friends.

Joe and I first crossed paths in1953 when we attended a Future Farmers of America conference held on the Washington State College (now WS University).There were about 800 FFA students swarming over the campus. Most of us had never been on a University or College campus before. When we left most os were sure we would return as students, Joe and I did.

In the fall of 1956 Joe and I and 48 others started anew experience as students in Veterinary Medicine. We were the last WSU Vet School class that was all men. Forty seven of our classmates were married, Joe and I and eleven others were bachelors. Most of the Bachelors lived in dorms near the Vet School and shred meals at the nearby commons. We were family! Joe was smart, enthusiastic and competitive. He was the kind of individual you treasured as a classmate and friend.

One year Joe and I had dorm rooms next to each other. That was a mixed blessing! We could study together and shoot the bull solving the world's problems and discussing the advice we thought the Dean and faculty needed to hear. Early in the semester one night I heard a a lot of noise coming from Joe's room. I jumped up and went to his room to see what was going on. I opened the door to his room and shouted --Joe, what the hell is going on? There was Joe with a picken string in his teeth bent over a wooden calf with spring loaded legs. He responded - I gotta get my practice in even if I don't have my horse here! I hope some one in Joe's family still has that wooden calf. I learned those practice sessions were part of living next door to Joe. On weekends, we would go to a barn , now the WSU Alumni Center and practice roping hay bales. Joe taught me to rope, but , I was never good at the riding part. Joe could clearly multi-task.

It was a real joy to be a Veterinary Medical student with Joe. He approached every course as an adventure! When we advanced to the Clinics every new case was an experience that built on past cases. I know Joe approached his private practice the same way. I relish my memories of visiting Joe soon after he opened his hospital in Woodinville, his excitement and enthusiasm were more abundant than ever.

I always looked forward to visiting Joe when I had occasion to be in the state of Washington. He always had some new experiences to share including an update on what his boys were doing and , then later, what his grand kids were doing. He was equally excited to learn what I was doing even though I followed a different career path.

Joe had a great life!I am glad I was able to share some time with him on the trail of life my life was richer because of our friendship. In the days ahead I hope that moments of sadness will soon be followed by a flood of happy memories of the times you shared with Joe.

With fond memories.

Roger O. McClellan, DVM, Class of 1960, WSU

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Bill Loscher published a tribute .

Joe and I became “Cougar friends a “few” years ago in Dr. Herb Eastlick’s embryology class. We renewed our friendship after we both finished our medical training. Besides our friendship we on occasion got together for a equine Orthopedic case, there I learned there was is a difference between a human and equine recovery room! A fine man, father, athlete and DVM. He will be missed!

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Maryjane Sanders published a comment .

Many fond memories, most of which were those middle of the night calls when he would jet through for a colicky horse. In and out like a flash but not without a reassuring smile and a chuckle for a worried young girl. My condolences to the entire Bergevin family.

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Dr. Christine Mitchell, Dvm published a tribute .

Jim & the Bergevin family,

I'm so very sorry to learn of Dr. B's death. He was a great mentor to me before, during, and after vet school at WSU. During my year working for him in Woodinville, it was an "eye opening" learning experience to say the least. My first day on the job, he handed me a pager and said to keep it with me at all times. I quickly learned to keep up and regularly expected my pager to go off in the middle of the night for one of his "great ideas." He went 100 miles an hour every single day. Nothing slowed him down. Not even when he broke his leg, while recovering a horse from colic surgery. He was quickly back to work with a cast on his leg and a pair of crutches, with buckets and twitches and who knows what else clipped to them. He was so passionate about veterinary medicine and teaching vet students, and fellow veterinarians, some of his innovative ideas. I still use many of his useful tips in my veterinary practice, including my "trusty TV tray." I will miss our yearly visits when he came to Pendleton for Round-Up. And the occasional phone consultation when I had a challenging equine case to diagnose or treat. I will also miss his deep laugh. It was simply the best. He was always willing to talk about horses and veterinary medicine and readily offered his perspective and insight. Dr. B will be greatly missed.

WIth sympathy,
Dr. Christine Mitchell, DVM
WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1990

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Ken Macrae,d.v.m. published a tribute .

Joe loved a good laugh. Joe, Dr Frank Merritt and I were in my pickup headed down I 25 from Cheyenne on our way to rope at Woodward, OK . I was driving, Frankie was in the middle and we were letting the good times roll and ignoring the speed limit. Joe was looking in his passenger side rear view mirror and said,”Ken are those lights on top of that car way back there.” I took a look in my mirror which was jiggling a little and said “I think they are just suitcases .” A few hundred yards later Joe said, “Ken, the suitcases are flashing.” The patrolman didn’t, smile as he handed me the ticket.

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Jake Bergevin published a comment .

Hi Ken, Glad I got to hear this story from you in person too :) - Jake

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R-A Mazzola published a tribute .

I was saddened to hear about Dr B passing away! He was a great vet and a wonderful person! He will be missed :(

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Jane Elizabeth Mcgough published a tribute .

Dr. Bergevin was a teacher, coach and friend to several generations of veterinarians. His passion for veterinary medicine and horses was unsurpassed. I am one of the beneficiaries of his vast knowledge and experience. I feel incredibly blessed to have had him as a mentor and friend. We will all miss you Dr. B! Jane McGough, DVM

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Warwick Bayly published a tribute .

Those of us in the equine section of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine who worked with Joe remember him with great fondness and have been saddened to hear of his passing. Joe was an iconic member of the veterinary profession. His intellect, curiosity and commitment to the health and well-being of horses never waivered and were a wonderful example to all who were around him. In so many ways, Joe was larger than life and we were all better for knowing him. He did his alma mater proud. Our condolences to all of his family and friends. Go Cougs and RIP, Joe. Warwick Bayly, on behalf of all Joe's friends and colleagues at WSU.

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Julie Pemberton Lougheed published a comment .

Joe was one of my favorite Bergevin cousins. One time in the late 70s I contacted Joe about my horse who was getting progressively sicker. Joe was known as one of the best equine vets around and he quickly diagnosed the problem. He generously offered to help me send my horse to WSU for a specialized treatment to try and save her life. Joe always looked for the innovative approaches to equine care. I will always remember his great attitude, empathy and compassion towards me and my beloved horse. I saw Joe many times afterwards at Bergevin family reunions and he always remembered my horse (among the many thousands he cared for!) and he had good stories to tell, always with the same good humor and friendliness. My condolences to Joe's family--he will be missed by many

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Raymond S Kelly published a tribute .

I barely knew Joe but admired him and his accomplishments. My condolences to the entire Bergevin Family.

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Stephen Michael Reed published a comment .

Joe Bergevin was one of my favorites. Though I only worked in the state of Washington for four years I got to know and love this man and enjoyed every conversation, whether in agreement or opposition, that we had though I have not seen him in a few years I often think about his contributions to our profession. thoughts and prayers to his family

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Mary Shroff published a tribute .

I had the honor to have had Joe as a patient for many years. I feel fortunate to have got to know and interact with this truly amazing individual. I loved listening to his interesting tales about his adventures as a vet and of life in general. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for everyone in the clinic. He truly loved his family. You will be so missed, Joe!

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Charley Murphey published a tribute .

I met Joe in 1963, then traveled with him in "old greenie" during high school. He loved his boys, he loved veterinary medicine, and he loved to rope. He was a man of faith. He was sensitive and uniquely intelligent. Joe loved to teach. He loved Paul Harvey and man did Harvey make him laugh. Have you ever seen a guy drive a truck and slap his knee at the same time? Be at peace cowboy. You will be missed...Charley

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Judy Darst published a tribute .

Joe was THE Vet. if you had a horse in the 70's. He was so knowledgeable and a friend as well! He will be missed.

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Dennis Nelson published a comment .

Good friend of farriers
MeetJoe 1978 he will be missed

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Randy Davis published a comment .

I didn’t know him but I know he raised one of the greatest guys to ever live in his son Jim !

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Connie Heimbigner And Don Dahmen published a comment .

The best horse vet ever. What a character. He will be missed beyond measure. Thanks Dr. B for all the care you gave us over the many years. You’re a treasure! To Dr B’s family our heartfelt sympathy to you.

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Tracy Johncox Stein published a comment .

I have know Dr. B since kindergarten.. At 16 he helped heal my mare who had to hang from a beam for 6 months and was always making sure he was watching the costs for me.I know he did a lot for a very small amount of money. Then I worked for Dr. B in Woodinville and think of it fondly. Dr. B was always coming up with all of these new ideas. My condolences to all of the Bergeron family. Your dad was the best and I loved him dearly. Thanks Dr. B for the memories.

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Joe & Mary O'leary published a tribute .

Joe was a very special guy! He had more energy that anyone I have ever known. The first Rodeo I ever placed at was with Joe in Cloverdale BC. Traveling together was always entertaining. Our practice sessions were on the grass arena below his Vet clinic (little Pendleton) with Joe and his boys. I enjoyed being around Joe and the boys, they always welcomed me and we had a lot of fun. I am a better person for having known him.

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Cindy Bordner Beechner published a tribute .

Dr. B taught me many home remedies for my horses....my favorite were his "pillows" for laminitis . Dr. B had many faces, and I loved them all. We liked each other....I grew up in Walla Walla, so, on many occasions, he felt like sharing his family stories,
pictures of the grandchildren and life adventures. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids. I trusted his professional advice for many years (30?) in Woodinville and Redmond and just recently had asked about him. I will miss Dr. B.
My sincerest condolences to his family. May these tributes bring some laughs and comfort knowing his advice is being passed on. I just taught my neighbor about " pillows" for her horse.

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Karen Perry published a tribute .

One of a kind! Always innovating and advancing vet work. He will be missed!

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Roseanne Rychlik Hoxie published a tribute .

I met Dr. B. when I was 12. As a horse crazy girl . He put back together many of my horses. One of which he took home to heal . Hanging him from a sling for 3 mo. in his barn, so his leg would heal. After his retirement I’m still at a loss to find someone to fill his shoes. Rest In Peace . Happy trails to you until we meet again.

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Doug Funk published a tribute .

Joe had an unbelievable amount of energy and enthusiasm for equine practice, people, rodeo and knowledge. I feel proud to have known him and shared the same profession. RIP Joe you are missed ❤️

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