Hugo John Nykamp, DVM, 86, of Woodlake, passed Sunday, April 29, 2012, at St. Joseph of the Pines, in Southern Pines.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, in Southern Pines, with a reception and light lunch to follow.
Dr. Nykamp was born Jan. 20, 1926, in Hamlin, N.Y., to the late Lena Klafehn Nykamp and John Christian Nykamp. He served in the United States Army during World War II and Korea. He was a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and practiced small animal medicine for more than 35 years in Pompton Plains and Wayne, N.J., where he volunteered at the local shelters and township clinics.
He was particularly fond of terriers. He raised and showed Airedales and Norwich, and served as the Airedale Terrier Club delegate to the American Kennel Club. The Airedale Terrier Club recognized his contributions to the breed, honoring him with a lifetime membership.
Upon his retirement from veterinary medicine, he relocated to Woodlake, where he was an active member of the Vass Lions Club. He continued his community service, delivering meals-on-wheels for more than 10 years, and found great joy in gardening and sharing his favorite plants.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne Smith Nykamp, also of Woodlake; two sisters, Wanda Lutz and Betty Attili; son John Nykamp, of Greensboro; two daughters, Nancy Nykamp Garner, of Great Falls, Va., and Carol Nykamp Drury, of Flanders, N.J.; and seven grandchildren, Daniel, Katie, Leah, Heather, Olivia, James and Hugh. Dr. Nykamp was preceded in death by his sister, Dora Kubitz.
In the later years of his life, Dr. Nykamp faced Parkinson’s disease with strength and courage, and served as an inspiration to others. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (www.apda parkinson.org), or Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is assisting the family.