Dr. Russell Hackler

November 27, 2012
hello world!

To our dear clients and friends of Groveway Veterinary Hospital,

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the passing of Dr. Russell Hackler. After 40 years at Groveway Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Hackler, 68, lost his life in a plane accident on Friday, November 23rd 2012.

Dr. Hackler was a pillar of the Castro Valley community and an inspiration to the many Veterinarians and Technicians he worked with throughout his long and distinguished career. He was a remarkable man and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him will understand the very big gap he will leave here at Groveway Veterinary Hospital.

The thoughts of everyone involved at Groveway are with his family and friends, and also with staff, past and present, and the generations of clients whose lives he touched. He made people feel like they were special when really he was the special one.

Dr. Hackler led a full life. He recently commented that he had done everything he wanted, had a wonderful family and no regrets whenever his time was up. We are only sorry that it came so soon. He had three passions in life; his family, his practice and flying. He left this earth in a quick and painless way doing what he loved so much.

“We must each lead a way of life with self-awareness and compassion, to do as much as we can. Then, whatever happens we will have no regrets.” ~Dalai Lama

Dr. Hackler had no regrets.

We have a remembrance book in our waiting area for anyone who would like to come in and leave a message and share your memories of Dr. Hackler.