Donald John Casey, DVM of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, AZ, passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 97, while a resident at the retirement community, Vi @ Silverstone in Scottsdale. Thank you to the entire staff for making his days so rich and filled with love. He was predeceased by our mother, LaDeane Casey, who passed away December 1, 2018.
Our dad was a decorated WWII combat Marine (Pacific Theater), private pilot, accomplished large and small animal veterinarian, and third generation Iowa farmer. He was the last survivor of a band of six brothers and two sisters. Dad was a gentleman farmer and beloved veterinarian. With a smile and a wink, he used to say, “I have never really worked a day in my life because I love what I do, and even get paid for it!” Dad was a humble man but received many awards and held various titles in his profession. His daily mission was to make the people and animals in his life feel better. He always had a kind word and compliment for everyone he met. Halfway through their lives, Mom and Dad (at the age of 50) moved the family from Iowa to Paradise Valley, AZ. “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.” He continued practicing veterinary medicine for 25 years in Arizona, starting up multiple small animal clinics until his retirement. He also was long-time volunteer for the homeless at St. Vincent de Paul, attended daily Mass at the Franciscan Renewal Center, Eucharistic Minister at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, enjoyed golf, and spent many hours actively watching his grandchildren’s sporting and school events.
Dad’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his children: Kent (Amy); Robert; Diane Casey Maloney (Kevin Ahern); Donna (Bruce) Tait; and Mark (Caroline). Also, by his son-in-law, Craig Larsen (daughter Janice Casey deceased); his nine grandchildren Dylan (Liz) and Brook Casey; W.J., Sean (Kerri) and Connor Maloney (Peyton Jackson); Kelleen and Greg (Kass) Tait; and Charlotte and Ruby Casey. Dad had three great granddaughters: Ella and Harper Casey; and Madison Maloney. A service and burial will be held in Iowa during Summer 2022. There will be no local services.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you “Do what Dad would do.” Tell the next person you meet that they are Great! They are beautiful! Tell your family that you love them. Everyday give the people around you a reason to feel good. That is his true legacy.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whiteymurphyfuneralhome.com
Kris Daeges Horsley
Your dad was such a kind, unassuming and humble man. Always a twinkle in his eyes. Blessed to gave known him. All our love and hugs from Iowa.
Especially to my dear friend and classmate, Donna, and also knew Diane and Bob .
Celebrate the goodness of God to have had such a wonderful Father for so long! God bless you all!!
Posey Moore Nash
Oh dear Diane and family,
What a long wonderful life your father had, and to be so loved by each of you.
My condolences on a life well lived.
Noel Garagiola
Dr. Don Casey was our veterinarian from 1982 until his retirement. We had moved to Scottsdale from New York in July. When our Labrador retriever Joy began to show signs of distress a few weeks later, I found his practice in the phone book, called, and pleaded with his staff for someone to see us the same day. The call came back in 5 minutes to bring her in . Dr. Casey discovered that Joy had an abscess ; he soothed her, treated her and relieved her considerable pain as though she was his own dog. His professional skill was immediately evident, and his warmth and likability were extraordinary .These professional and personal attributes were matched by his kindness. When my groggy dog and I returned to our car in the afternoon’s brutal heat, I found the battery had died. Back we went to the office to use their phone (pre cell phone days) to call a taxi, he instead insisted on interrupting his work day to drive us home in his car. I was 5 months pregnant, and astonished by his willingness to go so out of his way for a stranger. He was one of the best people and veterinarians that I have known.;
Sheila Fryer
Uncle Don was a true hero to me! His kind heart, welcoming soul and genuine interest in my life and the life of my sisters and our families. He knew everyone’s name and genuinely cared about all of us! I’ve never met a more spiritual, gentle, sincere and loving person in my life! I’m blessed to be called his Neice!
Becky Matthies
Your father, our Uncle Don was the sweetest uncle! Always full of compliments and love! He always lifted people up with his dynamic personality! Our family always felt a special bond with him because of his love of Okoboji and I believe he played a role in my inspiration to have a home there now. Thinking of you all and offering prayers for peace and comfort and Casey loves and hugs!
Laura Taylor
It was with great sadness that I saw that the best boss that I ever worked for, Dr. Casey, was called home to be reunited with LaDeane and Janice. However, I know that he is happy and at peace. He treated me and Karen Rickert like we were his daughters. I know your entire family will miss him sorely.
David M. Franzen
Wow! So many kind words I would like to express about Uncle Don! What a great, great man! He certainly left the world a better place for him being in it! I heard it said once, a man should not be measured so much by how many people he has loved in his life, but rather by how many people have loved him! I loved him dearly, as I know so many did! What a great comfort he was to me and Deb during our grandfather Carl’s illness and passing. That’s when I really got to know him and so much appreciated him for his kindness, love and support. I tried to express these words in a birthday video tribute to him a couple years ago, but I don’t think my video made the cut, lol
I know he’s in heaven and I know now he must feel blessed for the wonderful life he had and the tremendous impact he had on so many! I will miss you Uncle Don, one of the absolute finest men I’ve ever known. If I could live my life as you did, well…. That will be plenty good enough!!!
Rich Casey
What a great loss for the extended Casey family! I well remember Uncle Don’s warmth and good humor and how much I looked forward to seeing him at family reunions. His many accomplishments and attributes have already been noted elsewhere; truly his was a life well-lived, truly he was an exemplar of the “Greatest Generation”. To all those closest to him, I will be praying for you and with you in the days ahead.
Colleen Peach
Heart felt condolences to all of you. Uncle Don made so many happy memories for me and many others I am sure. My Dad always tried to coordinate our vacations with him and Aunt LaDeane so when we went up to the lake we could go ride in the boat and swim off the dock. What great times. Thinking of all of you! Casey Hugs from Colleen (Casey) Peach.
Glenda (Liddell) Coughlin
I was so sorry to read about Don’s passing. I was six years old when we moved off the “Casey” farm. I didn’t want to move. When we would go visit the people who moved there after we left I would ask if I could go see “my room”. They would always say yes. I had the best room in the whole house ! I still remember it very well. I also remember even though I wasn’t very old, visiting you in Carroll. I always admired Don and La Deane for their many accomplishments and their down to earth warmth and kindness. My Mom and Dad thought the world of them too.
Thank you for including them so many times in your family reunions in Griswold. They always looked forward to seeing you all and were so proud to have been included. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of both your Mother and Father, two angels who are now in heaven.
Patrick and Elsa Casey
Dear Casey Family,
We have heavy hearts knowing that you’ve said your last goodbyes to your dear dad. He was special to all of us and we have many fond memories of when he and your mom would come back to visit Iowa. May he rest in peace in heaven with all of our loved ones who have gone before us. What a blessed eternal reunion it must be.
Love, Pat and Elsa Casey
Mary Dolphin
Dear Casey Family,
I was so sorry to read about Dr Casey’s passing. He took such good care of our collie, in Carroll, on numerous occasions.
One particularly warm summer in Carroll our mom took our collie to your dads clinic and asked him to give the dog a very short haircut. I’m not sure your dad wanted to cut it as short as our mom asked, but he did. Several days later a Carroll resident called the police to report a cougar near her home – our collie.
You are all so fortunate to have had such wonderful parents.
My condolences.
Mary (Kelly) Dolphin