In Loving Memory of Dr. Veronica Borgelt-King “Dr. Bones”
October 16, 1974 – June 25, 2026

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Veronica Borgelt-King, affectionately known as “Dr. Bones,” on June 25, 2026, at the age of 51.
Born in Fullerton, California, Veronica was one of twelve children born to immigrant parents who instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and lifelong learning.

She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Fullerton College, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from California Polytechnic University, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences. She later completed a residency in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, becoming board-eligible through the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Veronica devoted her career to veterinary pathology and educating future veterinarians. She taught at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands and later at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, where her passion for pathology and dedication to students earned her numerous Professor of the Year awards and later the Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award.

She often reminded her students, “The dead teach the living.” To Veronica, pathology was about discovery, understanding disease, and improving the lives of animals. She also worked with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture, the Cayman Islands Department of Environment, the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, the Cayman Turtle Centre, and other conservation organizations, contributing to wildlife conservation, disease investigations, and public service.

Outside of veterinary medicine, Veronica expressed her creativity through anatomy-inspired artwork, educational models, home renovation projects, and her collection of unusual medical curiosities. She loved hiking, especially in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, along sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, Kentucky’s Sheltowee Trace Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Nature, art, and science were lifelong passions that reflected her endless curiosity.

Friends, family, colleagues, and former students remember Veronica for her brilliant mind, sharp wit, fearless honesty, generosity, and willingness to invest in others. She freely shared her knowledge and believed deeply in helping people succeed.

Veronica is survived by her husband, King; her eleven brothers and sisters; twenty-six nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Some people leave behind accomplishments. Veronica left behind people who became better because she believed in them.

Gathering of family and friends 10 – 11 am Saturday, July 11, 2026, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.