Frank Sterling Coburn

Dr. Frank Coburn, who owned the Animal Care Clinic on Sheldon Street for almost 40 years, passed away on June 23, 2026 in Prescott, Arizona

“Life is Good” would be a fitting epitaph for Frank Coburn. He would likely embrace that, since for Frank Coburn, life was always “good”. Whether he was cruising in his Austin Healey, top-down on an open highway, enjoying mountain curves on one of his motorcycles, enjoying a mountain stream in the Rockies, being surrounded by his loved ones, both furry and human, or performing heart surgery on someone’s beloved pet, Frank Coburn was always doing what he loved, for he loved all that life had to offer.

Francis Sterling Coburn V was born on September 12, 1949 in Gary, Indiana to Frank and Wanda Coburn. They lived there with his older siblings Larry and Kathleen until the family moved to the Los Angeles Suburbs when Frank was 14. Growing up in the southern California sun, he was nearly always by or in the water, sunning on the sand or riding waves at Malibu, boating or water skiing at Lake Havasu, or camping and fishing in the sierra’s with his dad. He rebuilt his first motorcycle when he was 15 and spent much of his younger years either in the garage working on vehicles or out riding his Royal Enfield, or driving his 1954 Jaguar. In the late 60’s “Born to be wild” was the soundtrack, and he and his friends, whom he remained connected to for life, would ride the highways of California.

The long-haired southern California surfing biker was searching for direction in his early twenties. He began by attending Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA in 1972, where he majored in art and developed his natural talent for drawing, painting and ceramics. He married Robyn, who he had known since middle school, in 1976. Around that time, he was inspired by his Uncle Moe, the mid-western veterinarian to take prerequisites for a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine to see if he was up to the task. Well, he excelled, and found a special talent and love for math, science and medicine that he carried the rest of his life. He attended Purdue University Veterinary School in Lafayette, Indiana, where he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. While living in Lafayette, Robyn gave birth to their first child Francis (Frankie) Sterling Coburn VI in 1979.

After receiving his Doctorate of Veterinarian Medicine, Frank and family decided to settle down in the small town of Prescott, Arizona in 1984. That same year, the family welcomed their second child, Lindsay Jean. Frank worked initially at Thumb Butte Animal Hospital for four years, until opening his own clinic, “Animal Care Clinic of Prescott” on Sheldon Street in 1986, which was one of a few vet clinics in town at the time. Animal Care Clinic was open for nearly forty years and served hundreds of clients. “Doc” cared for and healed innumerable dogs, cates, birds, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, exotic giant Macaws, lizards, large monitors, a racoon, even intimidatingly large pythons and boa-constrictors. During this time, he was also the Prescott Zoo veterinarian and cared for all their residents, including the Bengal tiger and Inca the black panther. Dr. Coburn was beloved by his patients and clients alike. He had a special way with animals, connecting with them on their level, and both patients and clients were like extended family.

When Dr. Coburn was not at the clinic, he was likely found working on one of his numerous sports cars and motorcycles, or out on the open highway. Frank was a meticulous tinker, self-taught mechanic, and vehicle enthusiast. He spent a large portion of this days in the garage working on passion projects. He was also an intelligent and versatile handyman, whether it was a tool he designed for a very specific purpose, an electrical system in a wall, or reconstructing the fractured leg of a dog, he was impressively capable of repairing, rebuilding, or constructing just about anything.

Out of all the things he accomplished, his most prized feats were his relationships with loved ones, both furry and human. Frank treasured countless trips with his family, spending time with them as often as possible, in the great out doors the family would boat, water ski and camp on Lake Powell throughout the summer. Frank would pull the kids around on inner tubes, explore deep into canyons, and dive off the boat. Frank continued to recreate with his children well into their adulthood, and often planned an annual Father’s Day trip with them every summer. Frankie and Lindsay continued to go on special annual camping trips with dad for the rest of his life. Exploring, camping and fishing the Colorado mountains, Mogollon Rim, White Mountains or the California coast are forever cherished adventures. Even if it was just for a day trip, dad would often drive with the kids down to Oak Creek or the Verde River to enjoy nature and some dipping,

Frank met Susan Cheyney while caring for her pets. He spent 19 years with his beloved Susan. They travelled to Europe and throughout the US, and raised a household of furry loves, who he spent the rest of his years with.

Frank was an artist, a mechanic, a beloved doctor, but perhaps closest to his heart were the ones he loved and who loved him.

Frank is survived by his daughter Lindsay Cobrun, his son Frankie Coburn, his grandson Francis Julian Gordon Coburn, his life partner Susan Cheyney, and his brother, Lawrence Coburn as well as his pets Cassie (the real love of his life), Grace, Winston, Agatha and Jasper.

A memorial for Frank will be held at Ruffner Wakelin Prescott Chapel on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:00 am.