Norman (Norm) William Rantanen, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVR
Dr. Norman Rantanen passed away in southern California, Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a long illness. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlene; his sons, Matthew R. Rantanen (Sarah Wilkinson); Gordon R. Rantanen; brother, Raymond (Ranae) Rantanen and nieces, Echo Rantanen and Mindy (Chad) Ward. Norm was a kind, honest, humble and loving husband, father, friend and mentor with a distinguished career. He was raised in Spokane, Washington and educated at Washington State University with degrees of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1967) and Masters of Veterinary Radiology (1971). He served in the U.S. Air Force for over 9 years in Washington D.C., Vietnam, Germany and San Antonio, Texas. He received the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medals while in the service. This was followed with service in the Air National Guard in the state of Washington. Norm was Board Certified in Veterinary Radiology in 1979. He served on the College of Veterinary Medicine, WSU faculty from 1976 to 1983.
His interest in developing the use of Ultrasound, especially for the equine, led to a move to Lexington, Kentucky, with his family in 1983. He developed an international diagnostic imaging consultation practice based in Lexington for almost 9 years and then he and his wife moved the practice to Fallbrook, California and continued for another 29 years. During this time he mentored many veterinarians and technicians and taught the use of diagnostic ultrasound both formally and informally. Exciting visits in his practice were those to the San Diego Wild Animal Park occasionally performing ultrasound on elephants, gorillas and rhinos and to SeaWorld San Diego to ultrasound killer whales and dolphins.
During his career he was editor and author of three major texts and authored or co-authored over 70 publications. His greatest contribution to the veterinary world was the sharing of innovative ideas and techniques, collaborating with other veterinarians to determine the best course of action, and the encouragement of fellow veterinarians. Among his awards were WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award and the History of Medical Ultrasound Pioneer Award. He especially treasured the American Association of Equine Practitioners Distinguished Educator Award. More professional information can be found at: Norman Rantanen, DVM, MS, DACVR – The Foundation For The Horse
When he retired in 2020, Norm continued his craft of wood turning and wood burning for a few years and enjoyed the creative process, making many gifts for friends and family. Norm and his wife enjoyed travelling with friends and taking off in the RV for trips, especially to Washington and Idaho. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Palomares House/Fallbrook Land Conservancy in Fallbrook, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alexander Family Resident Award fund, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164 or online at: https://give.vetmed.wsu.edu/Home/View/1335. Gifts are also suggested to Waskawiwin, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization partnering with Tribes developing Tribal broadband and managed by his son Matt (website: waskawiwin.org) or to Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc., 103 S. Main Avenue, Fallbrook, CA 92028.