William Waddell, the first black member of the American Veterinary Medical Assn. and one of the last remaining Buffalo Soldiers, died Jan. 30 in Hawaii at the age of 98. Along with the titles of an entrepreneur, leader, researcher, veterinary pioneer, mentor and friend, Waddell was also a writer, composing books such as "Some Bastardly People," "People are the Funniest Animals" and "A Challenge to Christianity." Notorious for his sense of humor and quick wit, Waddell often sent Christmas cards and newsletters to family and friends filled with jokes. "He was a flamboyant individual--and a joker," said Saul Wilson Jr., DVM, a professor of epidemiology at the Tuskegee veterinary school who met Waddell during his enrollment in Tuskegee's second veterinary class. Below is a collection of excerpts from his books and a collection of photographs provided by his daughter, Kathryn Waddell-Takara, PhD.
