Andrew K. Currie, VMD, 79, died May 3, 2019

Andrew K. “Doc” Currie was born August 11, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He passed away May 3, 2019, at home after a long fight with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Isabel Currie.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1963 after completing his undergraduate studies at Rutgers and Colorado State universities. Upon graduation, he moved to Houston to pursue his specialty in equine lameness and medicine. He met his wife-to-be, Sandy Thompson. After completing a year in Houston, he had the opportunity to move to Lexington, Kentucky, to work with one of the pioneers in eEquine orthopedic surgery, Dr. D.L. Proctor.

In 1966, he and Sandy were married, and she joined him in Lexington. Although they enjoyed their time and his great experiences in Kentucky, they yearned to return to Texas and open a private practice. Doc and Sandy bought a farm in northwest Houston, where he opened the Currie Equine Clinic. It was because of his work ethic and dedication to his patients that he felt like he had to live at the clinic. His philosophy was “work hard, critique your work, always make sure you surrounded yourself with good people, put the horse first and always treat your clients like you would like to be treated.”

He loved the sport of rodeo, and, while treating many of the top athletes, he was able to further his own personal ambition of roping. Doc had a great eye for a good horse. He credits his ownership of some nice horses to the association with good horsemen. Together, Doc and Sandy owned the NCHA World Champion cutting horse Sugar Vaquero. They owned a Reserve World Champion team roping horse, were partners on a World Champion calf horse, and more.

Doc and Sandy moved to Llano, Texas, in 2016 to start a new chapter: semi-retirement. He finally had the opportunity to spend more time in the roping pen.

Doc dedicated his life to serving the equine industry. He treated all of his patients the same, no matter their discipline or their cost, from the backyard pony to the elite equine athlete. His integrity, ethics, and honesty made him a standout in his field. Because of that, he served on the Board of Directors of the AAEP, served on numerous committees for the AAEP and TVMA, was past chairman of the Equine Committee for the TVMA, was on the Board of Directors for the Texas Horse Racing Association, was a member of the AVMA, TEVA, AQHA, PRCA, and a life member and lifetime committeemen of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Doc was inducted into the 2012 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. Longstanding official veterinarian for the Tejas Vaquero’s — Friends for Life.

Doc was not one to judge. He would council only if you asked but would never judge you. The friendships he formed over the course of his life are treasured by those fortunate enough to have known him.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy; son Kelso and two grandsons, Kade and Kameron; Cathy Cribbs, his right hand and faithful assistant of 39 years; and Kathy Stoops, his faithful secretary of over 20 years.

A memorial service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300, with Richard Vandventer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hill Country Memorial Hospice, P.O. Box 835, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; St. Jude’s Hospital; or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be emailed to whhfuneral1@verizon.net.