Obituary: Highland Park Veterinarian Loses Short Battle with Lung Cancer

Born on January 1, 1946, Rolando P. Vasquez, DVM, lost his short but brave battle with lung cancer on January 15, 2015. He never smoked and was only diagnosed in October. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and the greatest provider to his family and friends. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing at Glendale Adventist Hospital.

Dr. Vasquez came from very humble beginnings and graduated from Araneta University in Manila, Philippines in 1968. In 1973, and with less than $40 in his pocket, Dr. Vasquez immigrated to California, vowing to earn enough money to move his young wife, Lucy, and newborn son, Ronaldo, whom he had to leave behind, to join him in America. He succeeded in less than a year by training and working tirelessly in a private veterinarian practice as well as the Los Angeles County animal shelter. In 1981, Dr. Vasquez and his wife, Lucy, a registered veterinarian technician, opened their own clinic, the North Figueroa Animal Hospital in Highland Park. He worked with various local organizations involved in spay and neuter programs and volunteered at vaccination clinics all over the Los Angeles area. In 2006, the City of Los Angeles adopted a resolution in honor of Dr. Vasquez. He also received a commendation from the Mayor of Los Angeles in April 2014 for his outstanding contribution to the City of Los Angeles and for his lifelong dedication to pets and those who love them.

Dr. Vasquez’s legacy lives on at North Figueroa Animal Hospital through his wife and son, Dr. Ronaldo J. Vasquez (Dr. Joey), who joined his father’s side in 2001. Dr. Joey and his wife, Jennifer, carry the tradition of high-quality, compassionate service to pets in our community and all over the greater Los Angeles area. Dr. Vasquez is also survived by two daughters. Patricia, a Registered Dietitian, and her husband Tristan Cavato, started Green Bark Gummies, a successful company specializing in organic and healthy dog treats. Evalynn, Dr. Vasquez’s youngest daughter, lives in Boston with her husband, Mark Schumacher, and is completing her fellowship in Pediatric Urology through Harvard’s program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Its apparent Dr. Vasquez’s work ethic was passed on to all of his children.

In addition to his wife and three children, Dr. Vasquez leaves behind five beautiful grandchildren, whom he loved to spoil and brought him endless laughter and joy. He will be missed not only by his family and friends, but by the entire community, who benefited from his kindness and generosity.

Visitation is available at Glendale Forest Lawn on 1/21 & 1/22 from 6pm-9pm in the Main Mortuary. Funeral services will be held on 1/23 at 1pm in the Church of the Recession at Glendale Forest Lawn.