Roll Call Tribute

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Dr. Robert D. Bluntzer, Jr. ‘59
Corpus Christi, TX
Approx. Date of Death: 02/06/2013
"Robert D. Bluntzer, Jr. Corpus Christi , TX Dogs, cats and small animals of the Coastal Bend are mourning the loss of their veterinarian friend Dr. Robert Dougherty Bluntzer, Jr. Bobby passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. He had been diagnosed shortly before Christmas with advanced lung cancer. All animals knew they could bring their humans to Bluntzer Animal Hospital for a good dose of laughter and the latest Aggie jokes. Inevitably their humans left happier. Many humans obeyed their animal's wishes and faithfully visited Bluntzer Animal Hospital without an animal escort. The animals understood how much joy those visits brought Dr. Bluntzer. Bobby graduated from Corpus Christi Academy with many who became dear friends. He became an Eagle Scout during that time. Thanks to 'Uncle Jim' Dougherty he was able to follow his fathers footsteps and attend Georgetown University where he was on the All American Rifle team. He often recounted with special glee that his team defeated West Point at West Point. He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelors degree in English and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. The Jesuit priests who taught him at Georgetown became lifelong friends and came to Texas over the decades to visit. During his junior year he saw what he described as the 'most gorgeous being to walk the earth'. With perseverance and a friend's help, he convinced her, a Venezuelan boarding student at Georgetown Visitation, to go on a date. They married in 1952 and Josephine 'Chispa' was his devoted wife for 60 years, holding his hand when he passed away. Immediately after their marriage Bobby was sent to Germany where he represented the 43rd Division in pistol, small bore rifle and skeet competitions. He led his team to win the NATO skeet championship. After his discharge, instead of going to law school as planned, he enrolled in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1959. He opened Bluntzer Animal Hospital in 1960 and with the help of Leah Sanford Garcia; he worked until a month before his death. Bobby's childhood love of nature and 'all creatures great and small' developed into a deeper affection, respect and intuition that served him well. He was a widely respected small animal diagnostician and could identify an animal's ailment without sophisticated lab tests. Although he preferred to stay out of the public spotlight, when historic lands along the Nueces River were scheduled for inundation by the placement of a dam, he agreed to run for office and successfully negotiated the relocation of the dam which saved old San Patricio, the Bluntzer homestead (now The Fannie Nason Bluntzer Spirit Center), Round Lake and his beloved river bottoms. His passion since childhood was hunting these lands where he tracked and shot game, hunting on foot. He taught every member of the family to shoot and hunt safely and responsibly, only for food. He had a special place in his heart for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word. We know he heard their beautiful voices the morning of his death when they visited to pray and sang two beautiful hymns at his bedside. Bobby's impact on this life was made on the sidelines, one conversation at a time. He was often sought out by the younger generations for his straight advice and clear simple perspective on life's challenges. His children aspire to walk the same path of integrity, compassion and love. He is preceded in death by many dear friends, his parents Naomi (Tom) Bluntzer, Robert Dougherty Bluntzer, an infant son Vincent Joseph Bluntzer. He is survived by his wife, Josephine 'Chispa' Bluntzer, his children Dr. Mary Ellen Bluntzer (Dr. Jon Blachley) of Dallas, Christopher Joseph Bluntzer (Elena) of Miami, Dianna Bluntzer (Scott Sherman), three granddaughters Annabelle Evangeline Dura, Madeleine Josphine 'Sally' Dura and Adelaide Eloise 'Ellie' Dura as well as those who worked by his side for many years Addie Stewart and Leah Sanford Garcia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sisters of the Incarnate Word, The Bluntzer Spirit Center, PALS Animal Shelter or the charity of your preference. Rosary Sunday, February 10, 2013 4:00 p.m. Incarnate Word Convent Chapel 2930 S. Alameda St. Corpus Christi, TX 78404. Memorial Mass Monday, February 11, 2013 10:00 am Corpus Christi Cathedral, 505 N Upper Broadway St Corpus Christi, TX 78401