Hugh Weech

Dr. Hugh Newell Weech, DVM, passed away at his home in Poway, CA on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. He was 82 years old. In 1967, "Doc" Weech opened the first dedicated Veterinary Clinic in Poway, CA. "Doc" Weech treated large animals throughout San Diego County. His National Design Award-Winning Small Animal Clinic on Poway Rd is where generations brought their pets for care. Hugh was born on November 20th, 1938, in Mesa Arizona and raised on the San Carlos, Arizona, Apache Indian Reservation where his parents Hyrum and Christine owned Weechs' Trading Post. Hugh spent his youth attending school in Globe and exploring the foothills and plains of the San Carlos Indian Reservation on his horse. In high school Hugh was Sophomore Vice-President, Junior Class President, and Student Body President his Senior year. During his teenage years, Hugh competed on the Junior Rodeo Circuit and in the summers, he was a "working cowboy" on large ranches. During Hugh's primary rodeo days, he won an average of 8 Championship buckles a year. While studying Biology at the University of Arizona, Tucson, Hugh was also a member of Universities' Intercollegiate Rodeo Team. In 1960, he was the National Intercollegiate Calf Roping Champion. While in Tucson, Hugh married his high school sweetheart Patty Ann Sanders. After 4 years in Tucson, Hugh attended Veterinary School at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins graduating in 1964. In the summers he worked for the State of Colorado at the Denver Racetrack. During High School years and throughout their lives, Hugh and Patty were often in the company of his younger brother Ricky. In the 1950's not many people were exposed to people that had Down-Syndrome. Because of Hugh and Patty's example, numerous people had the chance to know Rick and better understand someone with Disabilities. Rick lived with Hugh and Patty for 32 years, until his death in 2018 at the age of 65. Dr. Weech is preceded in death by his parents Hyrum Newell Weech and Christine Gilliland Weech; His sisters Carol James and Loretta Weech; and brother Richard "Ricky" Weech. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Patty Ann Sanders Weech and Children: Tammie Weech, Huntington Beach, CA; Bryan Weech, Castle Rock, CO; Chrisanna Johnson, Oceanside, CA; LeAnn Baier; Henderson, NV; Lee Weech, South Jordan, UT; Emilee Layne, El Segundo, CA; Tricia Layne, Murrieta, CA; and 16 grandchildren who loved him deeply. He is also survived by Sister Janis Willis, Chandler, AZ; Brother Lance Weech, Safford, AZ; and Sister Linda Blackburn, Clearwater, KS. Funeral Services, Saturday, May 15, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center: 341 W. 450 S.Pima, AZ. Public Visitation 3:00; Service 4:00, Burial 5:15 at Pima City Cemetery.