Dr. Leonard Spiker, Jr

Former Hastings resident, Dr. Leonard E. "Skip" Spiker, Jr. died at his home in Eagle, Idaho on January 26, 2015.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. His ashes were returned to Hastings, Nebraska and he will be interred next to his parents at Parkview Cemetery.

Dr. Leonard E. "Skip" Spiker, Jr., the son of Leonard E. "Spike" Spiker & Jean (Hickman) Spiker, was born March 1, 1948. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1966 and later graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He served for nine years in the United States Marines and attained the rank of Captain. After being honorably discharged, Skip went back to school to become a veterinarian. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1985 and then moved to Idaho where he worked in a small animal practice. Skip loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting, golfing, canoeing and snow skiing with his friends. He was a wonderfully intelligent man whose command for the English language and sense of humor set him apart. He lit up a room with his well-told stories. Skip's love and compassion for the furry creatures was genuine. He was a very private person, and though he suffered for a long time with illness, he never complained. His persona is irreplaceable, and he will be dearly missed by those who loved him.

He left behind his dog Bunkie as well as many loving friends.