Mayor Duncan introduced a resolution to honor Dr. S. Darrell Apt and invited Director of Leisure Services Carol Collins to say a few words about her late husband.

Ms. Collins thanked everyone for attending the meeting to recognize Darrell. She introduced family members in the audience. Ms. Collins shared that her husband, Dr. S. Darrell Apt, was a wonderful person. He was the love of her life and she was fortunate to be with him for almost 25 years. He was an inspiration to others and was compassionate about life. Dr. Apt was always willing to help others, especially his little furry friends, and lend a helping hand. He loved THE Ohio State University, where he was an All-American lacrosse player, and graduated from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Apt loved the city of Oakwood and Smith Gardens. Ms. Collins commented that Dr. Apt’s spirit was with us this evening as his life is being celebrated. She shared that in his loving memory, the two memorial benches displayed at the meeting will be placed at Smith Gardens. Ms. Collins thanked City Council and City Manager Klopsch for this tribute to Dr. Apt.

Mayor Duncan then read the following resolution, adding that a slideshow will be presented as he reads:

WHEREAS, Dr. S. Darrell Apt passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020, and Council wishes to honor his life and community contributions with this Resolution of sincere appreciation; and

WHEREAS, Darrell Apt was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1931, received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1955, and in 1957 he received a DVM in Veterinary Medicine from OSU; and

WHEREAS, Darrell Apt was a stalwart and lifelong fan and supporter of The Ohio State University; and

WHEREAS, while a student at Ohio State, Darrell Apt was one of the pioneers in OSU Men’s Lacrosse, for which he was publically honored in the Ohio Stadium “Horseshoe” in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Darrell Apt excelled in the rigorous sport of lacrosse, was captain of the OSU team, and led the team to several winning years; and

WHEREAS, following veterinarian school, Dr. Apt opened his own practice, Apt Veterinary Clinic, and for over 45 years lovingly and compassionately cared for thousands of pets throughout Oakwood and the Dayton Region; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Apt treasured his city of Oakwood and was a dedicated member of the Oakwood community for several decades, providing volunteer public service in numerous capacities, including:

• Member of the Oakwood Board of Health from 1978 – 1985.
• Member of the Oakwood Environmental Committee, now called the Oakwood Beautification Committee, from 1994 until his passing, many of those years as the committee chair. As committee member and chair, Dr. Apt was heavily involved with the annual Property Beautification Awards Program.
• Chair of the Friends of Smith Gardens Committee.
• Member of the 2004 City Comprehensive Planning Committee.

WHEREAS, Dr. Apt was particularly devoted to Smith Gardens and demonstrated this devotion through his diligent work as chair of The Garden Committee that was charged with public relations and fundraising for “The Greening of Smith Gardens”; and

WHEREAS, as a veterinarian, Dr. Apt assisted the Oakwood Public Safety Department on many occasions over the years when the department responded to calls regarding wounded or dangerous pets and wild animals, with much of this assistance being provided late at night and on weekends; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Apt will be fondly remembered as a man known for his kindness and an ever present sense of humor, and as a dedicated volunteer in the Oakwood community;