On Oct. 21, 2008, Dr. Jack Weih passed away quietly at his home in Traverse City, Mich., at the age of 89. Weih was a long time enthusiast of the American Saddlebred for over 40 years.

Weih was born in Clinton, Iowa on April 23, 1919. He was the son of a prominent ear, nose and throat physician from Clinton and followed in his father’s footsteps although he took a slightly different path in the medical field, choosing ophthalmology. After graduating from high school in Clinton, Weih attended Lake Forest College in Chicago, Loyola University Medical School and completed his ophthalmology degree at the University of Iowa. Weih was also a proud veteran of World War II and served his country as an army surgeon and captain stationed in Manila, Philippines.

As a young ophthalmologist, Weih was offered numerous career opportunities from colleges, hospitals and colleagues across the country but decided to join his cousin, also an ophthalmologist, in the resort town of Traverse City, Mich. Together, the young doctors founded Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic. The clinic expanded rapidly and soon served patients from the entire state of Michigan. Weih practiced for 50 years, retiring on his 75th birthday in 1994.

With his daughter, Susie Weih Witte, Weih developed a love of the Amercian Saddlebred and together they formed a formidable partnership the named Wildernest Farm. Weih kept his horses over the years with Bill Wise, Donna Moore, Melinda Moor and Bob Gatlin, and spent over 15 successful years with Josie Forbes and Nelson Green. Horses owned by Wildernest Farm include Celebrating, Whisperwinds Endless Love, Preferred Prince, Sweet Georgia, Wedding Ring, Sweet Illusion W.F., Georgia Day Dream, Only Elegant, Beauti Phi, Beau Ollie, Carmen San Diego, Take Me Away, Bono, Kool Tyme BH, Whimsicality and Gypsies, Tramps And Thieves.

Weih is survived by his son, John Weih of Traverse City; daughter Susan Witte of West Chester, Ohio; granddaughters Sarah Marsh and Ashleigh Witte of West Chester; sister Nancy Hoskins of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and brother Bob Weih of Kansas City, Mo.

Donations in his honor can be made to the American Saddlebred Museum.