Veterinary History (History Society of the South African Veterinary Association)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/6851

Collection of biographies, news articles, curriculum vitae's, obituaries, presentations, etc to highlight and preserve the veterinary history of Southern Africa. It is managed and maintained by a project committee, consisting of The Veterinary History Society of the SA Veterinary Association and personnel of the University of Pretoria.

Subjects

Veterinary biographies	Presentations	Awards
Obituaries	General history	Tributes
Curriculum Vitae	-	VetNews articles

News

For inquiries regarding this collection or items in the collection, please contact Myleen Oosthuizen

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 194

In memoriam: DR Tamryn Lee Howden (NÉE HILTON) : 04 September 1995 – 04 July 2026
Napier, Nicolle (2026-09)
Dr Tamryn Lee Howden was a compassionate veterinarian who fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. After graduating from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria in 2021, Tammy completed her compulsory community service in Welkom before joining Park Veterinary Hospital in Boksburg in 2023. She was known for her calm nature, thorough approach and genuine compassion, always placing the welfare of her patients first. Her dedication and empathy extended to every patient, from routine consultations to critically ill animals, while her kindness and sincerity earned the trust of her clients and the respect of her colleagues. Although her veterinary career was far too brief, the difference she made to her patients, clients and colleagues will not be forgotten. Tammy died on 4 July 2026 and leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, professionalism and compassion within the veterinary community.
In memoriam: DR Colin Trevor Skinner 2706 March 1946 – 05 June 2026
Bath, Gareth (2026-09)
Dr Colin Trevor Skinner was a dedicated veterinarian who devoted much of his life to the veterinary profession. After graduating from Onderstepoort in 1970, Colin began his career through locum work in South Africa and overseas before returning to Rhodesia, where he served as a Government Veterinary Officer for nine years. During this time, he worked in trypanosomiasis control and later in Foot and Mouth Disease. Colin then moved into private practice in Harare, where he became a senior partner before later continuing his veterinary career in the United Kingdom. He eventually joined Companion Care / Vets for Pets, where he owned and successfully ran his own practice until its sale in 2021. In 2022, Colin returned to South Africa and settled in Montagu, where he continued to share his veterinary knowledge and expertise by assisting Animals Matter Langeberg, a charity supporting indigent animal owners, until his retirement in 2025. Colin was also a lifelong and enthusiastic member of Round Table RT23 and was fondly remembered by his fellow Round Tablers. Colin died on 5 June 2026 after several years of ill health and is mourned by his colleagues, classmates, friends and clients.
In Memoriam: A tribute to Dr Tammy Hilton: 1995 - 2026 and Dr Colin Skinner: 1946 - 2026
Bath, Gareth (2026-08)
This tribute remembers Dr Tammy Hilton (1995–2026) and Dr Colin Skinner (1946–2026), honouring their contributions to the veterinary profession and society. It acknowledges the impact of their work and extends condolences to their families and loved ones during their time of bereavement.
In memoriam: Daniel Wynand Verwoerd: 19 November 1933 – 15 May 2026
Bath, Gareth (2026-08)
Daniel Wynand Verwoerd, known as Daan to his family and colleagues, was born in Stellenbosch and obtained his BVSc at Onderstepoort in 1955. He joined Onderstepoort as a researcher in 1956 and later served as Director of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute from 1988 to 1998. He made important contributions to veterinary science, particularly in virology and molecular biotechnology. Under his leadership, the first molecular biotechnology research group in South Africa was established at Onderstepoort. His research contributed to the study of bluetongue virus and the development of a recombinant vaccine, as well as the identification of the causes of Jaagsiekte in sheep and Graaff-Reinet Disease. His contributions were recognised through numerous awards and honours. Dr Verwoerd passed away on 15 May 2026 and is remembered for his lasting contribution to veterinary science.
‘Don’t forget to have fun’: Top UP Veterinary Science graduate reflects on balance and achievement
Unknown (2026-07)
Jonathan Wimberley graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria on 19 May 2026 as the top Veterinary Science graduate. He was awarded the Vice-Chancellor and Principal's Medal in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement. His success reflects excellence in veterinary education and marks an important milestone in his professional career
In Memoriam: Dr Adrian John Frederick Rogers: 1946 – 2026
Unknown (2026-05)
Dr. Adrian John Frederick Rogers (1946–2026) will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude for his valuable contributions to our profession and to society at large. We honour his legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of bereavement
In memoriam: Dr Bruce Irvine-Smith 27 June 1943 – 30 October 2025
Smith , Greg Irvine; Bath, Gareth (2026-02)
Bruce Irvine-Smith was a South African veterinarian and small animal surgeon. Born in Nigel, he was educated at King Edward VII School in Johannesburg and graduated with a BVSc from Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, in 1965. He co-founded Bryanston Veterinary Hospital in 1970 with his brother Craig and was among the first private practitioners in South Africa to obtain an MMedVet in Small Animal Surgery (1976). He practised full-time until 2015 and played a significant role in developing specialist training and mentorship in private small animal practice. He married Lindsay Grant Stuart in 1969 and had four children.
In memoriam: William Louis Jenkins 29 January 1937 – 26 November 2025
Bath, Gareth (2026-01)
William Louis Jenkins (29 January 1937 – 26 November 2025) was a South African veterinarian and academic. Born in Johannesburg, he qualified with a BVSc from Onderstepoort in 1958 and later obtained MMedVet (1968) and PhD (1970) degrees in Pharmacology. He held senior academic posts at the University of Pretoria and Texas A&M University and later served in senior leadership roles at Louisiana State University, including Dean, Chancellor, and President of the LSU system (1999–2007). He authored approximately 60 scientific articles and received an honorary DVSc from the University of Pretoria in 2000.
In memoriam: Robert Paterson
Lee, Eddie (2026-02)
Robert Paterson was a South African veterinarian who began his veterinary training at Onderstepoort in 1970. After qualifying, he worked briefly as a State Veterinarian in Estcourt before establishing a mixed veterinary practice in Greytown, where he practised for several years. Following an embolism sustained during a canoe race, he was unable to continue in private practice and returned to State veterinary service. He later retired to Howick. Robert was married to Lyne for over 50 years and had two sons, Gareth and John. He was remembered for his strong friendships, humour, and non-materialistic outlook on life
In memoriam: Brian Easton: 28 April 1940 – 17 November 2025
Unknown (2026-01)
Brian Easton (28 April 1940 – 17 November 2025) was a veterinarian. Born in Johannesburg, he matriculated at King Edward VII School and qualified with a BVSc from Onderstepoort in 1964. He began his career in small animal practice in the East Rand and emigrated to Canada in 1976. In Canada, he worked in companion animal practice in Calgary, later establishing his own practice until retirement. He continued assisting at the Cochrane Veterinary Care Clinic and received the ABVMA 35-Year Recognition Award. He also competed in squash at provincial and national level.
In Memoriam: Clive Peter Marwick – Veterinary Biography
Bath, Gareth (2025-12)
Dr Clive Peter Marwick was a highly respected South African veterinarian known for pioneering preventive medicine in dairy farming. He completed his schooling at Jeppe Boys High School, began his tertiary studies at the Pietermaritzburg campus of the University of Natal (1965–1966), and later pursued veterinary science at the University of Pretoria. He practiced in Clocolan, and introduced new methods such as routine herd health monitoring, mastitis testing, embryo transfer, and early use of ultrasound in cattle reproduction. His contributions to veterinary medicine were recognised by RuVASA’s Ricky Wilson Award in 2015 and SAVA’s President’s Award in 2017. Dr Marwick served in many leadership roles in national and international veterinary organisations, including as President of the SAVA from 2007 to 2009. He also served in 2018 as an Executive Member of the African Association of Veterinary Statutory Bodies. He was widely recognised for his vision, dedication, and service to both the veterinary profession and his community.
In Memoriam: Jeanne Giselle Vigeé-Le Brun Mattheus: 30 September 1980 - 11 March 2025
Pettey, Ken (2025-12)
Dr Jeanne Giselle Vigeé-Le Brun Mattheus was born on 30 September 1980 in Bloemfontein. She was a talented veterinarian and artist. She studied agriculture with distinction at the University of the Free State and completed her BVSc at the University of Pretoria. Jeanne was gifted in music and art. She competed in dressage and was a member of the Free State & Northern Cape Junior Equestrian Team. Although she faced serious health challenges during and after her studies, she remained dedicated to her work as a veterinarian. At the time of her passing on 11 March 2025, she had secured an important veterinary position in Hong Kong and was awaiting her visa. She is remembered for her sensitivity, creativity, and love for animals
In Memoriam: Dr Alwyn Venter
van der Merwe, Sherike (2025-11)
Dr Alwyn Venter was a South African wildlife veterinarian known for his compassion, dedication, and warm, lively nature. Born on 2 October 1993, he was a committed professional whose strong work ethic and deep respect for wildlife earned him admiration across the veterinary community. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and brother whose faith shaped his values and relationships. His passing is felt deeply by his family, colleagues, and all who knew him, and his legacy endures through the people and animals he faithfully served
In Memoriam: Dr Paul Bartels (22 February 1956 - 03 July 2025)
Burroughs, Richard (2025-10)
Dr Paul Bartels was a leading South African veterinarian and conservation scientist whose work advanced wildlife reproductive science and biobanking. Trained at Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria, he contributed to major institutions including the National Zoo, SANBI, the Smithsonian, and founded the Wildlife Breeding Centre at Pelindaba. His research on cloning and double-headed spermatozoa positioned him as a pioneer in conservation biotechnology. Bartels helped establish the South African Biobank Network and actively supported young conservationists through WESSA. Known for his vision, innovation, and collaborative spirit, he left a lasting impact on wildlife conservation in South Africa and abroad.
In Memoriam: Dr Clive Marwick
Havinga, Lynette (2025-10)
Dr Clive Marwick was a rural, large animal practitioner in the Eastern Free State. He was known as the "father of bovine herd health in SA". Clive has served in various national and international professional organizations, including the South African Veterinary Association, the South African Veterinary Council, the Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty Board, the World Veterinary Association, and many more. He was also consistently nominated by his colleagues and others to serve on the financial committees of organizations and institutions. Dr Clive served as President of the South African Veterinary Council, where he demonstrated decisive, fair, and principled leadership. He has been deeply committed to the greater good throughout his more than twenty years of working with colleagues. He made people feel seen, heard, and valued, and lived his life as a man of God with quiet dignity, grace, and purpose.
In Memoriam: Dr John Chibase
McCallum, Annalie (2025-11)
Dr Buti John Chibase served 22 years as a veterinarian and was a mentor in the SAVA Veterinary Mentor Programme during 2021 and 2022. Fluent in English, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, and Sesotho, he improved animal health and welfare, working in wildlife, small-animal, production, and communal farming care. He served over 21 years as a State Veterinarian, gaining strong knowledge of disease control and regulations. He was a member of both SAVA and the Black Veterinary Forum. He mentored Onderstepoort students and junior veterinarians. He also guided CCS veterinarians placed in Mafikeng. A man of deep Christian faith, he inspired others. He married his wife Queen after losing his first wife and his mother to COVID. He died in a car accident in August 2025.
In Memoriam: Dr Kati Plumstead
Vincent, Graham (2025-11)
Dr Kati Plumstead served as a member of the Mowbray Veterinary Clinic team for six years. She was a good clinician with a calm manner and she paid close attention to details and cared deeply for her patients, even making herself available on her phone after hours.
VETERINARY HISTORY SOCIETY: 2019-2024
Gareth; Marsh (Article originally published in VetNews, January 2025, 2025-01)
The article highlights the achievements of the Veterinary History Society (VHS) of South Africa during the period 2019–2024 under the leadership of Gareth Bath and Susan Marsh. It describes the Society’s conversion from a committee to a formal organization, its collaborations with SAVA, ARC-OVR, and the Faculty of Veterinary Science, and its participation in major congresses and webinars. The piece also mentions the digitisation of historic film archives, publication of biographies and obituaries, and establishment of awards recognizing contributions to veterinary history in South Africa.
OP Class of 1976 class reunion
Louw, Graham (2025-01)
The Onderstepoort Veterinary Class of 1976 held their 48th reunion from 11–15 November 2024 at the Fairy Knowe Hotel in Wilderness. Organised by Graham Louw, the event brought together 22 veterinarians and their partners for outdoor activities, social gatherings, and shared memories. Attendees honoured absent classmates and remembered ten who have passed away, parting with plans to reunite for their 50th anniversary in 2026
In memoriam: Margaret Hiza: A Tribute, 9 March 1947 – 17 September 2024
Ardington, Peter (2025-01)
Margaret Hiza was born in New York, USA, on the 9th of March 1947. She finished her veterinary studies in Pennsylvania, in the bovine hospital of the University Veterinary School she met a young South African intern, Peter Ardington. Together, she and her husband, Peter, built a Veterinary Practice and expanded a cattle farming enterprise. They had 2 daughters. She has been a practising veterinarian for 45 years. Every working day, she poured her kindness over animals and the people who owned them. She was disturbed by the severe industrial pollution of the air and water in the Mandeni area. She formed an organisation called ROMP (standing for Reduce Our Mandeni Pollution). ROMP worked with the paper and other industries, the Department of Water Affairs, and other government agencies to make improvements in our air and water quality and ensure compliance with laws. Margaret’s cancer relapsed in 2019, and she died on the 17th of September 2024

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