Bill Russell Ellsworth

Born in Little Rock, AR, January 23, 1929, moved to Denison, TX, then Dallas, TX. He owned two horses while growing up. Attended Texas A&M University and graduated Veterinary school in 1952. Graduated top of his class and was Southwest Veterinarian Journal Editor.

Interned at Angel memorial Hospital for one year in Boston before moving to Eugene, OR to practice veterinary medicine. He met and married Jean Dion in Eugene, OR, as he called it the “romance capital of the world” on October 30, 1954. They moved to Victoria, BC for one year before moving to Seattle, WA in 1955 and lived there to the present day.

Bill/Dad had two veterinary hospitals in Seattle, first the Airport Veterinary Hospital on Pacific Highway South, and for 40 years at the White Center Veterinary Hospital. He was also the track veterinarian at Longacres Racetrack I Renton for seven summers during the 1960s.

Bill became an avid golfer and was member at both Glen Acres Country Club and Rainer Golf and Country Club. He and Jean lived on the fourth fairway of Rainer.

Bill loved his family and his profession. Other things he enjoyed were going to Costco, sometimes daily, loved to shop and surprise people with gifts. He was extremely generous. He enjoyed playing golf for many years and playing cards.

Bill is survived by “first wife” Jean, children Kathleen Ellsworth, Lizann Virnig (Dave), son Clay, granddaughters, Laura Virnig, Melisa Virnig, all of the Seattle area. He has a brother, Jerry Ellsworth, DVM retired, residing in Dallas, TX, and preceded in death by grandson Eric William Virnig.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to any animal welfare organization of your choice.

We will love him and miss him always.