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Clem Hausmann posted a condolence
Saturday, July 11, 2020
I served under Lieutenant Gumaer in Vietnam. He was a good man, a good soldier and I considered him a friend. Our unit was the 43rd Infantry Platoon Scout Dogs with a detachment of the 77th Infantry Detachment Combat Trackers We were part of the historic 5th Mechanized Infantry Division stationed as close to the DMZ as you could be. It was not a good place to be, nor an easy time to be there, but LT Gumaer was a solid man who I was proud to serve under.
My condolences to his family and I am happy to learn he led a fulfilling life upon his return to the States.
(Sgt.) Clem Hausmann
Bryan, Texas
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June and John Pakatar posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Today we learned to Ken's passing. Ken and John were roommates and best friends while attending Cornell University. While we hadn't been in contact with Ken and his family for more years than we would like to admit, we were saddened when we learned this. To Ken's family, please know that we are sorry for your loss and know that we will remember him fondly.
Sincerely, June and John Pakatar
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Buster Watts posted a condolence
Thursday, August 8, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Very heartbreaking. Have not see Mary in many yrs but still look at you as a friend. Again I am so sorry
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Tom Vossler posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Ken: You have passed over the river. Rest now in the shade of the trees. We will all join you there in due time.
At our first meeting fifteen years ago you and I instantly became aware of our common past beyond the cattle - the war in Vietnam. We never talked much about it, just an acknowledgement that we were there at the same time, leading men at the front of the line. There was no need for us to speak more of it, our eyes told the story to each other.... the eyes are a window into the soul.
Your subsequent work as a DVM was well placed. Care for the animals, health and welfare, new life and creation, new beginnings. But there was more to it than that wasn't there? Your work with the youngsters and the animals, teaching and mentoring them by example and by your presence, the values of hard work, patience, nurturing and life beyond oneself.
You will be missed my friend. I am proud to have known you. TOM VOSSLER
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Dr. Rob Wilson posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Ken was the reason I picked Ridge Animal Hospital as my first job out of Veterinary School; after one day working with him, I knew he was the type of person I wanted to work with and learn from. He was an all around good guy. I miss his smile and quiet demeanor, and I feel privalged to have gotten to work with Ken.
My condolences and prayers go out to Mary and all Ken's family.
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Michelle Klinger Shorter posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
"Doc" Gumaer...what a great man. Our family has been involved in 4H for 40 years and we all thought he was the best. Whether it was a vet question, a showmanship question, or just something in general, he always had the time to stop and teach you. After I was too old to show in 4H, my mother and myself stayed in the beef program as volunteers on show day, because of "Doc". May he always be in your thoughts.
Sandy and Michelle Klinger
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Dina Leonard-Narburgh posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
He was a wonderful man and amazing at his job. I learned a lot from him during my days working at RAH. I enjoyed doing large animal calls with him. Just a remarkable man. Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
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Barbara McCollum Outten posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Dr. Gumaer was a truly remarkable man who was always kind and so knowledgeable about our dairy calves and cows when he would come for a call! I have fond memories when he and Janice Chapman would come to do surgeries years ago!
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Keith and Darlene Hurtgam posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Mary
Doc was a kind man very patient who helped my dad time again on Sunday mornings as Dad would stop in at Docs Farm for some medication and advice to treat one of his animals. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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charles hartway posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Doc, as my father always referred to him , was as much an inspiration for me to pursue agriculture as anyone. He seemed a giant to me me as a youngster and yet gentle with animals. Still recall watching him perform a cesarean delivery on a select heifer, effortlessly and perfect. His witty sense of humor was always up when working cattle with Dad. My daughter recalled him being thrown by a wild steer and how tired and sore his body must have been after so many yrs of vet work. Yes, he touched 3 generations on our farm and countless others, I'm sure. May you rest in peace, Ken. You will be dearly missed.
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Duane and Valerie Snee posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
So sorry for your loss Mary. We always enjoyed the time at Stars and Stripes we talked with you and Ken.
He would make you laugh!!!
Prayers for you and the family.
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Naydine Owens posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
So sorry for your loss Mary. I was just thinking about him a few days ago. How he saved a goat for our kids years ago. Again he saved our daughter black mini mare on a day he was on call. We took the mare to your farm for care while he was waiting for a cow to give birth that would need help.
One great careing veterinarian. He will be missed by many. RIP Dr. Gumaer
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Tom and Barbara Vossler posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Mary we are so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and we enjoyed having and knowing him with the Stars and Stripes sale.
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Jackie & Chris Czelusta posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Mary and Family,
Chris and I are deeply saddened about your loss of Ken. He was always here for us on our farm. Our children, Rick, Julie and Randy learned many things from Ken concerning beef in the 4-H beef program. You were selfless beyond words for your dedication to our youth. You were fun to be around and always took the time to answer any question we had with a kind smile and tons of laughter. R.I.P. dear Doctor Guamer, no more pain. You were the best!
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Donna Riches posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
I will always remember his smile. It was a privilege to work for him.
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Dorothy Wells posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
My deepest condolences for your loss. We were distant cousins; my Grandfather was a Gumaer.
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Lindsey Walsh posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
So sorry to hear. May his memory be for a blessing.
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Linda Conlin posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Dr. Gumaer was so appreciated by the 4-H community for his leadership, dedication and support. My sympathy to all his family and friends.
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Jenks Family posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Doc's family , our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Doc was an excellent vet and helped on our farm many times . He also was a wonderful vet for all the 4-H ers . He will not be forgotten but remembered always .
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Hattie Starr posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
I am so sorry for your lost. I adored Ken before and during my time working with him at the clinic. Absolutely amazing man.
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Liz Neadow posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Doc was my vet when we first got cows. His easy going way to farming and animal care gave me the confidence to continue you and become a dairy farmer with no background in farming. He was always there with sound advice.
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Martha Schroeder Williams posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Losing a loved one is the biggest heart break that happens in your life. Ken was a well respected man in the community for as long as I can remember. anyone that knew him always had kind words to say about him. My heart & prayers go out to you all.
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Darcy Lenczewski posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Mary and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time!!! The obituary said it all, he was an incredibly kind and humane man!! He had to put down a few of mine and did it with much love and compassion!!! He even helped me dig a hole to put my beloved pet to rest!!! I'll never forget that!!! Rest in peace neighbor!!!!
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Sandy Liberatore posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. He was truly a great man, friend, father, grandpa and husband. He will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary and family during this sad time. Lots of love and hugs, Sandy.
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Marjorie Stout posted a condolence
Monday, August 5, 2019
Mary and family I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you ❤️
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Gigi Sherrie posted a condolence
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Aunt Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Ken. I remember when you got married. You were so happy. I love you and am sorry that you are hurting.
gigi
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The family of Dr. Kenneth I. Gumaer Jr. DVM uploaded a photo
Sunday, August 4, 2019
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Elizabeth Storch posted a condolence
Sunday, August 4, 2019
My sincerest condolences are extended to the Gumaer family, to all his colleagues in the veterinary world, and to all his friends. I met Dr. Gumaer once….about 30 years ago. The whole exchange was brief and private as far as I know. I am the only human being alive that can speak to the compassion, gentleness, and character Dr. Gumaer showed on this particular day. In the Bible, there are many references to “God has his eye on the sparrow.” Matthew is one of several of the books of the Bible where “God’s provision for the sparrow” is noted.
This is also a quote from Job: Job 12:7-10 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8 or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;[a]
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9 Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
I had a wooden fence at the time in my backyard. When I went out there on a Saturday afternoon some 30 years ago, I noticed a baby robin hanging upside down. One of his tiny legs had slipped into a narrow crevice between two boards. The bird was still alive and is some distress but worn out. It did not struggle when I gently raised him up and extricated his leg. I put him in a towel and saw that this was a tragic accident that would mean the end to this bird. I was already a client at Ridge Animal Hospital in Middleport for my dogs and cats. This was long enough ago that the veterinarians at Ridge took turns on providing 24/7 cover of emergencies when the Hospital was closed. I could not just wait for the bird to slowly die from its now useless leg. Setting that leg in a cast and hand-feeding the bird to me seemed impossibility. I called Ridge Animal Hospital’s emergency line. Dr. Ken Gumaer took my call personally. He dealt with only large animals but he gave me directions to his farm in the country and asked if I could drive out to him. I did. He was waiting for me next to his barn in the front yard of his home. There were no other humans around as far as I saw. I handed off the baby robin to Dr. Gumaer who examined it enough to agree with my non-clinical observation that euthanasia was in order. Dr. Gumaer graduated from a fully accredited veterinary school…..I think from Cornell Veterinary College in Ithaca. He was fully licensed by the State of New York to examine and evaluate the health conditions of animals. This baby robin probably weighed a few ounces which is a quite a ways on the opposite end of the spectrum of dealing with cattle, horses, pigs, etc. who come in at hundreds of pounds. On the phone and now in person, Dr. Gumaer was entirely courteous in his response to my supplication for help for this bird. He was gentle in his assessment. He went to his veterinary vehicle, opened up one of side doors, and took out some medicine and a syringe. With compassion, he gently put the baby robin out of its suffering. The baby robin died quietly with no distress that I could observe. From the very beginning of this incident when I first discovered the baby robin, I was fully prepared to take the baby robin to a veterinarian and pay to the assessment and euthanasia. When the baby robin had died, I told Dr. Gumaer that I had my wallet with me and I was fully prepared to pay whatever fee he wanted. It was an emergency visit. Dr. Gumaer was fully trained, licensed, and experienced to help this baby robin as best he could. I expected to pay him something. He had earned a professional payment. Dr. Gumaer wouldn’t take one penny. Not a cent. Not a dollar. Not the fifty dollars I felt might be the cost some 30 years ago.
When I saw the obituary last night, this is the memory of Dr. Ken Gumaer that immediately came to my mind though it has been somewhere around three decades ago. I wanted other human beings to hear this true account to recognize the goodness and gentleness of this human being. I believe in the Lord and I believe that when we die we are met at the Heavenly Gates by the Lord or his angels and we see our entire lives on earth before us. In my mind, Dr. Gumaer was a great human being and a great veterinarian. I am very sad that he has died though he and I and the baby robin crossed paths for a very brief time about thirty years ago. I think it is time to share my private encounter with others so they can appreciate the deep character and goodness...and Godliness...of Ken Gumaer, DVM.
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Brad and Donna Bentley posted a condolence
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Mary and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. We love you and you are all in our prayers. May the Lord bless you!
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Linda Rosenthal posted a condolence
Saturday, August 3, 2019
My Sincerest sympathy on the passing of Doc Gumaer. He certainly will be remembered by many as a wonderful person. I am so sorry for you all . Such a loss. God Bless and give you strength and comfort in the very sad days ahead .
Love,
Linda Rosenthal
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