Saturday, March 26, 2022

Dr. Richard Wayne Bachman, DVM

Dr. Richard Wayne Bachman, DVM, passed away on Sunday, March 20th, 2022, while caring for his property on Burnside Road. Born on April 1st, 1953, Dr. Bachman lived his life one adventure at a time. Fondly referred to as "Dr. B" by colleagues, "Ricky" by friends, and "Dad" by his beloved daughters Gail and Anna. Dr. Bachman wore many hats throughout his life, but he was best known and loved for the work he did as a small animal veterinarian.

Dr. Bachman received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from U.C. Davis in 1982 and started his career as a vet on a cattle boat near Tunisia. Dr. Bachman was his own boss for most of his career, initially owning Northtown Animal Hospital in Santa Rosa for 18 years then starting his own private consulting practice, Shelter Medicine Support (SMS). As Director of SMS, Dr. Bachman contracted for both municipal animal agencies as well as non-profit animal welfare groups to design, develop, and manage their medical programs. He was influential in developing and growing shelter medicine programs in Sonoma County, Napa County, Contra Costa County, and Lake County. In 1999, he was awarded Shelter Veterinarian of the Year from the American Humane Association.

In addition to his work in shelter medicine development, Dr. Bachman was a skilled surgeon and never shied away from a challenging case. Over his career he saved many animals that would be deemed unsavable by most. He was also dedicated to educating the next generation of veterinarians and vet technicians. Dr. B was an admired mentor to many colleagues and students - he was "a good man who brought good people together to do good things".

Northern California was always home base, but Dr. Bachman's work in animal welfare also had an international impact through his work in India, Romania, Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Mexico where he assisted primarily with shelter operations and sterilization projects.

Ricky was an avid rugby player through college and years after, often trying to "bury his boots" only to dig them up the next season for one last game. He loved the sport and those he played with. This was a common thread throughout his life and brought him a great deal of joy even after he eventually transitioned from the pitch to the sidelines.

Over the last few years, Rick enjoyed putzing around the house or working on his property. He loved to collect "treasurers" and always had an eye for what something could become with just a little elbow grease. Many will remember Rick as a one-of-a-kind individual, a man who lived life on his own terms but would drop everything to help a friend or family member in need.

Rick is survived by his daughter Gail, his wife Patty and her two children Abby and Andrew, as well as his cherished furry friends, Lefty, Sir and Sandy.

A celebration of life with family, friends and colleagues will be planned for later this summer. Donations to honor the life and work of Dr. Bachman may be made via check to Lake County Animal Care & Control, 4949 Hellish Dr, Lakeport, CA 95453 (please write 'Donation' in the check memo line) or to Napa Humane.

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