University Relations
June 26, 2008 Communique
Black, Frank "Doc"
July 16, 1935 - May 4, 2008 Frank Black passed away May 4, 2008. Frank was born July 16, 1935 in Salida, Colorado to Alvin and Zella Black. Frank received a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in 1957. In 1959 he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Zeta. After graduation he served in the United States Air Force as assistant Base Veterinarian from 1959 to 1962. During that time, he served on the Mercury Project Animal Research Division, ensuring the health and welfare of chimpanzees sent into space to pave the way for manned space travel. In 1962 he returned to CSU as an instructor and Assistant Professor of large animal medicine and surgery. In 1964 he moved to Colorado Springs to begin his private practice that spanned over 40 years. Frank married Sally Rae Taylor on March 17, 1957 and recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. They have two children: Philip Black, Sherri and (husband Trent Linville) both of Colorado Springs. He was also very proud of his 3 grandsons: Joshua (wife Jessica), Taylor, and Nicholas. He has one Brother Alfred Black (wife Jerry) of Canon City, CO. Frank has been a member of many Veterinary Societies and community groups. He was a member of the AVMA and CVMA serving as the Colorado delegate from 1982 to 1990. Frank was selected as Colorado Veterinarian of the year in 1991. He was on the Colorado State board of Veterinary Examiners from 1975 to 1982. Most recently he worked with the Animal Science Department at UCCS. Frank has served on the board of directors for Pikes Peak Sertoma, Central Bank of Colorado Springs, the El Paso County 4-H Foundation, and El Paso County Soil Conservation and was an advisor to the Pikes Peak Humane Society. Frank was appointed by the Governor to the Colorado Racing Commission from 1995 to 1999. Frank truly loved his years with the Pikes Peak Range Riders and served as ride veterinarian on many rides. He was president in 2002 and hosted a ride to the Black Family Ranch in Fremont County in 2003. He was a member of the Pikes Peak Range Rider Foundation and took an active role as the liaison to the Pikes Peak Rangerettes. Frank was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved to travel especially golf trips to try new and challenging courses. He taught each of his grandsons to play the game. He also passed on his love for the great outdoors, many a day spent on the ranch, working, fishing and hunting. A memorial visitation is scheduled from 2:00- 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 11, 2008, Swan-Law Funeral Home. The memorial funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 12, 2008, Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4050 Nonchallant Circle, Colorado Springs, CO. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundations, c/o Scott Smith, 1755 Telestar Drive Ste. 450, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Or Humane Society of Colorado Springs, 610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.