HUBBARDSTON/HOLDEN - Daniel H. Rice III, VMD, beloved husband of Carol (Ramsey) Rice and longtime Holden veterinarian, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2019 at UMass Memorial Healthcare-University Campus. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Daniel H. and Helen (Rice) Rice.
Daniel proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He was a graduate of the Moses Brown School in Providence, RI and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College and his medical degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Rice began his career in 1963 at the Shrewsbury Animal Hospital before opening his own practice in Holden on October 1, 1969, where he cared for countless animals. He had an incredibly strong work ethic and was always available to his patients and their families, never turning anyone away. Dr. Rice was known for taking interested youngsters under his wing, showing them all facets of animal care. After retiring in 2008, he became a volunteer for the NEADS program in Princeton where he provided special care for world class service dogs.
In his spare time, he was an avid horse lover and enjoyed competitive trail riding. Daniel also raised and raced several dog sled teams throughout the years. He had a passion for sailing and enjoyed hiking and gardening.
Daniel will be missed and remembered by his wife of 63 years, Carol (Ramsey) Rice; a sister, Dr. Nancy Rice and her husband, Dr. Millard Hyland of White Plains, NY; a sister-in-law, June Atwood; a nephew, Steven Atwood, VMD and MD, and his wife Sandra Bitterman; a niece Carol Reynolds, as well as many friends and neighbors including Anna Trimby and Nancy Perron.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, September 5 in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to NEADS, P.O. Box 1100, Princeton, MA 01541. To share a memory of offer an online condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.