Dr. Donald Evans "Rock" Alford

Dr. Alford, longtime Hamilton veterinarian, passed away April 10, 2014 at University of Cincinnati, West Chester Hospital. Rock valiantly fought an eight month battle with a rare liver cancer. The love of his wife and two sons lifted Rock throughout his illness and they were with him as he peacefully passed. Rather than focus on his illness, Rock chose to handle his diagnosis with determination and motivation to regain his health. He focused on family, friends, and planning for the future. He continued embracing life, looked forward to returning to his beloved profession, and pushed forward with the same gusto for which Rock was known. Dr. Alford was born March 12, 1951 in Hamilton, Ohio to Elmer R. Alford and Eileen L. Alford. He was educated in Butler County where he was a standout athlete. As a young boy he dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and spent his college years fulfilling his dream. He received his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from The Ohio State University. In l976 upon graduation, he returned to Butler County with his bride, Sharon Ann, to practice at The West Side Animal Clinic. Throughout his 37 years of practice he remained passionately committed to animal health. He was a well-respected clinician and surgeon amongst both peers and loyal clients. He was actively involved in the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association, Butler-Warren Veterinary Medical Association of which he was president for several years; as well as state and national affiliations in his profession. He also belonged to several organizations supporting preservation of animal habitats, and supported organizations promoting land, water and soil conservation. Rock loved life, family, friends, sports, and nature. He traveled extensively with many more travel goals for the years ahead. He especially loved Ireland and shared his love of the Emerald Isle with Sharon, Marcus and Jon. He also enjoyed golfing in Ireland and Scotland with his cherished golf buddies. He had a wide range of friends, especially enjoying his beloved OSU Veterinarian reunions each year and his longtime Sunday golf group. Rock’s focus on the positive and best in people, his wit and spirited laugh, and his energy for hard work and play will be missed by many. Rock was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ann, son Marcus Evans of Chicago, son Jonathan Ryan of Singapore, and sister Deborah Jean of Lexington. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Weigel Funeral Home, 980 N. W. Washington Blvd. Hamilton with Rev. Grant Montgomery officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 16 from 3 PM to 8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers , please consider donations for a scholarship fund established in Rock’s name. Memorials may be mailed to OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Attn: Danielle Ford, 1900 Coffey Rd. Columbus, OH 43210. Checks may be made out to OSU Foundation with Dr. Donald Alford’s name written on the memo line. Rock’s family wishes to express the utmost of gratitude to the exceptional medical team providing treatment, encouragement, and support at the UC Barrett Cancer Center. A special heart-felt thank-you to Dr. Olugbenga Olowokure for his compassion, dedication and determination to promote healing in every way. He told Rock "the boxing gloves are on" and that’s the way they worked together throughout. Elizabeth Miyagawa, clinical research coordinator, will always be cherished for the encouragement, devotion, and respect she showed Rock every step of the way. We thank the entire Hematology/Oncology team at UC Hospitals for their excellent care.

Tributes

Dr. Donald Evans "Rock" Alford

April 10, 2014