John E Traber

John E. Traber, D.V.M., died peacefully on August 30 at the age of 85.

John is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters Marsha (Steve), Christine, Margo and Rebecca, grandchildren Juliana and Paul (Truly), and two great grandchildren.

John was born in Kremmling, Colorado.  He graduated from Colorado A&M Veterinary School of Medicine in 1956 and served as veterinarian to the U.S. Army Pentathlon Team.  He established a mixed veterinary practice in Phoenix, then moved his family to Lacey in 1967 where he continued his 54-year career as equine veterinarian and sales consultant.  John established the Traber-Bergsma-Simkins veterinary practice at Longacres racetrack in 1974 and worked at Longacres until 1989.  He served as the Washington Horse Racing Commission veterinarion at Emerald Downs from 2000-2003, and worked as a Thoroughbred sales consultant until 2010.

John served as President of the Longacres Veterinary Association, Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association board member emeritus, Washington Thoroughbred Foundation board member and Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s United Scholarship Trust committee member.  In 2010 he received the S.J. Agnew Achievement Award for his lifetime of service, leadership and dedication to the Thoroughbred industry and his support of youth and education programs.

A celebration honoring John’s contributions to family, friends, beloved animals and the world of Thoroughbred horse racing will be held on April 7, 2018, at Emerald Downs Race Track in Auburn.

Donations may be made to the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation to support the Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s United Scholarship Trust.