WEB Vetnews May 2015

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

The following colleague passed away recently: Dr Rudolf Visser 24/04/1935 - 15/04/2015 We honour his contribution to our profession and society in general. Our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. v A list of veterinarians, both SAVA members and non-members, who passed away recently. Non-veterinarians who made a positive impact on the profession are also included. Please provide us with information you might have in this regard.

Nigel Robert Bryson 3 September 1950 - 13 December 2014

N igel Bryson belonged to a unique family in that three generations of the Bryson family qualified as veterinarians. Nigel’s father Bob worked in the Bulawayo area in Zimbabwe, subsequently relocating to Pietermaritzburg, whilst Nigel’s daughter, Danielle, qualified as a veterinarian at the Onderstepoort Faculty. Nigel went to school in England where he excelled in sport, particularly athletics and we are told that some of the records he established in those days are still standing today. After completing his schooling in England, Nigel enrolled for a BSc degree at Rhodes University where he majored in Entomology. He was thus well-equipped to study ticks and tick- borne diseases, a field of study that was a deep-seated passion with him and would prove to be of inestimable value in his subsequent career-path. He enrolled for the veterinary science degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria and, after qualifying as a veterinarian, entered into practice in the Durban and surrounding area, where he was well-known for his interest in nature Many colleagues will remember him for his unique game-watching vehicle, which was a red “bakkie” with a metal garden bench welded on the roof of the cab. It was after he joined the staff of the Veterinary Faculty at Medunsa that Nigel began to exhibit his research acumen. His research for the and wildlife, often visiting game reserves in his leisure moments.

Medunsa (and subsequently

MMedVet degree was meticulous and a number of publications followed. His research project “Trapping of free-living, unfed adult and nymphal Amblyomma hebreaum in heartwater endemic regions of South Africa, and the prevalence of Cowdria ruminantium in a sample of adult ticks” was widely acclaimed and in the words of a colleague “set a fine example of what a research veterinarian should be, applying himself and his knowledge to projects that had real meaning for the animal world.” His dissertation can be accessed though the University of Pretoria system. Nigel was also involved in directing and assisting other post-graduate students. He also had a heart for the under- privileged and for many years was involved in the organising and running of the community veterinary clinic in Maboloka and Lethlabile, where the indigent population was assisted with veterinary services every Saturday morning. With the amalgamation of the Veterinary Faculties of Onderstepoort and Medunsa, Nigel moved across to the Onderstepoort campus where he resumed his friendship with former colleagues and established many new friendships. Many colleagues have attested to the in-depth discussions, jokes and chats in the tea-room. There were a number of colleagues (among whom I was privileged to be numbered) who were members of the various lift clubs to which Nigel also belonged and it is of interest to note that, without exception, our memories of those daily trips to and from

Onderste­ poort) are vivid with the range of subjects that were hammered

out and the sparks our different personal attitudes brought to the party, with never a cross word to spoil the debate. Nigel will always be remembered for the good and lasting friendships he established and when he left the employ of the University for health reasons, many university staff members felt the void that was created by his departure. I too share in the words of a colleague who wrote on hearing of Nigel’s death from a heart attack: “His illness became progressively worse, but he retained his courage and determination to keep independent for as long as possible.” Yet another colleague wrote: “Nigel certainly enriched my life”, whilst yet another, at his memorial service, sent a tribute saying: “Like many others, I will miss the unforgettable goodness and generosity what shone through his pain and misfortune. His originality and strength of conviction were stimulating and enriched the live of those of us who shared some privileged years together.” Nigel Bryson, we salute you. v Colin Cotton (with contributions from Ned Donkin, Ken Pettey, Dennis Schäffler and Jim Robinson).

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Mei/May 2015