Dr. Robert Billin

CENTER HARBOR — Dr. Robert Billin, 76, veterinarian, died June 14, 2008 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a sudden illness.

Dr. Billin was born Nov. 27, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of the late Frank and Gertrude Billin. He attended Allegheny College and earned a bachelor of science degree in bacteriology and animal diseases from the University of Connecticut. He met his wife, Carole, at Ontario Veterinary College, where they both were graduated as doctors of veterinary medicine/veterinary surgeons.

After working for the Concord Animal Hospital, he designed and built the Laconia Animal Hospital/The Village Vet, which he operated for 40 years. He drew up plans for his first animal hospital as a young boy, and remained passionately interested in veterinary medicine throughout his life.

He and his wife raised a family of nine children in Gilford. He coached Little League baseball and Pop Warner football there, and served on the building committee for the construction of Gilford High School. He served as scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 366 in Laconia. He was an award-winning football player in college and an avid athlete for much of his life. He skied, played touch football, practiced karate, and learned to scuba dive — and shared all those pursuits with his children.

The family later moved to Center Harbor, where he lived until his death. After his retirement in 2000, he spent winters in Cudjoe Key, Fla., where he worked as a relief veterinarian for a local animal hospital. He volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Key West, Fla., and coached a team of girls who competed in the International Women’s Flag Football Association tournament in Key West.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, of Center Harbor; a brother, Richard and Suzanne Billin of Fredericksburg, Va.; a sister, Barbara Billin of Frederick, Md.; children, Heidi and Paré Abbott of Gig Harbor, Wash., Daniel and Janice Billin of Lebanon, Aaron and Kristi Billin of Riverton, Wyo., Michael and Rebecca Billin of Meredith, Jesse and Jocelyn Billin of Tamworth, Samuel and Julie Billin of Spring Creek, Nev., Benjamin and Linda Billin of Plymouth, Rachel and Jorge Vasquez Billin of Center Harbor, Chavah Billin and Piper Crisovan of Key West; and 34 grandchildren.

Burial will be private. A celebration of his life will be held from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at Church Landing, 281 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith. The Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home in Laconia is in charge of arrangements. The family asks those who wish to honor his memory to hug a dog or kiss a cat.