Former Livermore Mayor, World War II veteran and veterinarian Dr. John Shirley died Dec. 22 at the age of 97. He was born Dec. 8, 1924, in Santa Ana, California.

Shirley served on the Livermore City Council from 1958 to 1966, including two years as the council-chosen mayor from 1962-1964. In July 2019, Dr. Shirley was honored at a dedication ceremony for the new Dr. John Shirley City Council Chamber.

After serving in the U.S. Army in World War II, he attended UC Davis and then became Livermore's first veterinarian, practicing there from 1954 to 1987.

He also has a long record of volunteer service, including many years as a member of the Livermore Rotary Club, which established the John Shirley Exceptional Service Award in his honor.

"It is so fitting that the new council chamber is named in honor of Dr. Shirley," said Mayor Bob Woerner. "He was dedicated to making Livermore the best it could be through his civil service on the council and volunteer service with the Livermore Rotary Club, among many other avenues in which he served the community.

Livermore flag were flown at half-staff from Dec. 24 to 26 in honor of Shirley.

"We will continue to honor him in the council chamber that bears his name and where decisions will continue to be made to make Livermore the best it can be," Woerner continued. "Our deepest condolences go to Dr. Shirley's family and to all those he inspired throughout his remarkable life."