Alice Ross Garey, a dear friend and long-serving member of The Humane Society of the United States Board of Directors, passed away April 18, 2007.
A veteran of the World War II Air Corps, Alice was also an administrator at UCLA, an educator, realtor and business woman.
Alice was a passionate protector of animals, helping to found a local animal protection society and caring for horses and strays on her small ranch in Arroyo Grande, Cali. She never hesitated to speak up on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves. Her contributions often sparked lively board discussions.
Alice, a bit bigger than life and full of light, could always tell a good story. And she loved a friendly game of poker, often challenged former HSUS president John Hoyt when he had a free moment after board meetings.
Alice became an HSUS director in 1985 after meeting Hoyt. She and a friend were running an ice cream shop in Pismo, Cali. when Hoyt met her at an animal-welfare conference in Chicago. As he tells it, several organizations were wooing Alice for their boards of directors. Hoyt, a persuasive suitor, persisted, and she chose The HSUS.
Upon her retirement in 2005, her Board colleagues recognized her for her good humor, enthusiasm, insight and unfailing commitment to the work of the Society and for her leadership over the years as chair of several board committees.
Alice Garey's enduring contribution to animals will always be remembered and honored in the ongoing work of building a more humane society.
Posted May 30, 2007.
