It is an honor to share with you the veterinary life of our colleague, Dr. Cordell Chang.
A close friend, Mrs. Sue Miyahara described Cordell as being kind, gracious, thoughtful, “low key” kind of guy who remembered others and had a good sense of humor. Mrs. Miyahara met Cordell through her husband – Dr. Allen Miyahara. Dr. Miyahara was an advocate for the Veterinary Profession both in Hawaii and nationally – a road similarly taken by Cordell. Although Dr. Miyahara died in 2016, Cordell continued to “keep in touch” with Sue by visiting her often bringing peanuts or pastries. Mrs. Miyahara said Cordell was like their son and she couldn’t say enough good things about him.
Cordell: A friend
by Dr. Ben Okimoto
I first met Cordell as part of the Henke Hall gang in the mid-70’s. There was a group of about a dozen students who were in grad school and/or pre vet. We were all under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Nakamura (“Doc”, RMN) and Dr. Allen Miyahara (AYM). We had many good times together like when we had a luau, complete with an imu, at Tiny’s beach house in Waialua. I was studying the Pacific Golden Plover and Cordell was studying methylmercury contamination of swine. That was the first time I heard of Minamata Disease.
Back then we all had long hair and were much more liberal and progressive thinking, Cordell more so than me. I recall a time when a small potted plant with dark green palm shaped leaves was placed just outside the entrance to Henke Hall. And then a tray of brownies made with the same type of plant was provided. They were eagerly consumed by many after being placed between the tank with the lion fish and the ever present and full coffee pot in Doc’s lab. Cordell and I often drove to the Animal Science livestock station on the North Shore at Waialee. We would take one of the green Animal Science cars and Cordell always drove. We drove up there often enough that he developed a “trucker’s tan” on his left arm and I got it on my right arm. Driving a UH vehicle and with both of us having shoulder length hair, we would on occasion get a second glance from male drivers passing us, at least until they saw that we also had mustaches.
One day Cordell brought his Keeshond pup (“Jet”) to the lab and it was fun playing with him, until he disappeared. We spent hours looking for him until he was found at the Kanewai playground. Around that time I also met his girlfriend Deborah, who he would cherish for the next 50 years.
I always thought that Cordell was an unusual name. I researched it and found that there was a Cordell Hull, who was the longest serving Secretary of State, being appointed by FDR in 1933. In 1945 he won the Nobel Peace Prize, and FDR called him the “Father of the United Nations”. So perhaps our Cordell’s parents had some foresight into his future abilities and accomplishments.
Aloha my friend,
Ben Okimoto
Cordell was a Practicing Veterinarian and Part of Their Ohana
by the Waianae Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Cordell Chang wasn’t just a Veterinarian to us all at the Waianae Veterinary Clinic, he became embedded in our tight circle, our family. He was a mentor to our staff members through veterinary schooling and freely shared his knowledge & experience with us. Dr. Chang was a funny man that made us laugh a lot; was very helpful and would come to our rescue when we needed help. He was also very generous and would treat our whole staff to lunch of our choice each week, we’d have fun gathering in the lunch room all together. He cared about us and we cared about him. He was a good man, a friend and Veterinarian. He will be truly missed…we love you!
With deep aloha,
The Waianae Veterinary Clinic
In Remembrance of Cordell Chang
by Lissa Kam, DVM
I was first introduced to Cordell when I attended one of Honolulu Veterinary Society’s evening business meetings. At that time he probably was the President and he presided over the business portion of the meeting with confidence and professionalism. I was always impressed by his knowledge of parliamentary procedures which he later passed onto myself and others who joined the ranks of Executive Board officers. I remember he offered me his personal copy of Robert’s Rules of Order when I became President. Cordell’s friendly nature and his willingness to speak in front of crowds earned him his most popular position in the HVS as the official Master of Ceremonies at the annual installation banquet.
Cordell took this job seriously and prepared his introductory speech, gave the benediction, and practiced his famous “ice breaker” joke. He presented the recipient the award for the Best Friends Award and installed the incoming officers, but his most favorite duty was saved for the end. The announcement of the door prizes (which he helped to procure). Almost everyone attending was a winner.
I will always remember Cordell as a dedicated colleague who was always willing to share his knowledge and his time to support the veterinary profession.
Cordell was a Volunteer: Veterinary Licensing Board
Dr. Cordell Chang was also dedicated to Hawaii’s Veterinary Licensing Board and an Advocate for the Consumer. He served on the Board from July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1999. Dr. Chang became Board Chairman from July 1992 until his departure on June 30, 1999.
Dr. Chang’s dedication to the State of Hawaii continued by being on the Regulated Industries Complaint Office (RICO) Veterinary Advisory Committee from January 2002 to December 31, 2004.
Dr. Cordell Chang: A Champion for Organized Veterinary Medicine
HVMA/AVMA House of Delegates
Dr. Chang became my mentor when I joined the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and then I became the Hawaii alternate Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association – Cordell was the Delegate. We represented Hawaii and joined veterinary collegues from 70 states, territories and other veterinary groups to set policies for the association. When we attended these meetings twice a year – traveling to various parts of the continental United States, I watched and learned Cordell’s successful leadership style. Cordell made sure he greeted everyone with a smile and believed in the ability to connect with others for the good of the profession.
From our AVMA Organization: House of Delegates
Dr. Chang’s dedication was his 27 years at the AVMA House of Delegates.
“We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague, Dr. Cordell Chang. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s volunteers are critical to our success and to helping us fulfill our mission. They are driven by a shared passion to ensure that the needs of our members are met, and that the veterinary profession remains strongly positioned to effect positive results,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, AVMA President. “Dr. Chang embodied that passion, and his dedication to the AVMA was evident through his long and devoted commitment to our association. He began his AVMA membership immediately after receiving his veterinary degree from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, and he became an Honor Roll Member in 2018. His service to the AVMA House of Delegates spanned nearly 30 years, having been a delegate and alternate delegate from 1991 to 2018. We thank Dr. Chang for all he did for us and the veterinary profession. We are grateful to him for his service.”
Condolences from our AVMA District Representative
I met Dr. Chang at the AVMA House of Delegates as he was Hawaii’s delegate for years. California and Hawaii are both in District X, along with Nevada. Our District X caucus would meet twice a year at the January Veterinary Leadership Conference and in the summer meeting at the AVMA convention. Cordell always had a friendly greeting and a big smile whenever I met him. As the delegate at our caucus, he would give us an update on what was of concern in Hawaii about veterinary medicine and legislative issues related to the profession, always with a positive spin. A true professional that gave back to the profession through his work in organized veterinary medicine at the state and national levels. May he rest in peace.
Richard J. Sullivan, DVM
AVMA Board of Directors, District X
Dr. Chang’s Dedication to His Veterinary Family and His Own Ohana
Cordell was not able to attend his final AVMA House of Delegates meeting.
On his behalf, it was my honor to say his words for the invocation in July
2018:
“I am sorry I am unable to deliver this address personally. My aging, ailing mother needs my attention now, and prevents me from attending this meeting. After 27 years of service to the House of Delegates, this will be my last meeting. I am being honored for my service and have been asked to give the invocation. Before I give the invocation, I would like to recognize all of the members of the House of Delegates and say thank you for all you do for the AVMA. Thank you for bringing your thoughtful expressions to these sessions, and above all, I wish to acknowledge the giving of your time. Time to be here and time away from your families and time away from your employment. I honor you all today, so that you do not have to wait 27 years for this recognition.
Let us bow our heads in prayer.
Dear Lord,
May I ask for your blessing for this event, the gathering of the AVMA House of Delegates, summer session in Denver, Colorado.
May I ask that you bless and give guidance to our officers, as they meet all challenges this year and that their decisions all result in a fair and just manner.
May we pray for the victims of natural disaster.
May we pray for the victims and families of the recent student school shootings.
May we pray for the homeless, for those who are alone, and for those that have lost their way.
Oh Lord have mercy upon us, as we are forever grateful for abundance of life that you have provided for us.
And may we ever be mindful of the needs of others.
A hele aku oukou me ka maluhia e aloha a e malama i ka haku,
which translates into: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Amen.”
Thank you, Dr. Cordell Chang, for all that you have done for our Veterinary profession. You have been an advocate for us and for the animals we care for daily!
Aloha oe….until we meet again.
Leianne K. Lee Loy
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