William “Bill” Nissen, a lifelong horseman, died of congestive heart failure at his home in Sheridan, Calif., on April 14. He was 81.
A practicing veterinarian, Dr. Nissen had just finished the requirements for his California Thoroughbred Association racetrack veterinarian’s license the day prior to his death.
Dr. Nissen was born in Oakland, Calif., and served in the Navy during his 20s. He graduated from the veterinary school at the University of California, Davis, and he continued to practice veterinary medicine for the next 49 years. He lived at his ranch in Sheridan, where his family has resided for more than 125 years.
Dr. Nissen continued practicing on horses and looked forward to working as an official at the Bay Meadows racetrack. “He loved horses, people and food,” daughter Corby Nissen said. “He loved what he did and worked until the day he died.”
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Dr. Nissen is survived by his wife, Twinkie Nissen, and his first wife, Dian Elinor; daughters, Corby Nissen, Lindsey Irby, Karine Croft and Blair Pettit. He was preceded in death by his fifth daughter, Wendy Nissen.
“The horse world has lost one of its greatest heroes and mentors,” Corby added.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.
