William M. Busey

william busey
Dr. William M. Busey, 79, of Vienna, Virginia, passed peacefully on August 6, 2011. Preceded in death by his parents Captain Francis L. Busey, USN (Ret.) and Harriet H. Busey, his sisters Elizabeth Dudley Hoolhorst and Frances Busey Robertson. He was born on June 8, 1932 in Cola Sola, Panama, CZ. He recieved his Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia University in 1954 and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from The Ohio State University in 1958. Upon graduation, Dr. Busey joined a large animal practice in Franklin, KY from 1958 to 1959. In 1959, he accepted a position located in Raleigh, NC to run the State Herd Health program. In 1960 he ran a swine research laboratory in Edenton, NC. In 1961 he was awarded a four year grant from the National Institutes of Health to attend Colorado State University to obtain a Master's Degree and Ph.D in Veterinary Pathology.

He began his Veterinary Pathology career at Hazelton Laboratories, Vienna, VA in 1965. In 1971, he co-founded Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc. (EPL, Inc.) in Herndon, VA with Dr. John Ferrell. It grew from a two-person pathology practice to one of the leading independant pathology companies in the world, celebrating its 40th year in existence earlier this year. Through the years EPL, Inc. has had other sites of operation in several US states and within Europe. Dr. Busey was instrumental in designing and developing pathology peer review procedures and approaches, which continue to be used by the National Toxicology Program and have been adopted by pharmaceutical companies around the world. Dr. Busey was a true visionary in the field of Veterinary Pathology.

In addition to his scientific expertise, Dr. Busey was a pioneer in the research field who understood the value of properly preserving and maintaining biomaterials and related scientific data. Recognizing this need, he co-founded EPL Pathology Archives, Inc. in 1978, nearly a year before the preservation of research materials was mandated by law by the FDA. The Archives has grown exponentially and today is recognized as an industry leader in providing trusted managed biorepository services and solutions worldwide. Many people consider it the first commercial repository created as a result of the FDA's GLP regulations.

In 2005 Dr. Busey was awarded The Alumni Recognition Award from The Ohio State University Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society. Following his semi-retirement, he pursued his hobby of repairing, restoring and collecting clocks and antiques. He was a proud graduate of the School of Horology, which provided him a professional education in the art of watch and clock repair.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Betty Busey of Vienna, VA; two children, Lee Crain of Mercer Island, WA (wife of Bohn Crain); Samuel Busey of Ashburn, VA (husband of Carol Busey); and six inspired grandchildren; Morgan, Gregory, Madison, Bohn Jr., Chase, and William.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Ohio State University - College of Veterinary Medicine, 1900 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210 or the Grear Memorial Garden at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1125 Savile Lane, McLean, VA 22101.

Funeral Home:

Money & King Funeral Home

171 W. Maple Ave.

Vienna, VA

US 22180

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Family, Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. Love always, Katie and Ian

  2. Dear Betty, Lee & Sam, We are so sad to hear about Bill. Our thoughts are with you and your entire family. The Chiapparone Family Paul, Ruth, Karen & Ann Marie

  3. Dear Betty and family We remember Bill as a kind, generous and humorous man with great personal warmth. We know he will be greatly missed, but we will remember him with great fondness and look back on a life well lived. With our sincere condolences Kevin and Hazel Isaacs

  4. I am deeply saddened at the loss of Bill, my friend and colleague of many years. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

  5. Dr. Busey was a truly amazing person. I will always remember how kindly I was treated by him and his family. I am indebted to him for shaping my career in veterinary pathology. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Busey family and I pray and know that God will be with them during this difficult time.

  6. Bill Busey and Jack Ferrell were pioneers in the advancement of toxicologic pathology. He and Jack elevated the scientific credibility of our noble profession and forged opportunities for many young veterinarians to enjoy successful, productive, and highly respected careers that bridged the interface between human and veterinary medicine. Bill’s diligence, candor, and acumen earned him the respect and admiration of those that followed and those that sought his council. Thank you, Bill, for all that you did to elevate and establish our profession as “the best.”

  7. Dear Betty, Sam, and Family, Im deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember with special fondness my experiences working with Bill. His enthusiasm for his work, his hobbies, and life in general were contagious, and Ive always admired his keen intelligence and his ability to see beyond boundaries that limit the rest of us. Please accept our condolences. Jeff and Lea Wolf

  8. Betty, We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Bill. At this difficult time, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your neighbors at 1449 Montague, Bruce and Kathi Eberle

  9. I was lucky enough to work with Bill on several projects in toxicology over some 20 years. He was a true professional and one of the finest people I have ever known. We will all miss him dearly.

  10. My sincere condolences to Betty, Sam and the Busey family. My time with EPL has been a uniquely rewarding experience in great measure due to Bill and Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  11. My sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Busey was my mentor since 1966 at Hazleton Laboratories. He taught me to raised my hand and venture into new things. I have such a level of pride being one of EPL’s first technicians. He will be missed.

  12. Sam, Lee and Betty — I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t know Bill well, I have such fond memories of him — sitting together at one of our extended family parties and relishing each of his fantastic stories. In addition to his humor, I was so taken by his warmth and great kindness. His spirit lives on in you and your wonderful children.

  13. No words express our grief. For the past 35 years we have spent our vacation with the Busey family. Bill would greet me from the front porch of the W.Va building at Capon Springs.We will miss our late night talks solving the world problems and laughing at silly jokes. He has been part of our family and we loved him. There will be a void in our hearts. Our prays to Betty, Sam, Lee and all the family who continue to love Bill and will continue to keep his values and memory alive. We are so sorry not to be able to be there in person but our thoughts and prays are with you all. Nancy and Bill Hopkins

  14. I only met and talked with Dr. Busey a few times, but I know him as one of the leaders and entrepeneurs of our profession, founding the premier toxicologic pathology company of our time, EPL. We will all miss him.

  15. Dear Betty, Lee and Sam A voice from the past. Tysons Green. Our kids were friends at Westbriar (Gail and Steve)So sad to read about your loss. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Janet and Ben Flammey

  16. Dr. Busey was a tremendous Ohio State University alumni and an example of someone who helped pay forward to the next generation. His contributions live on through the students he has helped through his generosity and the example he established as an outstanding veterinary pathologists.

  17. I enjoyed getting to know Dr. Busey albeit in a limitied capacity as we worked together with Sam and the rest of the construction team to design the two EPL Archives buildings in Sterling. I found Dr. Busey to be a really interesting and easy going man that was a pleasure to engage. Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers for the family.

  18. I was saddened to learn that Dr. Busey was called home. He was a grand person and he will be missed. I enjoyed working with him when he came down to the NC lab. My deepest symphathy to you and your family, Ann Chavis

  19. Bill was a great mentor and friend for me, and I have great respect for his abilities. As others have put more eloquently, he was a leader who elevated the role of toxicologic pathologists. Our sincere sympathies to Betty and his children.

  20. Dear Betty and family, Carol and I are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We have many fond memories of our times together at CSU during our graduate studies and the sessions at the bridge table. His guidance given to me at Hazleton Labs was instrumental in my being able to manage the pathology operations at Syntex Research. We sense a ‘hole’ in our lives, one that can be partially filled with ‘experience memories’. Betty, may our Lord Jesus Christ bless and support you and your family.

  21. Dr. Busey was a lot of fun to work for and he had a wonderful sense of humor. My heart goes out to Mrs. Busey, Sam & Lee.

  22. To the Busey Family, My deepest sympathies at this sad time. I know, however, that all the fond memories will comfort each of you in the time to come. I was honored to call Bill both an employer and a friend, and I treasure all the times I have shared with your special family. I respected so much not only Bill’s contributions to the scientific community, but also his utter devotion to his family. My love goes out to each of you, Amy Stinnett White

  23. My sincere sympathy to the family of Dr.Busey. I hope that you and the many friends of Dr.Busey will cherish many fond memories of him. I am pleased to have spent part of my career in the EPL and to have experienced much of the character and professional attributes that he instilled in the organization and to see the continuing fruit of his dedicated efforts in the sustained success of EPL. Sincerely, Henry Wall

  24. Betty and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. May the wonderful memory’s you have be a comfort to you now and forever.

  25. I’m very saddened to have lost my good friend this week. Bill and I were avid enthusiasts, collectors and conservators of high quality early American antique clocks and time pieces. Looking back, I will always remember Bill fondly when I think about the countless hours we spent together researching and then chasing down that next elusive Seth Thomas regulator or clock which we might be lucky enough to acquire for our collections. There is no denying that Bill’s taste was impeccable when it came to his advanced clock collection. He looked forward passionately to the next rare acquisition, sharing his clock museum and imparting his knowledge of horology to all who were interested. My heart is heavy as Bill’s time and our friendship has come to an end on this earth but fittingly his cherished time pieces will continue to count the minutes, hours and days as we reflect on all that Bill meant to us. My condolences to Betty, Sam and Lee.

  26. Betty and Family- my sincere sympathy to all of you at this time. Veterinary pathology has lost another great colleague and friend but his memory and legacy will not be forgotten. Marion

  27. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May memories continue to bring you warmth and comfort. With love.

  28. Dear Betty and family, I am so sorry to hear about William’s passing. We are sorry to lose a friend, a colleague (pathologist) and a strong supporter of the profession (STP). Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Wanda Haschek-Hock Past President STP

  29. Dear Betty and family, I am so sorry to hear about William’s passing. We are sorry to lose a friend, a colleague (pathologist) and a strong supporter of the profession (STP). Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Wanda Haschek-Hock Past President STP

  30. Dear Betty, Lee, and Sam, We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a true renaissance man. He could talk on any subject especially about his beloved clocks, he was always interested in the world around him, and he showed his love for you and for his precious grandchildren. One of the highlights of the Christmas season was when the family gathered together and listened to his remarkale reading of “The Night Before Christmas”. He will be greatly missed by his professional colleagues, his many friends and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Jack and Cathy Frisbee

  31. I can’t express what an honor it has been have known such a great person as Bill. You only meet a handful of people in this life that are truly special and Bill was one of those people. We will especially miss those evenings on the porch of the WVA at Capon where we would sit for hours and listen to Bill tell tales of his life, from his upbringing to his college years and beyond. Their are many things we will miss about Bill and I’m sur many others will be missing him also. Our prayers go out to all of Bill’s family and friends who are grieving over his loss.

  32. Our condolences to Betty and the Busey Family. Bill’s contribution to veterinary pathology was significant and obvious to us even though we are not active in that field. His passion for clock collecting will continue on via the clock museum. We are very sorry for your loss, and we are blessed to have known him.

  33. My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Busey’s family and colleagues. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to work with Dr. Busey over the years. I learned a lot from him, and count my time at EPL under his command as more instrumental to my professional growth than any other. He will be greatly missed.

  34. Dear Betty and family, We are so very sorry to hear the sad news. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you each day. We’ll have to wait until our Worthington High School class reunion next June to express our grief and affection in person. Love, Elizabeth Ann Price Paulson

  35. I was so sorry to read of Bill’s passing. He was such a strong positive force in toxicologic pathology. God bless your family.


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