Roy LaVerne Ax Jr.

April 20, 1951 - March 29, 2011
 

Roy LaVerne Ax Jr., 59, Ph.D., professor of animal sciences and adjunct professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., died suddenly from heart complications Tuesday, March 29, 2011.

He was born in Rockford, Ill., on April 20, 1951. Roy and his wife and teammate of 31 years, Mary Bellin, built a nationally recognized research program in domestic animal reproduction. Roy won many awards for his teaching and research.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Bellin; sons, Jerrod of Tucson, Bryan (Rebecca Forgash) of Lakewood, Colo., and Stephen (Pamela Gautier) of Tucson; grandsons, Lucas and Benjamin Ax of Lakewood; mother, Shirley Koonmen of Rockford; brothers, Wayne (Lyn) of Belvidere, Ill., and Robert (Cindy) of Fremont, Ind.; sister, Ginger Sisney (David) of Rockford; and seven nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by his father, Roy Laverne "Vern" Ax Sr.

A memorial service for Dr. Ax will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the University of Arizona Social Sciences Building, Room 100. Please contact the Department of Animal Sciences for further information if needed at 520-621-1322.

A scholarship fund in Roy’s name has been established. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the UA Foundation, P.O. Box 210038, Tucson, AZ 85721-0038. In the memo line, please designate "Roy L. Ax Memorial Scholarship."

More information about Roy’s life and accomplishments are available at www.roylax.com.