Richard Louis Sefcik

Dr. Richard Louis Sefcik, 77, of Fairview, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville, NC.

Born in Chicago, IL, on July 4, 1948, Richard was the son of the late Elmer Martin Sefcik and Dorothy Jean Stepanek Sefcik. A dedicated veterinarian and lifelong animal advocate, Richard’s journey took him from the neighborhoods of Chicago and Buffalo Grove, IL, to the tranquil shores of the Turks & Caicos Islands, before eventually settling in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Richard was a graduate of Lane Technical High School in Chicago and earned his Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. As the former owner of the Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL, he dedicated his career to the care of animals. His professional commitments included memberships in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA).

In retirement, his passion for animal welfare continued through his devoted work with Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and the Shelter Dog Transport Alliance.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janice Bujalski Sefcik. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, Edmund Bujalski (Dee) of Fergus Falls, MN, and John Bujalski (Diane) of Dennis, MA; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Lotz (Walter) of Chicago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard’s memory to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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