Posted: Friday, April 3, 2009, 3:28 p.m., EDT

Howard Deardorff, long time PIJAC employee, passed away last Sunday, March 29, 2009, at his home in Stevensville, Maryland. Howard was 80 years old.

Howard served in the Navy in World War II, graduated from Lafayette College in 1956 with a degree in government studies. After a short stint in the dairy industry, he entered the pet industry as a retail store owner prior to joining a multi-store retailer, Docktor Pet Centers, Inc.

Prior to joining PIJAC in 1989, Howard held several positions with Docktor Pet before becoming their training director, a position he held for some 15 years.

Howard joined PIJAC in 1989 as Director of Research and Education and was the primary author of PIJAC's companion animal training and resource manuals. Upon retiring from PIJAC several years ago, Howard worked for PIJAC's law firm on PIJAC matters on a part-time basis until his passing. Howard was a dedicated member of the pet industry for the majority of his working career, devoted to PIJAC's mission, and will be sorely missed by thousands of people who he befriended during his more than 35 years in our industry.

The family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Queen Anne’s Inc., 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617. <HOME>