Veterinarian Joel Pasco dies at 62

Joel Pasco could never turn his back on an animal in need.

The veterinarian, who founded the Wetland and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach, died surrounded by wildlife Saturday during a fishing trip to Convict Lake in the Sierras with his best friend. Pasco was 62.

Debbie McGuire, a friend and colleague, could hardly speak through her tears and trembling voice.

“He was a friend, a colleague and a mentor,” said the manager of All Creatures Care Cottage where Pasco practiced. “It’s hard to be quoted when you’re still so sad. I knew him for many years, I worked with him, and I’m going to miss him. This world lost a wonderful person.”

Pasco was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2006, but continued to work at the cottage, which he founded, said his widow, Jean Pasco.

“Joel was the kind of guy who’d be the first to walk through any closed door or run to the top of the hill to see what was on the other side,” Jean Pasco said in an e-mail. “He plowed through life at a gallop.”

McGuire could still remember the day she met Joel Pasco 19 years ago. It was after the American Trader oil spill in Huntington Beach. She said at the time he led a nonprofit organization called AWRE, which stood for Alliance for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education.

“He had the greatest compassion of any person you’ll ever meet to help any animal,” McGuire said.

Melanie Harrah, whose animals were cared for by Joel Pasco, agreed with McGuire.

“He was just one of a kind,” Harrah said. “You’ve got to say how terrific he was, and how he needs to be crowned king because he was king to our pets.”

Harrah recalled the day her cat couldn’t breathe.

“I put her in the car and went to his house, and he saved her life,” she said. “He was the most wonderful and caring person.”

A celebration of Joel Pasco’s life will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Wetland and Wildlife Care Center, 21900 Pacific Coast Hwy. Donations in care of Joel Pasco can be made to the center.